The Theatre Workshop of Owensboro is gearing up for a unique production that offers children with developmental needs the opportunity to participate in theatre. Actors and actresses of all ages and abilities will take the stage at the RiverPark on January 13-15 as part of The Penguin Project.
The Friday performance is for school groups, while the public can enjoy Saturday performances at 2 and 7 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. School groups should email [email protected] to secure tickets while the public can purchase tickets by phone at 270-687-2787 or online at riverparkcenter.org.
The Penguin Project is a national effort launched in 2004 by Dr. Andy Morgan to offer children with developmental needs the opportunity to participate in theatre alongside peer mentors.
“This is a combination of Dr. Morgan’s two greatest passions: caring for the developmental needs of children with disabilities as a medical doctor and being involved with community theatre,” said local Kiwanis member Jody Hulsey.
The Kiwanis Club of Owensboro is the title sponsor of the inaugural production. The Club has been serving the children and families of Owensboro and Daviess County since 1940. Hulsey first learned of The Penguin Project when attending the Kiwanis International Convention in 2018. At that event, Morgan won the Kiwanis Global Service Medal in recognition of his efforts with the project.
“The performing arts offer developmental opportunities for all children, and The Penguin Project is a way to reach a larger group of kids,” Hulsey said. “An added bonus from this program is the positive social relationship developed between a child performer and their peer mentor.”
Hulsey said organizers enjoy seeing the children reap the long-term benefits of social development with peer mentors and others in the community. To learn more about the Penguin Project, visit its website here.
