Middle Tennessee Children’s Theatre
Penguin Project Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to Middle Tennessee Children’s Theatre’s Penguin Project! We know new Artists, Mentors, and families have lots of questions. We hope this FAQ helps you understand how our program works, what to expect during the rehearsal process, and how your entire family can be part of the experience.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
What is the Penguin Project?
The Penguin Project gives young people with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in a musical theatre production with the support of peer Mentors.
At Middle Tennessee Children’s Theatre, our Artists and Mentors rehearse, learn, perform, and build friendships together while creating a full theatrical production.
Who can participate?
Our program is open to young people ages 8 and up. MTCT does not currently have an upper age limit for either Artists or Mentors.
What is an Artist?
Artists are young people with disabilities who participate in the production as performers. They learn their roles, attend rehearsals, sing, dance, act, and perform onstage in the final production.
What is a Mentor?
Mentors are peer performers who are paired with Artists to help them learn and perform their roles.
Each Mentor learns their Artist’s part—including lines, songs, choreography, and stage directions—and receives training throughout the rehearsal process on how to support their Artist.
Mentors are costumed and perform onstage alongside their Artists, providing friendship, encouragement, prompting, and support as needed.
Will the Mentor perform the role instead of my Artist?
No. The Artist is the performer.
The Mentor knows the same material and is there to provide whatever level of support their Artist needs, but the goal is always to allow the Artist to do as much independently as possible.
Does my child need theatre experience?
No! Previous theatre experience is not required for either Artists or Mentors. We work together throughout the rehearsal process to learn the show and develop the skills needed for the production.
COST, TICKETS & SUPPORTING THE PROGRAM
How much does it cost to participate?
Nothing. Participation in the MTCT Penguin Project is completely free for Artists and Mentors.
We believe cost should not prevent a young person from having the opportunity to participate in theatre.
If participation is free, how does MTCT pay for the production?
MTCT relies on fundraising and ticket sales to pay the expenses associated with producing the show.
Because our Artists and Mentors participate at no cost, ticket sales are an important source of funding for the program. When families and friends purchase tickets and encourage others to attend the show, they are directly helping us continue to provide this opportunity free of charge.
How much are tickets? Are complimentary tickets provided to families?
Tickets are $15 per person.
Because MTCT does not charge Artists or Mentors a participation fee, we do not provide complimentary family tickets. Ticket sales and fundraising help cover the cost of producing the show and allow us to continue offering the Penguin Project free of charge.
REGISTRATION & JOINING THE CAST
How do I register?
Registration paperwork is available online and at our sign-up events. The paperwork collects the information we need to help each participant have a successful experience with us.
This includes information about disabilities, health or behavioral considerations, allergies, dietary restrictions, accommodations, and other individual needs.
Please give us as much information as possible. Knowing your child’s needs helps us support them appropriately.
Can we join after rehearsals have already started?
Yes! Artists and Mentors can join us throughout much of the production process.
Anyone interested in being considered for a main role needs to join before casting so the directing team has an opportunity to work with and observe them.
We continue accepting participants for the ensemble through January.
CASTING & ROLES
How does casting work? Are there auditions?
Casting a Penguin Project production is a little different from a traditional theatre audition.
During approximately the first three to four weeks, the directing team works with and observes our Artists. This gives us time to learn about their interests, personalities, strengths, comfort levels, abilities, and support needs.
Artists may request to be considered for particular roles. We also provide an opportunity for participants interested in speaking roles to read for us, but we do not conduct a traditional competitive audition process.
Roles are then assigned based on our observations, role requests, and what we believe will create the best experience for the individual Artist and the production as a whole.
Artists with larger roles and their Mentors should expect to rehearse more frequently after casting.
ARTIST & MENTOR PAIRINGS
How are Artists and Mentors paired?
We spend the first several weeks getting to know our participants before finalizing Artist/Mentor partnerships.
We consider personalities, strengths, needs, communication styles, and how participants interact with one another.
Families may request a particular Mentor, and Artists and Mentors who have previously worked together may request to remain partners. We will do our best to honor those requests while making final pairing decisions based on what we believe is best for the Artist and the cast.
What does a Mentor need to learn?
Mentors learn their Artist’s entire role, including lines, songs, choreography, blocking, and stage directions.
This allows the Mentor to provide support when needed without taking the performance away from the Artist.
Mentors also receive additional training throughout the rehearsal process on how to effectively support their Artists.
What happens if a Mentor has to miss rehearsal?
Please let us know as soon as possible.
Because an Artist may be depending on their Mentor for support, advance notice allows us to arrange substitute support when possible.
What if I have a concern about my child’s Mentor pairing?
Please bring the concern directly to the director, Mentor Coordinator, or another appropriate MTCT staff member as soon as possible.
Please do not attempt to resolve pairing concerns directly with the children. We want Artists and Mentors to feel supported and comfortable, and the production team will work with the families involved to address any concerns.
REHEARSALS & ATTENDANCE
When are rehearsals?
Our regular rehearsal days are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 7:00–8:30 PM.
An individual Artist or Mentor will generally rehearse one to three days per week, depending upon their role and what material is being rehearsed.
Artists with larger roles and their Mentors will typically rehearse more frequently after the show has been cast.
As we approach performances, rehearsals increase for everyone. During the final two weeks before the show, rehearsals may be held Monday through Friday and may last up to approximately 2½ hours.
Families will receive a detailed rehearsal schedule.
What does a typical rehearsal look like?
Our regular rehearsal schedule is:
7:00–8:15 PM — Rehearsal
8:15–8:30 PM — Snack & social time
Rehearsals begin promptly at 7:00 PM, so we encourage participants to arrive about 10 minutes early so they can get settled and be ready to work.
Pickup is at 8:30 PM.
What should my child wear to rehearsal?
Artists and Mentors should wear comfortable clothing that allows them to move freely and closed-toe athletic shoes or sneakers.
Please do not wear sandals or flip-flops or rehearse barefoot.
What happens if Rutherford County Schools are closed?
If Rutherford County Schools are closed, MTCT does not rehearse. This includes school closures due to inclement weather.
Weather cancellations and other changes will also be posted on the production Facebook page.
What if my child already has conflicts?
We understand that our families have lives outside of theatre!
We ask families to provide all known conflicts when they register, and we do our best to take those conflicts into account when creating rehearsal schedules.
Attendance becomes increasingly important as we get closer to performances and the entire cast begins working together.
What if my child unexpectedly has to miss rehearsal?
Please let us know as soon as possible through the production Facebook group, email, phone, or text so the directing team knows your child is safe and can adjust rehearsal plans if necessary.
For Mentors, communication is especially important because their Artist may be expecting them.
What should we expect during dress week?
Dress week can be busy, exciting, and sometimes a little bit of controlled chaos as all the pieces of the production finally come together!
During dress week, rehearsals begin approximately one hour earlier than usual to allow time for Artists and Mentors to get into costume and prepare for the run.
Once we begin, we run the show through to the end. That means there is not a set ending time for these rehearsals. We finish when the show is finished.
Families will receive the dress-week schedule and call times in advance. Please plan for longer evenings during this final stage of the production.
LEARNING THE SHOW AT HOME
Will my child need to practice outside rehearsal?
Yes.
Each Artist and Mentor receives the materials needed to learn the production, including a script and access to the show’s music.
Cast members are expected to work on their lines, songs, and other material outside of rehearsal. Practicing at home allows us to spend our limited rehearsal time working together on staging, choreography, characterization, and group numbers.
Family support with at-home practice can make a tremendous difference.
What should my child do with their script?
Bring it to every rehearsal!
Artists and Mentors will use their scripts throughout the rehearsal process. We will make notes in them for blocking, staging, cues, and other information as we learn the show.
Write in it. Highlight it. Make notes. Make it yours.
And when the show is over, you get to keep it! Your script is a souvenir of your Penguin Project experience.
COSTUMES & PERFORMANCE PREPARATION
Are costumes provided?
Yes. MTCT provides the show costumes for our Artists and Mentors.
Participants are responsible for providing their own “basics.”
Basics are comfortable, close-fitting clothing worn underneath the costume. Artists and Mentors arrive wearing their basics, put their costumes on over them, and remain in their basics while changing out of costume.
Depending on the participant and costume, basics might include:
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Compression shorts
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Tank tops
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Leotards
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Other comfortable, close-fitting garments appropriate for wearing beneath a costume
Specific costume needs will be communicated to families if anything additional is required.
PARENTS & REHEARSALS
Can parents stay and watch rehearsal?
Yes. Parents and caregivers are welcome to stay during rehearsal, but they are also welcome to leave and return for pickup at 8:30 PM.
Our parent area is located in the hallway just outside the choir room where we rehearse. The rehearsal-room door remains open, so parents who stay can watch from the hallway while allowing the Artists, Mentors, and directing team to work without distraction.
The hallway also gives parents an opportunity to visit with one another, network, and get to know other Penguin families.
Other parents choose to use the hour and a half to run an errand, grab dinner, or simply enjoy a little peace and quiet. Some parents even choose to stay in the parking lot—close by if they are needed, but out of sight so their Artist can focus and work more independently.
Whatever works best for your family is fine. We simply ask that parents remain outside the rehearsal room while rehearsal is in progress.
What are Parent Liaisons?
At the beginning of each production, MTCT introduces several veteran parents who serve as Parent Liaisons.
They have already experienced the program and can help new families understand what to expect, answer everyday questions, and provide another point of contact throughout the season.
SNACK TIME & COMMUNITY
Why is snack time part of rehearsal?
Snack time is built into every regular rehearsal from 8:15–8:30 PM, and it is an important part of our program.
After working together during rehearsal, Artists and Mentors have time to relax, talk, laugh, and get to know one another. This helps build the friendship and trust at the heart of the Artist/Mentor relationship.
Snack time also gives parents and caregivers an opportunity to connect with one another, talk with Parent Liaisons, and ask questions of the director or other MTCT personnel without interrupting rehearsal.
Snack time may happen at the end of the evening, but it is still an important part of the Penguin Project experience.
Who provides the snacks?
Our cast families provide snacks through a parent snack rotation throughout the rehearsal season.
Information about allergies, dietary restrictions, and other important needs is collected through our registration paperwork so that we can plan appropriately.
SAFETY, BEHAVIOR & SUPERVISION
What is MTCT’s policy on bullying or unsafe behavior?
The Penguin Project is intended to be a safe environment for creativity, friendship, and self-expression.
We have zero tolerance for bullying, teasing, or physical violence. Participants who violate this policy may be asked to leave the program.
We ask families to share information on the registration paperwork about circumstances, behaviors, health concerns, restrictions, or support needs that may help us provide the best possible experience for their child.
What happens if my Artist becomes overwhelmed or has a significant behavioral issue?
Mentors receive training on how to support their Artists and will usually be the first person to help.
When additional support is needed, the director or another trained adult will step in. An Artist may be given an opportunity to leave the rehearsal area and calm down away from the activity.
If the situation cannot be resolved or the Artist needs their parent or caregiver, we will contact the family.
Our goal is to provide appropriate support while also helping Artists develop greater confidence and independence.
How are bathroom breaks handled?
We use a buddy system.
When an Artist needs the restroom during rehearsal, their Mentor accompanies them down the hall and waits outside.
Every Artist has different needs. If an Artist requires more assistance than a Mentor can appropriately provide, a parent or caregiver can assist them.
During scheduled rehearsal breaks, an adult is stationed in the hallway near the restrooms so someone is nearby if assistance is needed.
Who supervises the cast backstage during performances?
During performances, Artists and Mentors are supported backstage by the stage manager, production crew, and trained adults assigned to work backstage.
Parents and caregivers are not permitted backstage unless they are serving in an assigned production role.
Backstage is an active working area, and space is limited. Additional people can create distractions and interfere with entrances, exits, costume changes, props, scenery, and the crew’s ability to run the performance smoothly.
Parents can enjoy the show from the audience while our backstage team works with the cast.
COMMUNICATION
How will families receive information?
Each production has a dedicated Facebook page, and important information is also communicated through email.
Families should regularly check both throughout the season for schedules, announcements, changes, reminders, and other production information.
What if my contact information changes during the season?
Please let us know!
Emergency contacts and other important information are collected during registration, but several months can pass between our first rehearsal and closing night.
If your phone number, email address, emergency contact, medical information, or other important information changes during the season, please notify MTCT so we can keep our records current.
Who should I talk to if I have questions?
Please ask!
The director and MTCT staff are available to answer questions, and our veteran Parent Liaisons are another great resource—particularly for the everyday questions that come with being new to the program.
Snack time at the end of rehearsal is also an excellent opportunity to talk with staff or other parents without interrupting rehearsal.
PARENT & FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
Can parents help with the production?
Absolutely!
A Penguin Project production takes a village. We welcome adult volunteers to help with areas such as sets, costumes, props, stage crew, backstage assistance, and other production needs.
Volunteer opportunities and specific needs will be shared with families throughout the production process.
VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY-SERVICE HOURS
Can Mentors receive volunteer or community-service hours?
Yes. Mentors can receive volunteer/community-service credit for the hours they actually participate in the MTCT Penguin Project.
Mentors do not have to attend every rehearsal held for the production to earn volunteer hours. Their hours are based on the rehearsals, training, performances, and other qualifying activities they actually attend and complete.
Because a Mentor is also making a commitment to an Artist, we do expect Mentors to communicate with us about absences so we can make sure their Artist has the support they need.
The director or another MTCT staff member can verify and sign documentation for completed volunteer hours.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Are scholarships available through the Penguin Project?
Yes! The Penguin Project Foundation awards multiple $1,000 scholarships annually to eligible students involved with local Penguin Project programs who plan to continue their education at a college or trade school.
Scholarships are offered in three categories:
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Artist Scholarships — for participating Artists with disabilities who have performed in a local Penguin Project production.
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General Mentor Scholarships — for Mentors who have participated in a local Penguin Project production.
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Special Services Mentor Scholarships — for Mentors planning to pursue post-secondary education in the field of Special Services.
These scholarships are awarded by the Penguin Project Foundation, not MTCT. The application requires a letter of recommendation from the local program director, and MTCT will help eligible participants with that portion of the process.
These scholarships are very much within reach for our participants—an MTCT Artist received a Penguin Project Foundation scholarship in 2024.
Eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines are established by the Penguin Project Foundation and may change from year to year. MTCT will share current information with eligible Artists, Mentors, and families when it becomes available.
ONE LAST THING...
What is expected of our families?
Be part of the team.
Help your Artist or Mentor practice at home. Let us know about conflicts. Read the emails and Facebook updates. Ask questions when you have them. Volunteer when you can. Help us fill the audience when showtime arrives.
Most importantly, give your young person room to learn, make friends, become more independent, take some chances, and surprise you.
“Our Penguins may not be able to fly, but that does not prevent their spirits from soaring.”