The Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company and Penguin Project are looking for new mentors for their upcoming performance, Mary Poppins Jr.
Calling all theater enthusiasts who have a passion for making a difference: The Penguin Project needs close to 20 more mentors to make this year’s show a success.
Mentor applications are open until all slots are filled. Artist registration has closed for 2026. Complete this application form (for ease of completion, a laptop/computer is recommended). An application does not guarantee participation.
Questions should be directed to penguinproject@cutheatreco.org.
Mentors must be between ages 11-24 as of May 16, 2026. The age range is slightly different from last year.
According to MTI Shows, Mary Poppins Jr. is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs and breathtaking dance numbers. Adapted for Penguin Project artists, who perform alongside their mentors, this show will dazzle crowds on Parkland’s stage for the very first time.
The Penguin Project was founded to bring together medicine and musical theater. There are chapters all over the country, including Champaign-Urbana. All of the roles in a Penguin Project production are filled with young people with developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, ADD/ADHD, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairments, hearing impairments, and other neurological disorders. Each artist is paired with a mentor, who volunteers to work side-by-side with the artist in the months leading up to the show and on stage during productions.
If you have never experienced a Penguin Project show firsthand, you are in for a heartwarming journey, whether you volunteer as a mentor or simply attend as an audience member when the show happens at the end of August.
The commitment to the project will run from May 17 – Aug. 30. Penguin Project understands that mentors may miss rehearsals throughout the summer due to family vacations or other commitments, including youth summer theatre shows they are cast in themselves. Interested prospective mentors are encouraged to apply.