Penguin Playerrs performance

“More individuals with special needs need more things to do,” Bohnsack stated, “and theater has never been one of those things that has been accessible to them on a larger scale.”

Northern Starz’ creative director, Kyle Frederickson, explained that all three Penguin programs stage well-known shows, such as “Annie” or “Willy

Wonka,” then fit the show to the cast’s abilities without simplifying the content.

“This is not a sideshow attraction,” Frederickson said. “There’s not one person who goes and doesn’t come out of it crying because it’s so well done.”

‘The actors are doing what they should be doing at their age and ability level,” Bohnsack added.

Bohnsack used Northern Starz’ recent production of “Aladdin” as an example, in which the actor who played The Genie was nonverbal. To work around this, the actor delivered her lines through a voice box, and a “genie choir” performed all of her musical numbers. This version’s Genie, then, had a unique, mystical feel, and the actor still delivered an effective performance.

“That’s what the fun part about the Penguin Players is,” Frederickson said. “It does not matter if you are wheelchair bound or if you are nonverbal. You have a good chance of getting a lead.”

Northern Starz is also home to Penguin Pals, for ages 5-12, and Penguin Project, for ages 10-21. Having programming for all ages, Bohnsack described, helps foster a continued sense of confidence in people with developmental disabilities.

“We had a nonverbal kid last year,” Frederickson recalled, “and we gave him the part of a dog. He was so excited. That’s what he wanted to do, and he was so happy … on stage, and everybody gave him encouragement. So now, he’s starting to be verbal, and his parents are like, ‘This is amazing.’”

Each Penguin artist also has a peer mentor, someone close by in age who can confidently support an individual with special needs.

“Theater kids and choir kids love being mentors because they’re back on stage,” Frederickson stated. “They have to get costumed, and they have to know all the lines.” While peer mentors serve as a kind of understudy, they almost always become dear friends with the artists.

“Spending so much time one-on-one with each other?” Frederickson remarked. “The mentors start to realize Penguins are just like everybody else.”

The Penguin Players perform “This is Me: An Inclusive Cabaret Celebration,” featuring the music of “Footloose,” 7 p.m. Saturday, June 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at the White Bear Lake Area High School Theater, 5040 Division Ave., Door A. For tickets and details, visit northernstarz.org/ns-off-site-events-and-shows.