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'Talking Art' With Dino Hayz And Jeff Coussens

Courtesy of Dino Hayz

The Penguin Project Quad Citiesis performing Beauty and the Beast, Jr. at the Brunner Theatre on the Augustana College campus February 23-25 and March 2-4. 

The Penguin Project is a national theatrical organization that performs adapted versions of well-known Broadway musicals and fills the on-stage roles with children and youth who have developmental disabilities. Each artist is paired with a volunteer peer mentor, age-matched to be with them throughout rehearsals and performances.

Credit Courtesy of Dino Hayz
Cast members of a theatrical production for the Penguin Project at the Center for Living Arts in Rock Island

Credit Courtesy of Dino Hayz
Dino Hayz and Jeff Coussens

Dino Hayz, Creative Director and owner of The Center for Living Arts in Rock Island, and Jeff Coussens, Professor ofTheatre Arts and Department Chair at Augustana College, are collaborating for their second season, merging private and academic talent to create an inclusive and heartwarming production.

Listen to the conversation about how the Penguin Project was initially started, how Hayz and Coussens' partnership led to the creation of a replication site in our community, and how compassion and respect for others are the driving principles behind their work.

The Center for Living Arts, located at 2008 4th Avenue in Rock Island, puts on ten theatrical productions each year, with participants ranging in age from first grade through high school seniors.

Credit Courtesy of Dino Hayz
Cast members of a theatrical production for the Penguin Project at the Center for Living Arts in Rock Island

The remaining Penguin Project performances will be Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 4 at 1:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office.

Produced by Lacy Scarmana

Carolyn Martin joined WVIK as a host of Talking Art in 2017. A long-time fan of NPR programming with a love of storytelling and all art forms, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with creative people who beautify our community and make the Quad Cities region an even better place to live.