--- title: The Penguin Project Youth Program of Muskegon Civic Theatre description: The Penguin Project Youth Program is a special opportunity for children with special needs to participate in the performing arts with Muskegon Civic Theatre. Learn more and get involved today. image: https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/contact.jpg --- [![MCT-logo-Teal](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Websites%20Assets/MCT-logo-Teal.png?width=180&height=85&name=MCT-logo-Teal.png "MCT-logo-Teal")](https://23546244.hs-sites.com?hsLang=en) ### [![Tickets-Icon\_300x300-1](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Tickets-Icon_300x300-1.png?width=85&height=86&name=Tickets-Icon_300x300-1.png) **Flex Tickets** AVAILABLE NOW](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/season-tickets?hsLang=en) ### [![Support-Icon\_300x300](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Support-Icon_300x300.png?width=85&height=86&name=Support-Icon_300x300.png) **Support Us** INDIVIDUAL & CORPORATE SPONSORS](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/support-us?hsLang=en) ### [![Volunteer-Icon\_300x300](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Volunteer-Icon_300x300.png?width=85&height=86&name=Volunteer-Icon_300x300.png) **Volunteer** 231.722.3822](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/volunteer?hsLang=en) - [HOME](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/en-us/?hsLang=en) - [TICKETS](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/tickets?hsLang=en) - [PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/performing-arts-school?hsLang=en) - [THE PENGUIN PROJECT](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/performing-arts-school/the-penguin-project) - [NEWS](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/news?hsLang=en) - [ABOUT US](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/about-us?hsLang=en) - [CONTACT](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/contact?hsLang=en) **Here you can edit the background of the section** # The Penguin Project Youth Program ![NickelodeonTM (25%) THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL(100%) Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg (40%) Book by Kyle Jarrow (50%) Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, (6)](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/NickelodeonTM%20(25%25)%20THE%20SPONGEBOB%20MUSICAL(100%25)%20Based%20on%20the%20series%20by%20Stephen%20Hillenburg%20(40%25)%20Book%20by%20Kyle%20Jarrow%20(50%25)%20Original%20Songs%20by%20Yolanda%20Adams%2c%20Steven%20Tyler%20and%20Joe%20Perry%20of%20Aerosmith%2c%20%20(6).png "NickelodeonTM (25%) THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL(100%) Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg (40%) Book by Kyle Jarrow (50%) Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, (6)") Muskegon Civic Theatre is the first Penguin Project site in the state of Michigan. On September 12th and 13th, the Artists and Mentors involved with the Penguin Project of Muskegon Civic Theatre will take the stage to perform SpongeBob The Musical at the Frauenthal Center located in Muskegon, MI. Two informational meetings will be held at No More Sidelines (640 Seminole Rd) on Saturday, June 13th at 11:00 AM and Tuesday, June 16th at 6:00 PM.  Anyone interested in participating must attend an informational meeting.  We will only accept 30 Artists this year.  To be considered, the Artist and family must attend one (1) informational meeting, and turn in required paperwork on time.  Behavior needs and concerns will be taken into consideration.  Packets are due on or before Friday, June 19th!  **The production costs to cover such a memorable event are quite costly; approximately $350 per participant. Any amount is appreciated to help our Penguins soar. ** [Tickets](https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1059857/mct-penguin-project-the-spongebob-musical-muskegon-muskegon-civic-theatre-at-frauenthal-theater) [Contribute](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/support-us/?hsLang=en) **Here you can edit the background of the section** ## Yard Signs Available Show your support of the Penguin Project of Muskegon Civic Theatre with one of our yard signs! ![42494566\_318833165594414\_6263016981423718400\_n-e1563973357999-300x225](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/42494566_318833165594414_6263016981423718400_n-e1563973357999-300x225.jpg "42494566_318833165594414_6263016981423718400_n-e1563973357999-300x225") [Buy Now](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/penguin-project-yard-sign?hsLang=en) ![PenguinProject-Logo](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hs-fs/hubfs/PenguinProject-Logo.jpg?width=500&height=308&name=PenguinProject-Logo.jpg) ## What is The Penguin Project? The Penguin Project was conceived by Dr. Andrew Morgan to give children with special needs an opportunity to participate in the performing arts. “Dr. Andy” is a developmental pediatrician and the former Head of the Division of Child Development at the University of Illinois in Peoria. He has also directed and performed in many community theatre productions. He created The Penguin Project recognizing that theatre not only provides children with a valuable recreational experience and an opportunity to display their creative talents, but also enhances social interaction, communication skills, assertiveness, and self-esteem. The Penguin Project strives to demonstrate that individuals with special needs are fully capable of participating in community activities with the same dedication and enthusiasm as others, if given opportunity and support. The origin of the name “Penguin Project” comes from the unique characteristics of penguins. They are extremely playful and curious, and work well together. More importantly, they have a “disability” that distinguishes them from other birds – they can’t fly!! Instead penguins waddle and toboggan on their bellies over the snow, and are excellent swimmers in the water. So like our young artists, they have adapted to the challenges of their environment, and have not allowed their unique difference to interfere with their lives. Images from our past Penguin Project productions. ![PP-4315](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/PP-4315.jpg) ![Penguin-9980](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/Penguin-9980.jpg) ![Oz-9220-scaled](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/Oz-9220-scaled.jpg) ![PP-3936](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/PP-3936.jpg) ![Oz-9021-scaled](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/Oz-9021-scaled.jpg) ![Oz-8963-scaled](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/Oz-8963-scaled.jpg) ![PP-5054](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/PP-5054.jpg) ![BB-1626](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/BB-1626.jpg) The Penguin Project is open to any individual aged 13 and up with a developmental disability. There are no restrictions based on the level of cognitive ability, restriction of mobility, or lack of communication skills, unless their behavior might endanger himself/herself or others. The Penguin Project utilizes a “peer mentor” system, linking each young artist with an age level peer who does not have a disability. The peer mentors work side-by-side with their partners, assisting them throughout the entire rehearsal process and on stage. They are on stage with their partner in the same or complimentary costume throughout the entire show. Among the many benefits is the special impact on the parents. For the first time, many of them have experienced the joy of sitting in an audience and watching their children perform and succeed in ways they never thought possible. ### This was our fourth year partnering with No More Sidelines  on this project! #### The 2021 project was funded by the following: - [Active Manufacturing](https://www.activemfg.net/index.html) - [Carter Manufacturing](https://carterbearings.com/) - Request Foods - The Frauenthal Center Muskegon Civic Theater in Partnership with [![no-more-sideline-logo](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/no-more-sideline-logo.png "no-more-sideline-logo")](http://www.nomoresidelines.org/) ### The 2021 project was The Wizard of Oz, Jr. The Penguin Project is open to any individual age 12 to 24 with a developmental disability. There are no restrictions based on the level of cognitive ability, restriction of mobility, or lack of communication skills, unless their behavior might endanger himself/herself or others. The Penguin Project utilizes a “peer mentor” system, linking each young artist with an age level peer who does not have a disability. The peer mentors work side-by-side with their partners, assisting them throughout the entire rehearsal process and on stage. They are on stage with their partner in the same or complimentary costume throughout the entire show. Among the many benefits is the special impact on the parents. For the first time, many of them have experienced the joy of sitting in an audience and watching their children perform and succeed in ways they never thought possible. ## Puffin Project  In 2024 MCT initiated the first ever Puffin Project! Our Puffins work alongside our highly skilled crew creating set pieces and props. They work side by side with our costuming team and act as our show's crew. This behind-the-scenes look at theater is perfect for the artist who wants to be involved, but may not be interested in the spotlight. Participants interested in the Puffin Project will still need to attend one informational meeting and turn in all paperwork to be considered.  ![IMG\_6337](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/IMG_6337.jpg "IMG_6337") ### This Is our Ninth year partnering with No More Sidelines on this project! ### Past Penguin Project Productions Annie Jr - 2017  Aladdin - 2018  Peter Pan Jr - 2019  Wizard of Oz - 2021  Seussical the Musical Jr - 2022  High School Musical Jr - 2023  Beauty and the Beast Jr - 2024 Frozen Jr - 2025 SpongeBob The Musical 2026 #### The 2025 project was funded by the following: - [Active Manufacturing](https://www.activemfg.net/) - [Carter Manufacturing](https://carterbearings.com/) - The Mark and Amy White Giving Fund - The Frauenthal Center Muskegon Civic Theater in Partnership with ![no-more-sideline-logo](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/no-more-sideline-logo.png "no-more-sideline-logo") ![IMG\_9057](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/IMG_9057.jpg "IMG_9057") **Here you can edit the background of the section** ## Interested in Participating?   [ARTIST PACKET](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/THE%20PENGUIN%20PROJECT%20ARTIST%202026.docx?hsLang=en) [MENTOR PACKET](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/THE%20PENGUIN%20PROJECT%20MENTOR%202026-1.docx?hsLang=en) ![Penguin-9885](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hubfs/Penguin-9885.jpg "Penguin-9885") Informational Meetings will take place at No More Sidelines (640 Seminole Rd Norton Shores, MI).  One meeting MUST BE attended in order to be considered for the project. This year's production is SpongeBob the Musical Youth Edition and performances are on Saturday, September 12th, and Sunday, September 13th at the Frauenthal Theater in downtown Muskegon.     **Question?  Contact us at  [penguinproject@muskegoncivictheatre.org](mailto:penguinproject@muskegoncivictheatre.org)** #### [![Contact-Inverse-Icon\_300x300](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Contact-Inverse-Icon_300x300.png?width=82&height=83&name=Contact-Inverse-Icon_300x300.png) Contact 231.722.3852 info@muskegoncivictheatre.org](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/contact?hsLang=en) ![Location-Inverted-Icon\_300x300 (1)](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Location-Inverted-Icon_300x300%20(1).png?width=82&height=83&name=Location-Inverted-Icon_300x300%20(1).png) #### Location 425 W Western Ave #401 Muskegon, MI 49440 ![Office-Inverse-Icon\_300x300](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Office-Inverse-Icon_300x300.png?width=82&height=83&name=Office-Inverse-Icon_300x300.png) #### Office Hours Tuesday - Friday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM © Muskegon Civic Theatre All rights reserved [Website Design & Development by: ThrivePOP](https://thrivepop.com/) [Privacy Policy](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/privacy-policy/?hsLang=en) [Terms of Service](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/terms-of-service/?hsLang=en) [![social-icons](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hs-fs/hubfs/social-icons.png?width=28&height=28&name=social-icons.png)](https://www.instagram.com/muskegoncivic/) [![Vector (2)](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Vector%20(2).png?width=28&height=28&name=Vector%20(2).png)](https://www.facebook.com/MuskegonCivicTheatre/) [![Vector (1)](https://muskegoncivictheatre.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Vector%20(1).png?width=28&height=28&name=Vector%20(1).png)](https://www.tiktok.com/@muskegoncivictheatre)