Penguin Players
Penguin Players is an inclusive musical theater program that brings together adult members of the greater DeKalb County community with disabilities and Northern Illinois University (NIU) students to create and perform a one-act musical theater production.
Penguin Players is a cross-college collaboration at NIU involving the colleges of Education; Health and Human Sciences; and Visual and Performing Arts. Choreography, music, direction and design are led by current NIU students, giving them opportunities to apply their skills in a collaborative, real-world setting.
Each production brings “artists” and “mentors” together through twice-weekly rehearsals to learn acting, music, choreography and stage movement. While putting on a great show is part of the fun, Penguin Players is about much more than the final performance. The program emphasizes relationships, acceptance, encouragement, creativity and a positive experience for everyone involved.
Who is an Artist?
Artists are adult members of the greater DeKalb County community with intellectual and developmental disabilities who perform in Penguin Players productions.
Each artist is cast in a role and participates throughout the rehearsal and performance process, learning their character’s dialogue, songs, choreography and blocking. Artists take center stage in the final production, supported by their mentors and the rest of the Penguin Players cast and creative team.
Who is a Mentor?
Mentors are NIU students who are paired with artists and participate alongside them throughout the rehearsal and performance process.
Artist–mentor pairs learn a role together. Mentors learn their artist’s lines, music, choreography and blocking to support practice; provide reminders and cues; and assist with navigating the production. During performances, mentors are onstage alongside artists to provide support as needed and participate in ensemble scenes and musical numbers.
Mentors are partners and fellow members of the cast. A major part of mentoring is building a relationship with an artist and helping create an environment in which each artist can participate confidently and meaningfully.
Students from all NIU majors and backgrounds are welcome. Previous experience in theater or working with people with disabilities is not required.
Become a Penguin Player Mentor
NIU students can fill out our interest form to participate in Penguin Players as volunteer mentors.
Regular rehearsals are held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in Cavan Auditorium in Gabel Hall.
Mentors should be prepared to:
- Attend regular rehearsals and required mentor training.
- Build relationships with artists and actively engage throughout rehearsals.
- Learn their partner artist’s role, including lines, songs, choreography and blocking.
- Attend extended rehearsals during tech week and the final performance.
- Collaborate with artists, mentors and the student creative team.
- Contribute to an inclusive, respectful and encouraging cast environment.
Fall 2026 Important Dates
- First rehearsal with mentors: Thursday, Aug. 27.
- Required mentor training: Thursday, Sept. 10, during the regular 4:30 to 6 p.m. rehearsal time. Note: If you join later than this date, you will be asked to complete a recorded online training before your first rehearsal.
- Tentative performance date: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026
- Tech Week: The week before the performance includes extended rehearsals. Tuesday and Thursday: 4 to 7 p.m. and Friday: 4 to 8 p.m.