The Penguin Project with BSCT

Empowering Children with Disabilities Through Theatre

Show Announcement

Information Meetings Coming in October 2025

Performances in March 2026

Details Coming Soon!

What is the Penguin Project?

The Penguin Project is a musical theatre production that casts youth aged 8-21 with disabilities in all roles. Each Youth Artist is partnered with on-stage Peer Mentors of similar age and interests.

The Penguin Project was created by Dr. Andrew Morgan, Professor Emeritus of Clinical Pediatrics and the former Head of the Division of Child Development at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria.

BSCT is one of over 50 nationwide chapters engaging in this project, and is run with the expertise of local artists, special education professionals, and the support of the Penguin Project Foundation.

Who Can Participate?

Artists: The Penguin Project is open to any individual age 8-21 with a disability. This includes kids with cognitive, learning, motor, hearing, and visual impairments, genetic disorders, and neurological disorders.

Mentors: The Penguin Project ulitizes a "peer mentor" system, linking each young artists with an age-level peer who does not have a disability. The peer mentors work side by side with their partners, assisting them throughout the entire rehearsal process and on stage.

When and Where Will it Take Place?

Rehearsals will begin in November and range from 2 to 4 rehearsals per week. A complete rehearsal schedule will be available at the information meetings. Rehearsals will be at First Christian Church of Blue Springs

Performances will take place

March 19-22, 2026

Performance venue TBD