The Penguin Project of McLean County
Once a year, a magical and touching celebration of the human spirit unfolds at U-High's Stroud Auditorium in Normal, Illinois. A group of young people in a program called The Penguin Project® McLean County take to the stage to perform a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical.
This production is unique, however, because all of the roles are filled by children and young adults with developmental disabilities including Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and other disorders. They are joined on stage by their “peer mentors,” a group of young people who have volunteered to work with them side-by-side and guide them through
4 months of rehearsals and to the final production.
By creating unrestricted access to the performing arts, The Penguin Project® McLean County demonstrates that the special challenges of a disability need not handicap a person’s ability to participate in life’s many experiences.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
McLean County Penguin Project Launches Penguin Players:
A New Community Theatre Program for Adults Ages 22+
McLean County Penguin Project is excited to announce the launch of Penguin Players, a new community theatre program created specifically for adults ages 22 and older with disabilities who wish to continue their performing arts journey beyond the traditional youth program. The expansion reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to creating unrestricted access to the performing arts and providing lifelong opportunities for artistic expression, collaboration, and community connection.
The public is invited to learn more at an Information Meeting on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Bloomington Public Library. Prospective performers, families, volunteers, mentors, and community members are encouraged to attend to learn about the program, rehearsal schedule, and opportunities to become involved.
The inaugural Penguin Players production will take the stage on October 24th and 25th, 2026, marking an exciting new chapter for the organization and the many alumni who have expressed a desire to continue performing after aging out of the youth program.
Since its founding, the McLean County Penguin Project has been dedicated to creating inclusive theatrical experiences where performers with disabilities collaborate alongside peer mentors in high-quality productions. The new adult program extends that mission by providing continued opportunities for artistic growth, community engagement, and lifelong participation in the performing arts.
Whether someone is a longtime Penguin Project participant or is discovering the program for the first time, Penguin Players welcomes adults who are eager to sing, dance, act, and be part of an inclusive theatre community.
Information Meeting
Date: Monday, August 3, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Bloomington Public Library [205 E Olive St, Bloomington, IL 61701]
Debut Performances
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Additional details regarding registration, rehearsals, volunteer opportunities, and ticket information will be announced at the Information Meeting.
