The Penguin Project with BSCT
Empowering Children with Disabilities Through Theatre
Cast List
Annie - Gabby Ditzler
Molly - Tori Reznak
Tessie - Joi Simmons
Pepper - Jersey Kilgore
July - Marley Silva
Duffy - Orion Sullivan
Kate - Cailie Stephens
Jenny - Lorien Anderson
Bundles McCloskey - Kai Walker
Apple Seller - Jaxon Maycock
Dog Catcher - Jack Morgan
Officer Ward - Orion Sullivan
Usherette - Tori Reznak
Bert Healy - Orion Sullivan
Sound Effects Man - Jack Morgan
President Roosevelt - Jacob Boehm
Star-to-Be - Jersey Kilgore
March 20-23, 2025
Blue Springs South
Performing Arts Center
Oliver Warbucks - Kai Walker
Grace Farrell - Joi Simmons
Drake - Jack Morgan
Mrs. Greer - Jersey Kilgore
Cecille - Marley Silva
Miss Hannigan - Avery Stephens
Rooster - Jaxon Maycock
Lily - Lorien Anderson
Peer Mentors
ensemble (orphans, servants, New Yorkers, and other supporting roles)
Charlotte Ainsworth, Zelda Anderson, Melody Blakeman (chauffer), Charlee Burdick, Emma Crist, Jett Henson, Josie Mizell (Annette), Braylan Reed, Hunter Reznak (Louis Howe), Allison Salley, Brooklyn Stephens (Mrs. Pugh), Scarlett Sullivan
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What is the Penguin Project?
The Penguin Project is a musical theatre production that casts youth aged 8-21 with disabilities in all roles. Each Youth Artist is partnered with on-stage Peer Mentors of similar age and interests.
The Penguin Project was created by Dr. Andrew Morgan, Professor Emeritus of Clinical Pediatrics and the former Head of the Division of Child Development at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria.
BSCT is one of over 50 nationwide chapters engaging in this project, and is run with the expertise of local artists, special education professionals, and the support of the Penguin Project Foundation.
Who Can Participate?
Artists: The Penguin Project is open to any individual age 8-21 with a disability. This includes kids with cognitive, learning, motor, hearing, and visual impairments, genetic disorders, and neurological disorders.
Mentors: The Penguin Project ulitizes a "peer mentor" system, linking each young artists 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.
When and Where Will it Take Place?
Rehearsals for Annie, Jr. will begin in November and range from 2 to 4 rehearsals per week. A complete rehearsal schedule will be available at the information meetings. Rehearsals will be at First Christian Church of Blue Springs
Performances will take place at Blue Springs South High School Barbara Landes Performing Arts Center from March 20-23, 2025.
How Much Does It Cost?
The Penguin Project is a NO-COST opportunity for families to experience the joy of theatre!
Tickets to performances are $15 for ages 4 and older.
How Can I Learn More?
For more information, please contact us at info@bluespringscitytheatre.org