About The Penguin Project®

A group of youths, ages 10-21, in a program called The Penguin Project take to the stage to perform a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical. However, these productions are unique because all roles are filled by young artists with developmental disabilities including: Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and other neurological disorders.

They are joined on stage by a dedicated group of peer mentors—youths the same age without disabilities who have volunteered to work side-by-side with the artists through four months of rehearsals and to the final performance.

By providing access to community theatre, The Penguin Project demonstrates that the special challenges of a disability should not handicap a child’s ability to participate in life’s experiences.

Established in 2004, The Penguin Project has evolved into a national program with chapters throughout the United States. The program provides a supportive environment and has demonstrated that participation in the performing arts has therapeutic value by enhancing social interaction, communication skills, self-confidence, and self-esteem.

2022 Penguin Project® Production at The Playhouse: Annie Jr.
Rehearsals: Begin June 26, 2022 
Performances: Oct. 14-16, 2022

Does this sound like something your student would like? 

Join us for an informational meeting for parents, artists ages 10-21, and mentors ages 10-21:
Saturday, June 4, 2022 1:00-2:30 PM, at The Playhouse 
Get all your questions answered! Parents will learn more, and artists and mentors will have an opportunity to test-run a day of Penguin Project rehearsal.

Questions? Contact Annie Mielke, BCBA, Program Coordinator, 515.974.5360, penguinproject@dmplayhouse.com

Join the Final Act Ensemble (FAE) for old-time fun this holiday season as the troupe presents four classics from the golden days of radio. First George Burns and Gracie Allen try to solve a mystery to hilarious results. Then Fibber McGee and Molly deal with a bad stomachache. Or is it something worse? After intermission, Jane Ace tries to wheedle a mink coat out of her tightwad husband. The evening ends with the Andersons of Father Knows Best stuck in a mountain blizzard on Christmas Eve. Throughout the evening there will be bantering announcers and a few songs to set your toes tapping.

The Final Act Ensemble’s Holiday Show will be presented in the Kate Goldman Theatre.

Our safety guide has been updated and reflects these main changes.

1. Masks are required for everyone over the age of 2 regardless of vaccination status for Final Act Ensemble’s Holiday Show. Volunteers and guests who do not comply will not be admitted and tickets will be refunded.
2. The Playhouse will seat at full capacity if demand warrants.
3. There will be no autographs after the show.

Please note: The Playhouse remains committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for volunteers and guests and as such we are monitoring the current recommendations, guidelines, and restrictions to which we are subject. Based on CDC and state guidelines at the time of your event, protocols may include mask enforcement, social distancing, or more. Volunteers and guests who do not comply with Playhouse policies will not be admitted and guest tickets will be refunded. Click here to download our full safety guide updated Aug. 31, 2021.

Click here to learn more about the Final Act Ensemble.

Auditions will be 1:00 PM, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, for Adults (ages 18 and up) and 5:00 PM, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, for Youths (ages 8-17).

Details