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For Dr. Andrew Morgan, it is all about the smiles.
Thanks to Morgan’s hard work and dedication, smiles are never hard to find on the set of the annual Penguin Project production.
The Penguin Project, an annual junior musical performed by children and young adults with developmental disabilities, was founded by Morgan eight years ago. A physician and specialist that helps children with disabilities, Morgan said the Penguin Project is “the best thing (he’s) ever done.”
“My favorite part is looking back and seeing the kids interact with each other and watching the parents watching their children and seeing the joy on their faces of things they never thought was possible,” he said. “The kids are what’s making it happen.”
The 2012 production was “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and “hundreds of hours” of preparation went into the three performances that took place from Jan. 13-15 at Eastlight Theatre.
Children from across the area took the stage over the weekend to show off their talents. However, many of the musical’s participants were aided by mentors who volunteered their time to help the performers and chorus members if needed.
“(The mentors) are a tremendous help with (costume) changes, getting stuck on stage not knowing what to do and even just having someone to hang out with when you’re not on stage,” said Taylor Graves, 15, of East Peoria, a Penguin Project veteran who was going without the aid of a mentor this year.
While Morgan said being involved in the musical helps the performers with socialization, communication and self-esteem, he added that the friendships they gain through the program are invaluable.
“These are kids who have ... very few friends and opportunities to show what they can do, and through the program they have developed friendships ... and created that positive atmosphere that works so much for them,” he said.
At the dress rehearsal on Jan. 11, many of the actors and chorus members verbalized their excitement.
Mason Becker, a member of the chorus participating in his first Penguin Project, said he was excited about the show, but added he was “a tiny bit nervous.”
“This is my first acting performance and I’m very excited,” he said.
When asked what his favorite part of the Penguin Project was, Becker quickly rattled off a half-dozen names and said he “likes all the people he works with.”
Becker’s smile and excitement gave credence to what Morgan and 17-year-old mentor Morgen Talbott said about the program.
“All the kids and all the smiles on their faces (is my favorite part of being involved),” Talbott said. “If you’re having a really bad day, being around them really cheers you up.”
For Dr. Andrew Morgan, it is all about the smiles.
Thanks to Morgan’s hard work and dedication, smiles are never hard to find on the set of the annual Penguin Project production.
The Penguin Project, an annual junior musical performed by children and young adults with developmental disabilities, was founded by Morgan eight years ago. A physician and specialist that helps children with disabilities, Morgan said the Penguin Project is “the best thing (he’s) ever done.”
“My favorite part is looking back and seeing the kids interact with each other and watching the parents watching their children and seeing the joy on their faces of things they never thought was possible,” he said. “The kids are what’s making it happen.”
The 2012 production was “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and “hundreds of hours” of preparation went into the three performances that took place from Jan. 13-15 at Eastlight Theatre.
Children from across the area took the stage over the weekend to show off their talents. However, many of the musical’s participants were aided by mentors who volunteered their time to help the performers and chorus members if needed.
“(The mentors) are a tremendous help with (costume) changes, getting stuck on stage not knowing what to do and even just having someone to hang out with when you’re not on stage,” said Taylor Graves, 15, of East Peoria, a Penguin Project veteran who was going without the aid of a mentor this year.
While Morgan said being involved in the musical helps the performers with socialization, communication and self-esteem, he added that the friendships they gain through the program are invaluable.
“These are kids who have ... very few friends and opportunities to show what they can do, and through the program they have developed friendships ... and created that positive atmosphere that works so much for them,” he said.
At the dress rehearsal on Jan. 11, many of the actors and chorus members verbalized their excitement.
Mason Becker, a member of the chorus participating in his first Penguin Project, said he was excited about the show, but added he was “a tiny bit nervous.”
“This is my first acting performance and I’m very excited,” he said.
When asked what his favorite part of the Penguin Project was, Becker quickly rattled off a half-dozen names and said he “likes all the people he works with.”
Becker’s smile and excitement gave credence to what Morgan and 17-year-old mentor Morgen Talbott said about the program.
“All the kids and all the smiles on their faces (is my favorite part of being involved),” Talbott said. “If you’re having a really bad day, being around them really cheers you up.”
