The Penguin Project at Mon River Arts
What is The Penguin Project?
The Penguin Project was conceived by Dr. Andrew Morgan to give children with special needs an opportunity to participate in the performing arts. “Dr. Andy” is a developmental pediatrician and the former Head of the Division of Child Development at the University of Illinois in Peoria. He has also directed and performed in many community theatre productions. He created The Penguin Project recognizing that theatre not only provides children with a valuable recreational experience and an opportunity to display their creative talents, but also enhances social interaction, communication skills, assertiveness, and self-esteem. The Penguin Project strives to demonstrate that individuals with special needs are fully capable of participating in community activities with the same dedication and enthusiasm as others, if given opportunity and support. The origin of the name “Penguin Project” comes from the unique characteristics of penguins. They are extremely playful and curious, and work well together. More importantly, they have a “disability” that distinguishes them from other birds – they can’t fly!! Instead, penguins waddle and toboggan on their bellies over the snow, and are excellent swimmers in the water. So like our young artists, they have adapted to the challenges of their environment, and have not allowed their unique difference to interfere with their lives.
Our inaugural 2022 Production, Annie, Jr. Sept 14-17, 2023
The Penguin Project is open to any individual age 10 to 21 with a developmental disability. There are no restrictions based on the level of cognitive ability, restriction of mobility, or lack of communication skills, unless their behavior might endanger himself/herself or others.
The Penguin Project utilizes a “peer mentor” system, linking each young artist with an age level peer who does not have a disability. The peer mentors work side-by-side with their partners, assisting them throughout the entire rehearsal process and on stage. They are on stage with their partner in the same or complimentary costume throughout the entire show. Among the many benefits is the special impact on the parents. For the first time, many of them have experienced the joy of sitting in an audience and watching their children perform and succeed in ways they never thought possible.
Now Hiring!
We are currently hiring for the following production team positions: Director, Asst. Director, Vocal Director, Choreographer, and Stage Manager. Rehearsals start in late May and go 1-2 days per week for 8 weeks, then increase to 2-3 days for the next 6 weeks, building to five days during tech week. The show will be Annie, Jr. and show dates are Sept 14-17, 2023.
PA Clearances required. Previous experience with children required. Previous experience with special needs children is a plus. These are paid positions. Send resume to Lori Kolodziej, Executive Director, Mon River Arts at monriverarts@gmail.com
Deadline to submit resumes is Friday, December 16.
Job Descriptions for Penguin Project Positions are below.
Director- Salary range based on experience, $1400-$1600
Mon River Arts is seeking a Director for our Penguin Project production of Annie, Jr.
The Director will be responsible for:
Conducting auditions and assigning parts for Annie, Jr
Developing show blocking as well as design ideas for set, props, and costumes
Setting a structured rehearsal schedule
Establishing a collaborative, inclusive environment for both staff and artists
Establishing a clear communication system with the Penguin Project coordinator, staff and artists
Attending all performances and all tech week rehearsals
Attending 2 production meetings
Abiding by Penguin Project guidelines and best practices
Assistant Director- Salary range based on experience, $500-$700
Mon River Arts is seeking an Assistant Director for our Penguin Project production of Annie, Jr.
The Assistant Director will be responsible for:
Assisting the Director during show development, planning, rehearsals, and shows
Taking blocking, choreography, and vocal notes to assist the Director
Tracking the progress of each rehearsal
Arranging production logistics
Assisting the Director with clear communication with the Penguin Project coordinator, staff, and artists
Attending 2 production meetings
Attending all performances and all tech week rehearsals
Choreographer- Salary range based on experience, $400-$600
Mon River Arts is seeking a Choreographer for our Penguin Project production of Annie, Jr.
The Choreographer will be responsible for:
Working with the director to develop choreography at an appropriate skill-level
Attending all performances and all tech week rehearsals
Attending rehearsals as established by the Director
Maintaining clear and effective communication with the Director, Assistant Director, and Penguin Project coordinator
Provide choreography notes to Assistant Director/Stage Manager
Stage Manager- Salary range based on experience, $500-$700
Mon River Arts is seeking a Stage Manager for our Penguin Project production of Annie, Jr.
The Stage Manager will be responsible for:
Attending all rehearsals and keeping an accurate record of mentor/artists attendance
Keeping a conflict log for mentors/performers and supplying the information to the Director/Assistant Director
Contacting missing or late cast members
Sending weekly e-mail updates to the staff, mentors, and artists
Maintain clear and effective communication with the Director, Assistant Director, and Penguin Project coordinator
Spiking stage for props (if necessary)
Collecting and organizing all paperwork
Assisting with strike of the set at the end of the production
Attending 2 production meetings
Attending all performances and all tech week rehearsals
Vocal Director- Salary range based on experience, $500-$700
Mon River Arts is seeking a Vocal Director for our Penguin Project production of Annie, Jr.
Attending rehearsals as established by the Director
Vocally warm up artists prior to vocal rehearsals
Teaching vocal parts to artists
When appropriate, working on breathing and vocal technique
Attending all performances and all tech week rehearsals
Maintain clear and effective communication with the Director, Assistant Director, and Penguin Project coordinator
The Penguin Project was conceived by Dr. Andrew Morgan to give children with special needs an opportunity to participate in the performing arts. “Dr. Andy” is a developmental pediatrician and the former Head of the Division of Child Development at the University of Illinois in Peoria. He has also directed and performed in many community theatre productions. He created The Penguin Project recognizing that theatre not only provides children with a valuable recreational experience and an opportunity to display their creative talents, but also enhances social interaction, communication skills, assertiveness, and self-esteem. The Penguin Project strives to demonstrate that individuals with special needs are fully capable of participating in community activities with the same dedication and enthusiasm as others, if given opportunity and support. The origin of the name “Penguin Project” comes from the unique characteristics of penguins. They are extremely playful and curious, and work well together. More importantly, they have a “disability” that distinguishes them from other birds – they can’t fly!! Instead, penguins waddle and toboggan on their bellies over the snow, and are excellent swimmers in the water. So like our young artists, they have adapted to the challenges of their environment, and have not allowed their unique difference to interfere with their lives.
Our inaugural 2022 Production, Annie, Jr. Sept 14-17, 2023
The Penguin Project is open to any individual age 10 to 21 with a developmental disability. There are no restrictions based on the level of cognitive ability, restriction of mobility, or lack of communication skills, unless their behavior might endanger himself/herself or others.
The Penguin Project utilizes a “peer mentor” system, linking each young artist with an age level peer who does not have a disability. The peer mentors work side-by-side with their partners, assisting them throughout the entire rehearsal process and on stage. They are on stage with their partner in the same or complimentary costume throughout the entire show. Among the many benefits is the special impact on the parents. For the first time, many of them have experienced the joy of sitting in an audience and watching their children perform and succeed in ways they never thought possible.
Now Hiring!
We are currently hiring for the following production team positions: Director, Asst. Director, Vocal Director, Choreographer, and Stage Manager. Rehearsals start in late May and go 1-2 days per week for 8 weeks, then increase to 2-3 days for the next 6 weeks, building to five days during tech week. The show will be Annie, Jr. and show dates are Sept 14-17, 2023.
PA Clearances required. Previous experience with children required. Previous experience with special needs children is a plus. These are paid positions. Send resume to Lori Kolodziej, Executive Director, Mon River Arts at monriverarts@gmail.com
Deadline to submit resumes is Friday, December 16.
Job Descriptions for Penguin Project Positions are below.
Director- Salary range based on experience, $1400-$1600
Mon River Arts is seeking a Director for our Penguin Project production of Annie, Jr.
The Director will be responsible for:
Conducting auditions and assigning parts for Annie, Jr
Developing show blocking as well as design ideas for set, props, and costumes
Setting a structured rehearsal schedule
Establishing a collaborative, inclusive environment for both staff and artists
Establishing a clear communication system with the Penguin Project coordinator, staff and artists
Attending all performances and all tech week rehearsals
Attending 2 production meetings
Abiding by Penguin Project guidelines and best practices
Assistant Director- Salary range based on experience, $500-$700
Mon River Arts is seeking an Assistant Director for our Penguin Project production of Annie, Jr.
The Assistant Director will be responsible for:
Assisting the Director during show development, planning, rehearsals, and shows
Taking blocking, choreography, and vocal notes to assist the Director
Tracking the progress of each rehearsal
Arranging production logistics
Assisting the Director with clear communication with the Penguin Project coordinator, staff, and artists
Attending 2 production meetings
Attending all performances and all tech week rehearsals
Choreographer- Salary range based on experience, $400-$600
Mon River Arts is seeking a Choreographer for our Penguin Project production of Annie, Jr.
The Choreographer will be responsible for:
Working with the director to develop choreography at an appropriate skill-level
Attending all performances and all tech week rehearsals
Attending rehearsals as established by the Director
Maintaining clear and effective communication with the Director, Assistant Director, and Penguin Project coordinator
Provide choreography notes to Assistant Director/Stage Manager
Stage Manager- Salary range based on experience, $500-$700
Mon River Arts is seeking a Stage Manager for our Penguin Project production of Annie, Jr.
The Stage Manager will be responsible for:
Attending all rehearsals and keeping an accurate record of mentor/artists attendance
Keeping a conflict log for mentors/performers and supplying the information to the Director/Assistant Director
Contacting missing or late cast members
Sending weekly e-mail updates to the staff, mentors, and artists
Maintain clear and effective communication with the Director, Assistant Director, and Penguin Project coordinator
Spiking stage for props (if necessary)
Collecting and organizing all paperwork
Assisting with strike of the set at the end of the production
Attending 2 production meetings
Attending all performances and all tech week rehearsals
Vocal Director- Salary range based on experience, $500-$700
Mon River Arts is seeking a Vocal Director for our Penguin Project production of Annie, Jr.
Attending rehearsals as established by the Director
Vocally warm up artists prior to vocal rehearsals
Teaching vocal parts to artists
When appropriate, working on breathing and vocal technique
Attending all performances and all tech week rehearsals
Maintain clear and effective communication with the Director, Assistant Director, and Penguin Project coordinator
