2026 Penguin Project Information Meeting

January 5, 2026

Everyone is invited to come learn about our program

Once a year, a magical and deeply moving celebration of the human spirit unfolds in theaters across the country. Children in a program called The Penguin Project take the stage to perform a modified version of a beloved Broadway musical.


What makes these productions truly extraordinary is that every role is performed by young artists with developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual and learning disabilities, visual or hearing impairments, and other neurological conditions.


Each artist is paired with a dedicated peer mentor—a child of the same age without disabilities who volunteers to work alongside them throughout four months of rehearsals and all the way to the final curtain call. Together, they learn, grow, and shine.



By providing meaningful access to community theater, The Penguin Project proves that the challenges of a disability should never limit a child’s ability to participate fully in life’s most joyful and enriching experiences.


Wednesday, January 21

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

In the TL auditorium

Questions?

Theatre Lawrence News & Announcements

September 30, 2026
Thank you so much to all who auditioned. We saw 59 adults for only 18 roles, and it was very difficult to make these decisions. The talent was incredible. Keep auditioning. -Brian Williams, Director CAST LIST Dorothy Gale - Essy Siegel Aunt Em/Glinda - Kelly Schellman Uncle Henry/Emerald City Guard - Tim Canady Zeke/Cowardly Lion - Nick Cordova Hickory/Tinman - Maxwell Kays Hunk/Scarecrow - Conner Booton Miss Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West - Brandon Eisman Professor Chester Marvel/The Wizard of Oz - Jaryl Perkins Citizens of Munchkinland and Poppies [and Monkeys, Winkies, Ozians, Jitterbugs] Ainsley Rimmey - Lullaby League (Tots) Aprentis (AJ) Martin - Lollypop Guild (Tough Kids) Charlie Rimmey - Lollypop Guild (Tough Kids) Charlotte Wagner - Coroner Ellie Leon - Lullaby League (Tots) Gabi Ayala - Lullaby League (Tots) Harper Steinle - City Father 3/Fiddler James Temple - Lollypop Guild (Tough Kids) Jetty Johnson - Barrister & Nikko Lillian Clover - Teacher 1 Gracy Bishop - Teacher 2 Reese Segerstrom - City Father 2 Selah Hartford - City Father 1 Talita Hartford - Braggart Toby Rimmey - Mayor Ozians, Crows, Trees, Winkies, Jitterbugs Ashlyn Traffas Holly Wostal Katrina Kuntz Kenzie Alexander (US Dorothy) Kim Polson Aaron Polson Chris Drahozal (Winkie General) Josh Setzer (US Trio) Thomas Oliver (US Uncle Henry/Wizard) Tom Emerson, Jr. Mario Bonilla - And Toto, too
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