ANOKA, Minn. – (July 25, 2019) – This week, a group of young actors will perform Aladdin Jr. It is a part of something called The Penguin Project, a national program that gives children with special needs the opportunity to explore their creative talents.
The Northern Starz Children’s Theatre is putting on the show at the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Performing Arts Center.
“The penguin project is a great opportunity for kids with special needs ages 10 to 22 to be the star of a show,” said Director Paula Anderson.
“I love acting. This is my fourth play,” said Actor Elainia Haglund.
The penguin project began 15 years ago in Peoria, Illinois and now has local chapters across the country producing annual shows.
“Many of our artists are able to be part of their high school shows but they are never able to actually hold lead roles. All of our artist are able to hold roles in our shows,” said Anderson.
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“I was gonna go to Beauty and the Beast for my old school but I quit because I didn’t really feel like I belonged. But this is like a great improvement. I really feel I belong here,” said Actor Karrighan Hexum.
“My brother is in choir and so I would always see him on stage and stuff, and I kind of thought, it would be fun going on stage too,” said Actor Maria Meyer.
This is the second year that Northern Starz has been a part of the Penguin Project. And last year, Paula saw the actors grow in many ways.
“Being able to see the growth in our artists was amazing. Many of them came in a little self-conscious or not really sure what to expect. But the minute they hit the stage and we had lights and costumes, they were just…they glowed,” said Anderson.
Each of the actors, or penguins, is paired up with a peer mentor on stage. The mentors have often had experience in theatre before.
“And then being able to see our mentors learning so much from our artists as well. The friendships that have developed are just amazing,” said Anderson.
“My penguin is so funny and he’s just great,” said Mentor Andrew Haglund.
“It’s amazing seeing his mentor take care of him. If he’s having a rough time, or goes off, watching or following him, and calm him down,” said Parent Trish Gunville.
“My penguin’s character is guard number one and that is super awesome because I get to help her be the amazing star that she is,” said Mentor Catherine Schue.
“My mentor Catherine and I, we are one-in-one, we are two peas in a pod, we have a lot of fun together, we just have lots of laugh, and she helps me a lot and I like her a lot,” said Actor Elainia Haglund.
“My first friend was actually my mentor, my second friends were from the cast, and then I just make more friends along the way,” said Hexum.
“The friendships that she’s made not only with fellow artists but with the mentors as well, has been extremely worthwhile for her self-confidence and knowing that she’s worth something and that she does belong with a group of kids whether they have disabilities or not,” said Parent Jennifer Hexum.
They’ve entered the final week of rehearsal and they are getting ready for a five show run.
“They’ve been working really hard, we get to see all of the great Aladdin story line, it’s Aladdin junior so it’s a lot of singing and dancing. Our kids are just having a blast with it,” said Anderson.
“I think it’s going to be really interesting cause people with disabilities or special needs, they don’t really get the spotlight,” said Hexum.
“Figuring out what kids with disabilities and knowing how much they are and you realize oh my gosh they’re like me, I’ve been through the same struggles as them,” said Elaine Haglund.
Parents of the actors have seen how participating in the show has made a difference in their kids’ lives.
“It’s just amazing to see her up there. She’s so dramatic and she’s so full of life and it’s just awesome,” said Jennifer Hexum.
“Singing is really his life. It’s his coping mechanism. It’s really changed his life,” said Trish Gunville.
And that difference is also measured. Actors, mentors and parents take surveys once the production is complete. Parents see their children growing in their sense of belonging. Mentors say they are more accepting of peoples’ differences. And the actors gain pride and a sense of independence.
“You’re going to see something that you won’t see in any theatre setting. You’re going to see artists with disabilities actually performing all of the major roles, they are going to be supported by mentors that have adored and worked with them for the last four months. They are going to be surprised at what our kids can do. They want to be on stage, they want to be the center of attention, and this gives them the opportunity to shine and it’s just amazing to see,” said Anderson.
The show runs July 31 – Aug. 4.
