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.
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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, McLean County Penguin Project® demonstrates that the special challenges of a disability need not handicap a person’s ability to participate in life’s many experiences.

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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.​

Debut Performances

Friday, October 23, 2026 - pay-what-you-can preview!

Saturday, October 24, 2026
Sunday, October 25, 2026

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Additional details and tickets can be found under the Event Tickets tab

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