The Whitaker Center and Theatre Harrisburg joined together to present the Harrisburg Chapter of the Penguin Project’s Annie Jr. Mike and Kimberley were eager to attend the performance with family and learn what opportunities the Penguin Project provides for children with disabilities.
Established in 2004, the Penguin Project is a program that provides individuals with various developmental disabilities (ages 10-21) with the platform to express themselves through theatre. On stage, young artists with special needs are joined by a dedicated group of peer mentors—children their same age—who have volunteered to work side-by-side with them through 4 months of rehearsals and final performances.
It was incredible to see the hard work of the young artists and their mentors, and even more amazing to be a part of something so powerful for individuals with disabilities. “Dr. Andy,” the founder/director of the Penguin Project and former head of the Division of Child Development at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, was also present to welcome the audience and present the Whitaker Center with an award. The Penguin Project has grown to over 54 chapters nationwide, so it was truly special for Dr. Andy to be in attendance. DVB looks forward to attending many more performances in the future!
For more information regarding the Penguin Project and future events please visit their website. https://penguinproject.org/
