FoCAL: The Penguin Project

The Forsyth County Arts and Learning Center (FoCAL) has one goal—being the focal point of performance and art for each and every person in Forsyth County. Nothing exemplifies this goal better than their participation in the 2024 Penguin Project.

 Once a year, community theaters across the country take part in The Penguin Project—an initiative created to empower students with special needs through theater. Each community produces a modified performance of one Broadway show that specifically provides onstage opportunities for young artists with developmental disabilities who may not get the chance to participate in other productions.

Each performer is paired with a "peer mentor,” a volunteer of the same age without disabilities who supports the performer on and off stage. After four months of rehearsals, the pairs perform in front of their friends, families, and communities at large.

FoCAL Director Dawn Phipps explained the importance of this project:

“Everyone needs a safe place to be accepted and loved, a place where a person’s gifts and talents are celebrated. The Penguin Project embodies the idea that you should never stop believing in yourself and in others.”

Thanks to your generosity through Be Rich, FoCAL was able to take part in this incredible project for the 2024 production of Finding Nemo Jr. Your donations contributed to production costs for the show, including costs for royalties, marketing, and set and costume design, along with salary assistance for the director, musical director, and choreographer.

“They put on an incredible show,” said Kristin Seeman, a mom of one of the performers. “It not only embodies what it is that performers enjoy but also embodies what we as parents always want our kids to know, which is [that] you can be accepted for who you are at any moment.”

A production like this one not only impacts the lives of each and every performer by celebrating their unique gifts, but it also fosters a culture of celebration that spreads throughout the entire community.

 Thank you for making it possible.