Penguin+

Penguin+ Programming Resumes Fall 2025!

Penguin+ is an exciting new addition to The Penguin Project at The Playhouse offerings and is specifically designed for younger participants ages 10-13 who are just beginning their theatre journey.

Penguin+ builds confidence and prepares participants for future involvement in The Penguin Project. Artists are individuals with developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and other neurological disorders. Together, artists and mentors learn foundational theatre skills such as acting basics, vocal work, and stage presence. Penguin+ concludes with a 30-minute performance, allowing artists to showcase what they’ve learned in a supportive and nurturing environment.

How does Penguin+ differ from The Penguin Project?

The main difference between the two programs is the age group they serve and the scope of the productions. Penguin+ is tailored for younger children, providing them with the foundational skills needed to succeed in theatre while gradually building their confidence and abilities. The introduction of Pegnuin+ reflects a commitment to creating a supportive pathway into the world of theatre, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for the demands of The Penguin Project as they grow and develop.

The Penguin Project serves an older age group, ages 14-21, and offers a more comprehensive theatre experience that includes a full-scale production. Click here for more information on The Penguin Project.

Does this sound like something your student would like?

Contact Nate Weber, education outreach, using the form below, or at 515.974.5360 or nweber@dmplayhouse.com

Actor/Mentor Name(Required)
First Last
Actor/Mentor Birthdate(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY

Parent/Guardian Name
First Last
Email(Required)

Phone(Required)
I am interested in being a(n)(Required)

Mentor

Artist
Message (Optional)
Date
MM slash DD slash YYYY

Note: Artists and mentors interested in The Penguin Project are not required to participate in Penguin+ programming to participate in The Penguin Project.

The Playhouse Penguin+ program helps to support the goals of The Penguin Project:

To provide an opportunity for children with special needs to develop creative skills related to the theatre arts
To provide an opportunity for children with special needs to participate in a community theatre experience
To facilitate interaction between children with special needs and their age-level peers through joint participation in a community theatre experience
To facilitate an appreciation of the challenges faced by children with special needs and their families
To identify the impact of a community theatre experience on the communication skills, socialization, and self-confidence/self-esteem of children with special needs
To facilitate interaction among medical, developmental, educational, and theatre professionals through participation in a common community project
To provide a forum for support and interaction for families of children with special needs

For more information about Penguin+ and The Penguin Project, contact Nate Weber, education outreach, 515.974.5360.