Des Moines Community Playhouse

The online registration link will open at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 10, 2025!

Young artists, ages 14-21, perform a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical. All roles are filled by young artists with developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and other neurological disorders. Together, young artists and a dedicated group of peer mentors take the stage through rehearsals and the final performance.

This unique program provides an atmosphere that is supportive, safe, and inspirational; one where each person’s differences are understood and artists are encouraged to develop better communication skills, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Artists and mentors work side-by-side through four months of rehearsals and a weekend of shows.

At the end, artists, mentors, and parents leave The Playhouse with connections that last beyond the final performance.

Eligibility: To be eligible for participation, Artists must meet the following criteria:

• Any individual age 14 to 21 with a disability. Candidates include children with cognitive, learning, motor, hearing, and visual impairments; genetic disorders; and neurological conditions.
• There are no restrictions based on the level of cognitive ability, restriction of mobility, or lack of communication skills.
• For concerns of safety, The Penguin Project at The Playhouse is unable to accept anyone with a severe behavioral disorder that might endanger themselves or others. If you need further clarification, please email, and request a copy of our No Tolerance Policy and Behavior Plan.
• Must be available for the duration of rehearsals and performances as outlined by the program’s rehearsal calendar. (see attached) If you foresee too many conflicts while comparing the program calendar and the student’s calendar, please consider participating another time, when the program fits better into their schedule. This will allow another participant WITH availability to participate.
• The Artist IS ALLOWED seven (7) absences and MUST be available to attend 43 of 50 rehearsals. Conflicts will be collected post registration.
• The Artist CANNOT be absent for technical/dress rehearsals and performance dates, August 9-17, 2025.