Talent Machine Presents "Annie Jr." in Partnership with The Penguin Project

The Talent Machine Company is the first Central Maryland partner of , an award-winning nationwide program that provides a supportive, encouraging theater experience for children with disabilities.

On May 17 and 18, 2024, we will perform our first show — Annie Jr. — featuring a full cast of 20 children and teens with disabilities who will be paired with 21 volunteer peer mentors. These mentors have been supporting their mentees throughout four months of rehearsals and will also be with their mentees during the performances.

Dates, Times and Location

Friday, May 17 at 7 pm
Saturday, May 18 at 2 pm
Mid Atlantic Community Church
2485 Davidsonville Road
Gambrills, MD 21054

Tickets: General admission seating. All tickets are $10.

Talent Machinie's Penguin Project initiative is being supported in part by , which awarded the Company a SpArc Tank Innovations Grant last fall. Talent Machine received a $5,000 grant as well as an additional $500 when our grant proposal earned the People’s Choice Award at the SpArc Tank Ig-Nite event held on November 16, 2023.

What is the Penguin Project partnership all about? This show marks the first collaboration between The Talent Machine and The Penguin Project. We will work together to produce one show each year featuring young artists with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and other neurological disorders. By providing access to community theater, The Penguin Project demonstrates that the special challenges of a disability should not handicap a child’s ability to participate in life’s experiences.

Besides the children on stage, who is involved? The Penguin Project’s staff will serve as an experienced resource for The Talent Machine team, offering both periodic on-site guidance and comprehensive guidelines and information to ensure the success of this experience for all involved. The cast members will be joined on stage by a dedicated group of “peer mentors” – young people the same age without disabilities who have volunteered to work side-by-side with the performers through four months of rehearsals and the final shows.

What is the value of this experience? Since 2004, The Penguin Project has found that when children participate in the performing arts, it enhances social interaction, communication skills, self-confidence and self-esteem. The program also reaches beyond the stage to create a social network for children who previously had few friends and limited social opportunities.

Who can be involved? Performers and mentors can be ages 10-21 and can attend any school, public or private, or be homeschooled. No theater experience needed.

BUY TICKETS TODAY TO SUPPORT THIS IMPORTANT NEW PROGRAM! We welcome all members of the community to attend to support both our performers and peer mentors! Watch our social media pages and this space for details.

Who can I contact for more information? For more information, email Kim Dixon, Program Director, at [email protected]

Host or Publisher The Talent Machine Company