SAC executive director Krissy Brown learned about the Penguin Project several years ago by a parent involved with the SAC’s Youth Arts Ambassadors and suggested it would be a good fit for the SAC and the community.
“The Springfield Arts Council has devoted itself to presenting performing arts opportunities to the widest audience possible since its inception. We have always made sure to welcome and include any person who wants to be a part of our programs, but the Penguin Project is an opportunity to give special attention to members of our community with developmental disabilities and give them chances they may not have elsewhere,” Brown said.
The participants will be called artists throughout the process and SAC alumni and Youth Arts Ambassadors will mentor them. In return, the Penguin Project can give those mentoring an insight and appreciation for those with special needs and their families.
It will also give families a forum for support and interaction.
Not only will the Penguin Project allow the participants to learn theater skills, they will use these abilities to perform in a show. “Peter Pan Jr.” will highlight what they’ve learned, May 9-10 at the John Legend Theater.
“We’re excited to present ‘Peter Pan Jr.’ with this group because of all the opportunities for imaginative play,” Brown said. “‘Peter Pan’ is all about imagination and embracing childhood and play, so we are thrilled to give a whole new group of artists the opportunity to learn about how to use their imagination to create an incredible new world on stage full of Lost Boys, Pirates and Brave Girls.”
Anyone who can’t make the meeting but interested for their children may contact Donovan Geer at donovan@springfieldartscouncil.org.
“I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to take these students and put them center stage, and encourage anyone who thinks their special needs kids could benefit from it to contact us,” said Brown.
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