Penguin Project seeks peer mentors

The Augustana theatre department is looking for students interested in volunteering for the Penguin Project mentoring program.

Penguin Project offers students with special needs the chance to experience the community and confidence-building benefits of performing live theatre. Mentors will help guide the artists through rehearsals and performances.

This year's show is "High School Musical Jr."

Rehearsals are twice a week and the performances run the last week in January. For more information or to volunteer, contact Jeff Coussens.

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.