From its creation in 2004, The Penguin Project aims to help children with various disabilities become the stars of a modified Broadway show.

Each artist is paired up with a peer mentor of their own age — a child without a disability — and they work side by side throughout rehearsals and final performances.

Since early June, artists and mentors have been preparing for the production set for 2 p.m. Oct. 11-12.

Some of the featured numbers include “Hakuna Matata,” “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” and “Circle of Life.”

Hannah Scott, 10, (left) took the center spot with peer mentor Annie Redline, 10, (right) while learning the choreography to the song “I Just Can’t Wait to be King.” Mirror photo by Colette Costlow

ACT Executive Director Tara Enedy said it’s “inspiring” to watch the kids, adding that she is “always really proud” of them.

Following last year’s production of “Aladdin,” the number of actors has doubled in size, Enedy said, now with 25 artists and 25 peer mentors.

Enedy first found out about The Penguin Project at a professional community theatre conference during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When she pitched it to the Altoona Community Theatre board of directors, Enedy said Tami Hinish immediately asked, “What can I do to help?”

Hinish had two sons with special needs who passed away due to their medical conditions. She said a community program advocating for special needs is “near and dear” to her heart.

Artist Owen Hinden, 15, (left) learned the dance choreography with his peer mentor Nathan Ebersole, 16 (right). Mirror photo by Colette Costlow

Currently, Hinish is the parent coordinator for The Penguin Project at Altoona, where she works directly with involved families to get their child acclimated to the program.

“The entire program is about these children,” Hinnish said. “It’s just a fantastic way to get involved with something that feels ‘normal.'”

Artist Owen Hinden, 15, is working on his “evil laugh” for his role as Ed the hyena, according to his mother, Olivia Hinden.

From a young age, Owen has been drawn to the stage, Olivia Hinden said. She believed The Penguin Project would be a “good fit” for him.

“This is a place where people aren’t just nice to him,” she said. “It’s true friendship.”

Aaron Eiman, 23, laughs during rehearsal. He is set to play Mufasa in October’s production. Mirror photo by Colette Costlow

Because Owen attends school online, The Penguin Project provides him the opportunity to socialize with kids his own age, Hinden said.

Before Owen’s bedtime, they will scroll through the ACT Facebook page together to see what shows his friends are performing in, Hinden said.

She said The Penguin Project is “one of the few places I know where (Owen) can be himself.”

In last year’s show, he played the Genie, but Hinden said this show will be fun for him because he will be playing the “bad guy.”

Enedy said ACT chose “The Lion King Jr.” because “who doesn’t love playing an evil lion of a pack of hyenas.”

Hannah Scott, 10, (center), sells lemonade, cookies and cupcakes for The Penguin Project. Mirror photo by Colette Costlow

“I Just Can’t Wait to be King” is Owen’s favorite song from the production, and he agreed when asked if he feels a connection to his character.

Artist Eva Pedone, 14, said she also feels a connection to her role as a giraffe because she owned a stuffed giraffe while growing up.

“I took it everywhere, and it’s cool that I’m a giraffe,” Eva said.

Knowing some participants since her preschool days, Eva believed they are all “really nice people.”

In the Altoona Community Theatre, many friendships are made like the one between artist Hannah Scott, 10, and her mentor, Annie Redline, 10.

Cast members learn choreography for the song, "I Just Can't Wait to be King." Mirror photo by Colette Costlow

Hannah said Annie helps her learn the lines for her role as Timon, adding that she likes how “sassy” Timon is.

Hannah’s contributions don’t stop there: she raised $1,105 for The Penguin Project by selling lemonade, cookies and cupcakes in mid-August, alongside her friend, Tobin Etters.

While in school at Juniata Gap, the duo spoke about running a lemonade stand, Scott’s mother, Tanya Palovich-Scott said. As a result, the girls and their parents decided to donate the money they raised back to The Penguin Project.

When asked if they plan on coming back for next year’s production, Scott and Redline both said yes.

“It’s so fun,” Redline added.

During The Penguin Project’s offseason, Enedy organizes two holiday parties throughout the year to get the kids together again.

She said she is grateful to the parents for “letting us share in this unbelievable joy that comes with this project.”

“This is truly a community which becomes a family,” Hinish said.

If you go

What: Production of

“The Lion King Jr”

When: 2 p.m. Oct. 11-12

Where: Altoona Area High School auditorium

Tickets availability to be announced.