By Adsen Tarr
In a world where the stage is a place where everyone should shine, the Penguin Project is making certain that there is room for every person under the spotlights.
Through the Champaign Urbana Theatre Company, the Penguin Project continues to lift up its actors and challenge expectations with its annual inclusive theater production. This year, the Penguin Project is tackling the whimsical, fun and inspiring show Shrek Jr.
The Penguin Project and its message
The Penguin Project is a nationwide program, founded in 2004 with the goal of providing theater opportunities for young artists with developmental disabilities. Often in high school and community theater, there are no accommodations for those with disabilities and Penguin Project’s shows cultivate a space for these kids to shine.
The organization calls itself Penguin Project because penguins, birds who cannot fly but thrive with determination and support, largely reflect the wonderful partnerships between artists and mentors. An “artist,” a young person with special needs, is paired with a “mentor,” a peer of a similar age who guides them through every step of putting together a musical.
These mentors do more than just support, they become friends, scene partners and cheerleaders, offering encouragement on and off stage. The result is heartwarming, a fully staged musical in which every artist shines. Fair warning these shows are full of so much joy they are known to bring audiences both to tears and to their feet for a standing ovation.
CUTC has proudly supported the Penguin Project for years, making advances in accessible theater in the Champaign-Urbana community. This impact extends far beyond the stage, fostering lifelong friendships, and building confidence in all its participants.
This Year’s Production: Shrek Jr.
This weekend the CUTC Penguin Project is bringing the hilarious and heartwarming Shrek Jr. to a Chambana audience. This musical retells the beloved story of the ogre Shrek, talkative Donkey and Princess Fiona as they navigate a fairytale world full of quirky characters and exciting adventures.
This show will make you laugh, cry and everything in between. These young actors are incredibly talented and it’s an honor as an audience member to get to witness the joy and confidence that radiates from the stage during this show. Don’t miss it on Friday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. All shows are at the Urbana High School theater. Tickets are available on the CUTC website.