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The Penguin Project at The Players
The Players Theatre Company is proud to bring The Penguin Project to the Houston area as its next official chapter. This national program gives young artists with disabilities the chance to perform in a fully staged musical while working side-by-side with peer mentors who support them through every rehearsal and performance.
The program creates a safe, inclusive space where artists ages 8 to 21 can explore their creativity, build confidence, and form meaningful friendships. Each artist is paired with a mentor of a similar age. Mentors learn the show as well, stay with their artist on stage, and help guide them throughout the process. Together they rehearse, grow, and celebrate the joy of performance.
The Players will launch its first Penguin Project production with Annie Jr. on May 22–24, 2026 at The Owen Theatre. Registration is open for Artists, Mentors, and adult volunteers. There is no cost to participate.
The Penguin Project has been proven to strengthen communication skills, social interaction, and self-esteem in young performers. It also builds a supportive community for families who want a creative environment where every child can thrive.
For information on participating or volunteering, contact Managing Director Cindy Siple at manager@PlayersTheatreCompany.com.
Sponsorship opportunities are available to help keep the program free for all families.
What is the Penguin Project?
The Penguin Project has evolved into a national program, with Chapter sites throughout the UnitedStates. It is an inclusive theatre program that gives young artists with special needs the opportunity toperform in a fully staged musical, build confidence, and develop social and creative skills. The programprovides a supportive environment for children with disabilities to explore their creative talents. EachArtist is paired with a peer mentor who provides one-on-one support through rehearsals andperformances. It has also demonstrated that participation in the performing arts has therapeutic value byenhancing social interaction, communication skills, self-confidence and self-esteem. The impact of theprogram has reached beyond the stage to create a social network for children who previously had veryfew friends and limited social opportunities.
For Artists
Participants will:
• Learn lines, songs, choreography, and stage directions.
• Rehearse and perform in a full-scale musical production.
• Develop confidence, teamwork, and social skills in a safe, supportive environment.
• Enjoy fun activities, including social and snack time.
For Mentors
Mentors will:
• Learn their Young Artist’s part and provide guidance during rehearsals and performances.
• Stay “in the background” on stage as characters while supporting their Artist.
• Attend rehearsals and help the Young Artist practice in rehearsal.
• Receive training in mentoring techniques and inclusive theatre practices.
Rehearsals & Performances
• Once or twice weekly, increasing in frequency for lead roles or near performances.
• Rehearsals include structured activities for learning, bonding, and building confidence.
• Performances feature costumes, music, and choreography, highlighting the talents of all participants.
Application Process
Joining The Penguin Project at The Players Theatre Company is straightforward. Artists with disabilities and their peer mentors each complete a separate application so we can gather the information needed to make strong pairings and plan rehearsals.
For Artists
Young artists ages 8 to 21 with disabilities can register at no cost. The application collects basic contact information, scheduling conflicts from January through May, and any details that help us support the artist throughout the production. Once registered, artists are matched with a mentor close to their age who will guide them through every rehearsal and performance.
For Peer Mentors
Mentors also complete an application, providing contact information, school details, and their availability. Mentors learn the same role as their artist and stay with them during rehearsals and on stage. They receive training in how to support their artist and help them succeed in a full musical production.
After You Apply
Once applications are submitted, families will receive rehearsal details, program expectations, and instructions for the first meeting. Rehearsals begin in January and take place weekly, increasing in frequency closer to performance week. Participation is free for all artists and mentors.
If you have questions or need help completing an application, contact Managing Director Cindy Siple at manager@PlayersTheatreCompany.com
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Unique theatre experiences for Artists with Special Needs & their Peer Mentors
The Penguin Project is an inclusive theatre program giving young artists withspecial needs the opportunity to perform in a fully staged musical, to buildconfidence, and develop social and creative skills. This national programprovides a supportive environment for children with disabilities to explore theircreative talents while paired with a peer mentor who provides one-on-onesupport through rehearsals and performances. The Players Theatre Company isproud to be the first chapter established in the Houston area.
Program Underwriter ~ $5,000
The generosity of these partners allow us to make each performance free for our audiences, families and friends to attend. Prominently and dominantly recognized on all materials, media, mailings, promotional items and before each performance.
Performance Underwriter ~ $2,500
These partners help mitigate the cost of royalties, scripts, and major production expenses. Recognized on all materials, media, mailings, promotional items and at performances.
Artist Hero ~ $1,500
This support helps purchase costumes and props that all allow our special artists to shine in their roles. Included on promotional items and our website.
Mentor Hero ~ $1,000
This support helps purchase costume and props for our mentors in their important role of supporting our Artists. Included on promotional items and our website.
Support Team Hero ~ $500
These partners help cover promotional expenses and advertising to get the word out that magic is happening! Included on promotional items and our website.
Craft Services Sponsor ~ $250
You can’t have a show without a few snacks! Included on promotional items and our website!
The Players Theatre Company is a 501c3 non-profit. All support is tax-deductible.
Contact: Managing Director Cindy Siple at manager@PlayersTheatreCompany.com for more info.
