Playhouse in the Park was delighted to join The Penguin Project® in 2014 as the 7th theatre in the country, and the first in Kentucky, to participate in the program. This program was conceived by Dr. Andrew Morgan to give children with special needs an opportunity to participate in the performing arts. “Dr. Andy” is a developmental pediatrician and the former Head of the Division of Child Development at the University of Illinois in Peoria. He created The Penguin Project® recognizing that theatre not only provides children with a valuable recreational experience and an opportunity to display their creative talents, but also enhance social interaction, communication skills, assertiveness, and self-esteem. 

The Penguin Project® strives to demonstrate that individuals with special needs are fully capable of participating in community activities with the same dedication and enthusiasm as others, if given opportunity and support. The origin of the name “Penguin Project” comes from the unique characteristics of penguins. They are extremely playful and curious, and work well together. More importantly, they have a “disability” that distinguishes them from other birds – they can’t fly! Instead, penguins waddle and toboggan on their bellies over the snow, and are excellent swimmers in the water. So like our young artists, they have adapted to the challenges of their environment, and have not allowed their unique difference to interfere with their lives.

In 2014, the Playhouse Penguins presented ANNIE, JR. to full houses!  There were 18 Artists and their Mentors onstage, and a huge creative team behind the scenes smiling from ear-to-ear as the children worked their magic.  Everyone who was involved – Artists, Mentors, families, volunteers – agreed that the Project was life changing in a most positive way.