Established in 2004, The Penguin Project gives youth and young adults with special needs the opportunity to participate in the community theatre experience.  The Penguin Project is open to any individual ages 9 to 26 with a disability.  This includes those with cognitive, learning, motor, hearing and visual impairments as well as genetic and neurological disorders.  They are joined on stage by a dedicated group of "peer mentors" - youth the same age without disabilities who have volunteered to work side-by-side with the artists throughout the entire rehearsal and performance process.

The program provides a supportive environment for children with disabilities to explore their creative talents.

The Civic's first Penguin Project Production is Annie Jr.  With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphanAnnie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City.  Bet your bottom dollar that the sun will come out Tomorrow!