Arts4All Production of Disney’s Finding Nemo, Summer 2024
As Ignite heads into its 10th anniversary (2025), we are attempting to make the transition from patron to performer even more accessible for participants between the ages of 8-18 by offering the FIRST-EVER Arts4All production of Finding Nemo. Ignite is poised to be the FIRST company in Missouri to partner with The Penguin Project. From The Penguin Project, “These productions are unique, however, because young artists fill all the roles with developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and other neurological disorders. They are joined on stage by a dedicated group of “peer mentors” – children the same age without disabilities who have volunteered to work side-by-side with them through four months of rehearsals and the final performance. By providing access to community theater, The Penguin Project demonstrates that the unique challenges of a disability should not handicap a child’s ability to participate in life’s experiences.
Established in 2004, The Penguin Project has evolved into a National program with Chapter sites throughout the United States. The program provides a supportive environment for children with disabilities to explore their creative talents. It has also demonstrated that participation in the performing arts has therapeutic value by enhancing social interaction, communication skills, self-confidence, and self-esteem. The program’s impact has reached beyond the stage of creating a social network for children with few friends and limited social opportunities.
