Penguin Project: Aladdin Jr.
About the Penguin Project
Once a year, a magical and touching celebration of the human spirit unfolds at numerous theaters across the country. A group of children in a program called The Penguin Project take to the stage to perform a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical. This year it will be Alladin Jr
These productions are unique, however, because all the roles are filled by young artists with developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities visual impairment, hearing impairment, and other neurological disorders. They are joined on stage by a dedicated group of “peer mentors” – children the same age without disabilities who have volunteered to work side-by-side with them through 4 months of rehearsals and through the final performance.
Northern Starz is proud to be the first Minnesota theatre as a replication site for Penguin Project.
Registration is now open for Penguins, Mentors and Volunteers.
If you have questions please contact michelle.sharon@northernstarz.org.
We want to thank the Minnesota Arts Boards and the Minnesota Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment for awarding Northern Starz a grant to help make the Penguin Project happen.
Aladdin Jr: Penguins Actors
Part of the Penguin Project with Performers with Special Needs.
- Registration Deadline: March 29th
- Parent Meeting: March 31st
- Show Dates: July 31st-August 4th
Aladdin Jr: Volunteers
Are you interested in volunteering and being part of this great show?
About The Show
Disney’s Aladdin JR. is based on the 1992 Academy Award®-winning film and the 2014 hit Broadway show about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within.
The story you know and love has been given the royal treatment! Aladdin and his three friends, Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, are down on their luck until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes. Wanting to earn the respect of the princess, Jasmine, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and his moral character. With expanded characters, new songs, and more thrills, this new adaptation of the beloved story will open up “a whole new world” for your young performers!
Scholarship Information
Northern Starz Children’s Theater is dedicated to providing theater education for all interested students and is awarding a limited number of scholarships students that will cover the cost of registration for certain shows.
About The Penguin Project
2017 NATIONAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES YOUTH PROGRAM AWARDS FINALIST
Northern Starz is so proud to be part of the Penguins Project in 2018. The Penguins Project, headquartered in Illinois, was just named a finalist for the 2017 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards. For more information check out the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program website. You can also learn more about the Northern Starz Penguin Project plan for 2018 under our upcoming shows.
Penguin Project National Program
Once a year, a magical and touching celebration of the human spirit unfolds at numerous theaters across the country. A group of children in a program called The Penguin Project take to the stage to perform a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical. These productions are unique, however, because all the roles are filled by young artists with developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities visual impairment, hearing impairment, and other neurological disorders. They are joined on stage by a dedicated group of “peer mentors” – children the same age without disabilities who have volunteered to work side-by-side with them through 4 months of rehearsals and through the final performance.
Goals
- Provide an opportunity for children with special needs to develop creative skills related to the theater arts
- Provide an opportunity for children with special needs to participate in a community theater experience
- Facilitate interaction between children with special needs and their age-level peers through joint participation in a community theater experience
- Facilitate an appreciation of the challenges faced by children with special needs and their families
- Identify the impact of a community theater experience on the communication skills, socialization, and self-esteem of children with special needs
- Facilitate interaction among medical, developmental, educational, and theater professionals through participation in a common community project
- Provide a forum for support and interaction for families of children with special needs
Our Grant and Sponsorship Partners
Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment
Minnesota State Arts Board
Mama Deluca's Pizza
Spring Lake Park Lions Club
