Penguin Project's 2019 show: 'Seussical Jr.'

The Penguin Project of the Quad Cities, Augustana's chapter of the national organization, gives children with special needs a chance to develop creative skills in the theatre arts.

Established in 2004, the Penguin Project is a national program with chapters across the U.S. In the Quad Cities, the chapter rehearses at the Center for Living Arts in Rock Island, and performances are at the Brunner Theatre Center at Augustana.

Roles are filled by young artists with developmental disabilities.They are joined on stage by a peer mentors who have volunteered to work side by side with them through months of rehearsals and the final performances. Augustana students help out behind the scenes to ensure each production's success.

Last year's Penguin Project show at Augustana, "Beauty and the Beast Jr.," sold out.

The show for 2019 will be "Seussical Jr." Once again, the production will be directed by Dino and Tina Hayz of The Center For Living Arts.

Rehearsals will be held at The Center from November-February and the show will be performed Feb. 22-March 3, 2019,  at the Brunner Theatre. 

Rehearsals will be from 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 10-11:30 a.m. Saturdays.There will be two informational meetings in October 2018; dates will be announced.

For more information or to get a child involved as a Penguin or peer mentor, contact Jeff Coussens, executive director, Penguin Project of the Quad Cities.

The show is a condensed version of "Seussical" by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, based on the children's stories of Dr. Seuss. It debuted on Broadway in 2000.