LANCASTER, Ohio — A new program in Fairfield County is designed to make participation in theater more accessible and, this weekend, a new group will take the stage with their first-ever performance.
Rise Up Arts Alliance is an organization dedicated to offering educational theater opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds in and around Fairfield County.
"One of the things that I focus on with Rise Up Arts Alliance is [that] everyone is accepted," said Judith Cosgray, the group's executive director.
The organization prides itself on working with everyone to help them find a place in the community. That's why, when she first heard about the Penguin Project, Cosgray knew that the program would be a perfect fit.
Started in 2004 in Peoria, Illinois, The Penguin Project is a program that now has chapters all across the country. The program offers well-known theatrical productions that have been modified to accommodate young actors.
Rehearsal schedules for productions are typically four months compared to one or two months usually found in other theater programs. Accommodations are made for actors who need to take extra breaks, require modified instruction or need moments to walk, decompress or step away from the potentially stressful situations of putting together a theatrical production.
One of the main adaptations, however, is the utilization of peer mentors who accompany the actors throughout the entire process - including onstage during performances - to support the young stars.
When Rise Up Arts Alliance signed on with The Penguin Project, they became the national program's first affiliate in the state of Ohio.
"These kids deserve to be on stage," said Jessica Hill, director of this premiere production, a modified version of the beloved musical 'Annie Jr.' They deserve their shining moment just like every other person that gets their shining moment."
"The best part is I think a lot of people is going to know me," beamed young Owen who is taking on the role of 'Daddy Warbucks.'
"These kids are my passion. I love working with them," explained Hill who is an intervention specialist at Thomas Ewing Junior High School in Lancaster where the performances of "Annie Jr." will be held.
With a brother who is autistic, Hill said she grew up in the world of special needs and was inspired to learn more and go into the educational field.
"I absolutely love it when you see growth," explained Hill.
She described these instances of growth as "light bulb moments" and cited the major improvements in the performances of several of the young actors, including high school junior Cordell who is taking the stage for his first-ever theatrical production.
Hill recounted that Cordell's parents had tried to help him get involved in theater before but found other groups reluctant to even attempt accommodating the aspiring thespian's stutter.
"I'm like, 'Are you kidding?'" said Hill. "He has taken [his onstage role] on and just ran with it."
"My dream was to be an actor on a stage in front of people," said Cordell. "This show is my very first show that I've ever done and I'm having the very best time of my life that I can think of right now."
Cordell has had such a positive experience with this play, he has already lined up his second production which will see him stepping into the lead role of the Grinch for Rise Up Arts Alliance's next Penguin Project performance.
"Everyone needs to know that someone there cares for them and believes in them and that's what we do," said Cosgray. "We show them that we care, that we are adults that are not related to them, but we absolutely love them and care for them and help them to succeed in their show."
"Annie, Jr." runs through Nov. 19 in Lancaster. Showtimes and ticket information can be found on Rise Up Arts Alliance's website.
For more information on The Penguin Project, visit their website.