Performances are December 12-14, 2025
📍: Twin Oaks Middle School | 15860 Fish Point Rd, Prior Lake, MN 55372
Production Team:
Director/Lights: Lee Gillis
Producer: Laura Hermansen
Choreographer: Megan Waltz
Stage Manager: Adam Bloom
Vocal Director: Diana Fornshell
Props/Costumes: Sheri Brunner
Set: Steve Hermansen
Marketing: Melanie Schmidt, Alyssa Ehlen
PLP is 1 of 2 theater companies in Minnesota that currently partner with the Penguin Project and the only theater in the south metro Twin Cities.
This is PLP's first time partnering with The Penguin Project and we are very excited about it! In a Penguin Project show each Artist is paired with a Mentor and they are with them through the entire rehearsal process and performances. Mentors bring theater experience and a peer-like connection to the Artists they support. Being close in age, Mentors and Artists often form lasting friendships that extend beyond the stage!
Rehearsals are four months long starting with one rehearsal a week, then it goes up to two rehearsals then three making it a gradual process to learn the show. First the cast starts out by learning all the big numbers, getting used to the stage and also meeting their mentors, then a few weeks later casting occurs.
Currently roles have been cast, and Artists are enjoying exploring their roles!
Moments that Moved Us:
On October 9th the founder of Penguin Project Andy Morgan came out to see one of our rehearsals! The Penguin Project has 60 chapters around the country. We were really grateful he could stop by and said we are in a good spot for how long we have been rehearsing!
Recently on September 28th we were a Sponsor at the Step Up For Down Syndrome Walk at Como Park in Saint Paul, MN. We had a blast engaging with the community and enjoyed educating families about The Penguin Project who had never heard of it before. As well as letting families know about our upcoming performances so we can have all the support for our show! Many kids and young adults were so excited to find out that they could be a future Artist or Mentor!
Founder Andy Morgan at Rehearsal!
Sponsor at Step Up For Down Syndrome Walk!
Meeting the community!
Our Penguin Project Journey:
Prior Lake Players has been exploring new ways to make our theater more inclusive. This past Spring we introduced sensory-friendly performances as an exciting step forward in making it possible for more of our patrons to enjoy the magic of live theater. This Fall our commitment to inclusion continues to grow as we debut our first Penguin Project production and connect further with new members in the community. In upcoming seasons, participants have a lot to look forward as we plan for future Penguin Project productions each year! We're deeply grateful for our incredible community and hope they continue joining us on stage, behind the scenes as well as in the audience!