The Theatre Workshop of Owensboro is gearing up for a unique production that offers children with developmental needs the opportunity to participate in theatre. Performances of Annie the Musical, Jr. will take place in January, though there is an information session for prospective performers, mentors, and their parents and guardians this Tuesday.
The information session will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Daviess County High School. Annie Jr. is scheduled to premiere Jan. 13, followed by evening performances on Jan. 14 and 15.
The production is being put on in coordination with The Penguin Project, 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 the Kiwanis and TWO would run 16 weeks of rehearsals, offering significant opportunities to learn, grow, and develop strong bonds. The group hopes to see the performers come to life through the benefits of being fully involved in a theatrical production.
They also want to see the children reap the long-term benefits of social development with peer mentors and others in the community.
“We ask that anyone who is interested join us at DCHS for the information session,” Hulsey said. “Another way to support the program is to go enjoy one of the performances with the children and their families.”
