The Penguin Project
Empowering Children with Special Needs Through Theatre
The Penguin Project program provides a supportive environment for children with disabilities to explore their creative talents. It has also demonstrated that participation in the performing arts has therapeutic value by enhancing social interaction, communication skills, self-confidence and self-esteem. The impact of the program has reached beyond the stage to create a social network for children who previously had very few friends and limited social opportunities.
Penguin Project, Opelika
The Penguin Project, Opelika has made a significant difference in the lives of the 32 people from the inaugural group. The mentors have learned patience, caring, empathy, commonalities, likenesses, respect, concern for others' needs and comforts; acceptance of differences, inclusiveness, and love and caring for each other. The artists have learned to trust others who are different from them and are outside their immediate circle of friends and families. Your donation will enable future performances from this group.
Contact
Webpage: www.opelikacommunitytheatre.com
Contact: [email protected]
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First Season Penguin Project in Opelika
When we had the first session, everyone was shy, nervous, and unsure of what to expect. There were 4 individuals who swore they were not going to perform on stage and that they would not even try to go up on the stage. Before the evening was over, the mindset of these 4 had drastically changed. By the end of the first rehearsal they were all up on stage joining in and singing at the top of their lungs. At the second rehearsal no one had to ask everyone to get on stage to get started. Even these 4 were standing in their spot ready to start. By the time of the performance, some of these precious souls came down to the front of the stage full of confidence, radiating happiness, ready to sing and dance the curtain call by themselves.