The Gilchrist Foundation Helps Bring The Penguin Project to Siouxland
The theater is for everyone, young or old, rich or poor. And a Siouxland theater group is making sure those with developmental disabilities not only have the ability to enjoy a presentation but can become part of it. New Stage Players, an amateur theatrical troupe based in South Sioux City, Neb., is now the 26th chapter of The Penguin Project and will hold its first performance this June, thanks to the support of the Gilchrist Foundation.
The foundation awarded New Stage Players a $22,000 project grant for The Penguin Project, a new area program that gives those with special needs the opportunity to develop creative and social skills as they partner and network with others, while participating in a fully-realized musical production.
The Penguin Project productions allow young artists with developmental disabilities to perform a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical in a supportive environment. These performers are joined on stage by a dedicated group of peer mentors, who are children the same age without disabilities, who have volunteered to work side-by-side with them through four months of rehearsals and through the final performance.
Benefits of The Penguin Project
The Penguin Project program not only provides the opportunity for children with disabilities to explore their creative talents, but has shown therapeutic value by enhancing social interaction, communication skills, self-confidence and self-esteem. The impact of the program has reached beyond the stage to create a social network for children who previously had very few friends and limited social opportunities.
The Penguin Project was established in 2004. It was created and developed by Dr. Andrew Morgan, a developmental pediatrician for neurodevelopmental disabilities that worked with children with special needs, who also happened to be a theater guy. Dr. Morgan discovered the benefits the theater brings to children with Down’s syndrome, autism, Asperger’s and other neurological, developmental and physical disorders. He has helped replicate the Penguin Project in local chapters across the United States, including at New Stage Players.
The New Stage Players
The New Stage Players performed its first Penguin Project production last year. Annie, Jr. took the stage on June 15 and 16 at the New Stage Players Performing Arts Center at 3201 Dakota Ave, in South Sioux City, Neb.
The New Stage Players is the first community theater group to call South Sioux City home. It holds several productions throughout the year and is led by a volunteer board of directors. It relies on donations, sponsors and volunteers to bring its productions to the stage.
Supporting the Arts
Jocelyn Gilchrist loved the arts and film and was a supporter of both in her lifetime. She used the wealth accumulated by her family to fund projects that support her family’s interests including wildlife and conservation, disaster relief and of course the arts and film.
The Gilchrist Foundation provides incentives and funds to pre-selected non-profit organizations that further these goals, with a preference for the Sioux City area. Most grants are for a single year, but multi-year grants may be requested.
The Gilchrist Foundation does not accept any unsolicited applications for funds, but makes grants to pre-selected charities which have been invited to apply based on the perceived match of both organizations’ missions. Organizations that wish to be considered for an award can apply for a great through the Request for Invitation form on the website. The annual grant cycle begins in April, with consideration of invitations for grant applications, and ends in mid-July with the announcement of awards.