Penguin Project HONK JR at Des Moines Playhouse

Established in 2004, The Penguin Project has evolved into a national program that partners with local community theatres. It creates opportunities for young artists with special needs to participate onstage in theatre and share their creative talents.

Young artists, ages 14-21, perform a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical. All roles are filled by young artists with developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and other neurological disorders. Together, young artists and a dedicated group of peer mentors take the stage through rehearsals and the final performance.