The Penguin Project started five years ago in Lawrence and is a part of over 50 chapters nationwide. The project aims to allow neurodiverse kids to participate in theatre and express themselves within a community. The Penguin Project pairs the neurodiverse, called artists, with neurotypical actors, called mentors, to help them learn their lines and guide them throughout the shows.
Both artists and mentors say the Penguin Project is a valuable place in Lawrence and has been a great sense of joy for them throughout the summer. Sophomore artist Autumn Carey has been acting in the Penguin Project for three years and played Hans of the Southern Isles in the recent production of Frozen Jr. She said that she has a blast in every show and loves expressing herself.
“My favorite thing is that everybody here will not judge me. Because wherever I go, I feel like I’m being judged always, and here is a safe place,” Carey said.
For the mentors, the Penguin Project is about more than just putting on a show. Seventh grade mentor, Adelaide Rischar said that the project is about being inclusive and forming connections with people. She said that the coolest part of the show was getting to bond with other people and having something good to do during the summer.
Mentor Sean Ruddy, an incoming senior, said he has been participating in the Penguin Project since about 6th grade and has loved it each time. He said the best part of the project was getting to hang out with new friends and meet a variety of people.
“[The Penguin Project] is awesome. I’ve met lots of cool people. It has definitely broadened my horizons quite a bit. I’ve learned lots of lessons [like] how to communicate better with people and how to be more patient,” Ruddy said.
Junior and mentor Abby Cothern who has been a part of the program for nearly six years said that the project is a lot of fun and she loves working with her partner. She said the show’s best part is seeing the kids light up and shine when they get their moment. Watching them grow and express themselves is one of the most rewarding things for her.
For Director Emily Giles, the best part of the show is getting to see how proud kids are after their performance. She said that sometimes the big picture doesn’t register with kids until they have an audience. However, once the show starts she said that everyone seems to have an extra pep in their step and the whole show comes together.
“The joy on the artists’ faces and the smiles on the mentors’ faces when they walk onto the stage with the lights on, and they realize that everyone in the audience is there to see them. That moment takes my breath away,” Giles said.
