Frequently Asked Questions

---

The Penguin Project is a unique opportunity to perform musical theatre.  All roles are performed by young "artists" with different abilities.  They are joined onstage by "peer mentors" during rehearsals and final performances. Read more about the Penguin Project from the Charter site.

The first Penguin Project theatre group was established in Peoria, IL, in 2003, by a physician, Dr. Andy Morgan. He has been involved in community theatre for more than 30 years as a director and a performer.  He combined his medical training with his love for theatre to give children with disabilities a theatrical experience.

The goals are to develop creative skills through a community experience, facilitate interaction between individuals with special needs and their age-level peers, and build communication skills, socialization, and self-esteem.

PPCW came to the Wausau area in 2015.  We were the first expansion chapter in WI, the eighth overall.  There are now WI chapters in Sun Prairie and La Crosse, as well, and almost 60 more chapters across the country.

• 2015  Annie JR
• 2016  Seussical JR
• 2017  Music Man JR
• 2018  Singin' in the Rain JR
• 2019  Beauty and the Beast JR
• 2021  A review
• 2024  Shrek JR
• 2025  Bugsy Malone JR

Penguin Project is open to individuals, ages 8-22.  "Artists" are the actors, and Mentors support them.

An Artist is anyone that has a different need.  Any individual who had an IEP while in school or has a neurological or physical disorder of any kind may be an artist.  

Add an answer to this item.A Mentor is a person who helps and supports an artist during practices and the show.

No, everyone who wants to be in the show is welcome!  Artists do "try out" and read for the parts they are interested in before the show is cast, though.

No, we will provide the experience!

The practice schedule runs about four months.  We begin after the parent meetings in February and perform our show in late June.  Practices are held from 6:00 PM to 7:15 PM.  To begin, we meet two nights a week and add practice nights as the show approaches.  Not all cast members will need to be at practice every night.  Lead characters require more practices.

There is no cost, unless you would choose to bring a snack for practice.  All PPCW participants will receive a free show t-shirt.

There are no obstacles we cannot overcome for anyone who wants to participate.  A mentor can wear a mic and say lines for someone who is nonverbal.  Choreography can be adjusted, if needed.

Artists become more confident and often carry over PP gains to the school environment.  Mentors learn about themselves and others, along with gaining volunteer experience.

Hit the donor button that keeps popping up on your screen or click here!  Sponsor a Penguin for $100!  This donation assists Artists and Mentors with things they need for the current show.  We also have different levels of sponsorship.

Absolutely attend a parent meeting if you can, to learn more.  Come to the first couple of practices to see if that is helpful.  We understand that this may not be an opportunity for everyone.