The Penguin Project

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.

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.