The Sagebrush Penguin Project is excited to announce its third season with “School House Rock Live, Jr.!”. Seeking artists and mentors ages 10 - 25. Registration and informational meetings will be on Tuesday, Feb. 18 and 25 at 7 pm. Located at the Lincoln Teen Center, 1400 S Franklin, Elk City, OK.
The Sagebrush Penguin Project gives children, teens, and young adults with special needs an opportunity to star in a community theatre production. It is open to any individual age 10 to 25 with a disability. This includes children with cognitive, learning, motor, hearing and visual impairments, genetic disorders, and neurological disorders.
The young artists have a wide spectrum of special needs including Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy and ADHD. Participation in the program enhances social skills, communication skills, and self-esteem.
Using “Junior” versions of Broadway musicals that are professionally modified for young performers, The Penguin Project artists are matched with Peer Mentors who guide and assist them through rehearsals and join them on stage for the production.
Started in Peoria, Ill., in 2004, The Penguin Project has become a national program with 43 replication sites in 15 states throughout the country, including Elk City. Since its founding, hundreds of children have participated in and benefitted from a wide range of productions. “The Penguin Project was founded on the principle that children with special needs can participate in and excel at community activities when given the opportunity and support. We have seen young people who had no friends, would hide when they met people, and feared interaction with others blossom into engaged and confident individuals who proudly show their talents,” said Andrew Morgan, M.D., founder of The Penguin Project. “To see this program grow as it has and benefit young artists with special needs and their families across the country is immensely gratifying.”
“The Sagebrush Penguin Project is such a great program and amazing transformation to watch.” said Tiphani Currell, Director of the Sagebrush Penguin Project. “It is such a fantastic journey to watch the artists and mentors grow while learning a musical.”
The Sagebrush Penguin project is also seeking peer mentors. The project utilizes a “peer mentor” system, linking each young artist with an age level peer who does not have a disability. The peer-mentors work sideby-side with their partners, assisting them throughout the entire rehearsal process and on stage.
We need your help to replicate this project in our community through local partnerships. Participation for Artists is absolutely free thanks to the funding provided by local sponsors. Lincoln Teen Center will be partnering with us to use their facility. The Sagebrush Penguin Project is seeking financial and volunteer sponsors. For more information email sagebrush. penguin@gmail.com , call 580-210-0150 or find us on Facebook at Sagebrush Penguin Project.