LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Sacred Heart School for the Arts is opening the curtain on inclusion through its latest production of "Annie Jr.," part of the national Penguin Project.
The program is built for students with Down syndrome and other neurological differences, giving them the chance to take center stage with the help of peer mentors who perform right beside them.
This year’s cast featured 13 student-mentor pairs who have been rehearsing since January. For Sosie Smith, the experience was transformative.
"I had some small roles before in my school’s drama club, but being able to be a big part like ‘Annie’ is a dream come true," Smith said.
The Penguin Project is designed to make sure every performer has a place in the spotlight, and Sacred Heart said this is just the beginning. The school plans to stage a new Penguin Project production each year.
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