Prior Lake Players is proud to be in partnership with The Penguin Project since 2025. The Penguin Project is a national theater organization that empowers children and young adults with disabilities to star in fully staged musical productions. Participants, known as “Artists,” are paired one-on-one with “Peer Mentors” of similar ages, who support them through rehearsals and perform side-by-side on stage. Prior Lake Players is only 1 of 2 theater companies currently in Minnesota that work with The Penguin Project!
Our Annie Jr. Penguin Project production was our first and most recent production in fall of 2025. The production featured 32 incredibly talented Artists and Mentors who spent four months rehearsing, growing together, and building this show from the ground up. Check out our Annie Jr. page and our pictures below to see our journey with our first production.
Discovering The Penguin Project
PLP Board Membership Director Laura Hermansen (pictured on the left) first discovered The Penguin Project on TikTok one night and, as a special education teacher who loves theater, brought the idea forward to the Board of Directors. The board enthusiastically embraced the idea, and after months of collaboration alongside the production team, was able to bring this inclusive theater experience to life. Dr. Andy Morgan (pictured on the right), founder of The Penguin Project and Professor Emeritus of Clinical Pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, visited several times during the rehearsal process and was instrumental in supporting and guiding us in the creation of our very first Penguin Project production. This photo was taken on opening night, when PLP received an award for officially becoming a chapter of The Penguin Project.
Impact
Producing a Penguin Project production creates a lasting impact on everyone involved. Team members often talk about how exciting it is to watch the growth of both the artists and their mentors, as well as the meaningful bonds they form throughout the rehearsal process. Performers have the opportunity to experience the joy and gained confidence of being on stage, while audience members gain a new perspective on theater, inclusion, and the power of community. The performances themselves create an incredibly supportive and uplifting environment, where every achievement is celebrated and performers are encouraged to shine. It is also deeply empowering for families, who get to see their loved ones recognized, celebrated, and applauded for their talents in a fully realized theatrical production.
Future Productions
More information for our Winter 2026 Penguin Project production is coming soon. So stay tuned! Prior Lake Players is excited to continue our Penguin Project journey and is committed to creating a theater space for all. We are deeply grateful for the community’s support, which has made this program possible and continues to help it grow. To learn more about The Penguin Project check out their website below!
Fun Facts about The Penguin Project
Stay Connected
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Questions? Want more information?
Please send an email to Laura Hermansen at laura@plplayers.org