The Prior Lake Players will be introducing more than a dozen new actors to the stage Dec. 12-14 during its production of “Annie Jr.”

The show is a first for the theatrical group that has staged performances in Prior Lake for decades. The musical is produced in partnership with “The Penguin Project,” a nationwide inclusive theater program originated in 2004 that empowers children, teens and young adults with disabilities to shine as the stars of the show.

The national program was established with the belief that special challenges should not handicap a child’s ability to participate in life’s experiences. Andy Morgan, Penguin Project’s founder, has flown in twice in recent months to attend rehearsals and provide support for the Prior Lake production, according to Lee Gillis, director of the upcoming show.

Performances are scheduled Dec. 12-14 at Twin Oaks Middle School, 15860 Fish Point Road, Prior Lake. The Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7 p.m. The Sunday matinee is scheduled for 2 p.m. 

Advance show tickets can be purchased using this link.

Young artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be joined on stage by peer mentors of the same age who work side-by-side during the performances. All cast members — artists and mentors — have attended practices several times each week for the past four months.

The role of “Annie” is played by Amelia Mauricio. Other main characters include Reese Haider who plays “Mr. Warbucks” and Rebecca Chu as “Miss Hannigan.” In all, more than 30 young people are involved in the production.

Hannah Knutson, Mauricio’s mentor, said Mauricio is enjoying her time in the spotlight. 

“I love seeing how much fun Amelia is having playing Annie,” Knutson said. 

Gillis said mentors are required to learn all lines, assist the actors when needed and ensure they are in the correct positions while on stage. 

The bond that has formed between all performers is obvious. During a rehearsal held Dec. 3 smiles filled the artists’ faces on stage while mentors gestured in support.

Melanie Schmidt, marketing director for the Prior Lake Players, credits fellow board member and show producer Laura Hermansen with originally bringing The Penguin Project to the attention of the community theater’s board of directors. Finding new ways to make the organization more inclusive has been a top priority that came to fruition last year through its sensory-friendly performance of “The Little Mermaid.” 

Instead of doing a traditional fall play this year, the organization made the decision to move forward with “Annie Jr.” The Prior Lake Players hope similar productions that follow the Penguin Project’s mission will be included in future performance lineups.

Both Gillis and Schmidt said the outpouring of support from community volunteers, parents of actors and mentors and local organizations has been tremendous. High school students, including Kenzie Olstad and Marshall Gillis, are pulling double duty as mentors and working backstage as part of the set crew with Ella McConnell and Phoebe Waltz. Amy Cornelius, whose daughter is a cast member, volunteered her time and effort to the production sewing costumes and making unique props. 

“We are also grateful and excited to share that, as part of the Minnesota Inclusion Initiative, we were recently awarded a grant from The Arc Minnesota,” Schmidt said. “The statewide organization protects, supports, and advocates for the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This grant helps cover royalties, rights, and stipends for Annie Jr., making it possible for all of our artists to participate and highlighting our commitment to inclusion in the arts.”

Gillis said the organization is also grateful for the financial contributions from various businesses and organizations, including the Prior Lake Rotary Club, which made a substantial donation to help fund the production of “Annie Jr.”

“The biggest benefit our young performers get from being part of Annie is the fun they are having with each other,” Gillis said. “This has been a wonderful opportunity for both the mentors and the artists to see that theater is for all, and there is a way to include everyone.”