For more than a decade, the curtain has risen at Northern Illinois University on something far bigger than a stage production.
Penguin Players, led by Sycamore parents Barb and Joe King, brings together local adults with special needs — known as artists — and NIU students who serve as mentors, creative leaders and technical crew members. The program offers theatrical opportunities for the artists while giving students hands-on experience rooted in empathy, teamwork and inclusion.
While the artists are heart of the show, NIU student mentors are integral and support the artists every step of the way.
“The mentors do so many things to make this a great experience,” Joe King said. “They’re teachers, coaches, cheerleaders and, most importantly, friends to our artists.”
That philosophy is reflected in the Chris McQuillen Spirit Award, given after each production to an NIU student who exemplifies those qualities. McQuillen, an original Penguin Players mentor, died unexpectedly in 2016, and his family continues to generously support the program through an annual golf outing fundraiser that funds the award and provides stipends for the student-led creative team that directs the show.
“Chris brought a sense of fun and camaraderie to that first show, which helped set us down this path. He had a real ‘do whatever it takes attitude’ that was infectious, so we try to select a student or two from each show who embodies that attitude,” King said.
This year’s McQuillen Spirit Award recipients are Remi Klaus and Deanna Findlay, whose work reflected the community-centered mission of Penguin Players.
Klaus, who is studying medical laboratory sciences, said she was immediately struck by the dedication of the artists and the supportive environment they created together.
“I was impressed with how hard the artists worked on the show and with each other to create such a positive, uplifting community,” Klaus said. “I made friends on my first day, which was so warming, especially with the nerves I had joining a new organization.”
When the artist Klaus was mentoring had to leave the production for health reasons, Klaus stepped in to take on three lead roles.
“That was terrifying,” she said, “but I adapted to put on my best performance. I was most happy someone was there for the artist who needed support.”
For Findlay, who is majoring in communicative disorders, Penguin Players became an anchor during her first year at NIU as she adjusted to college life and searched for a sense of belonging.
“Penguin helped build my confidence and made my college life so much livelier,” said Findlay, who has been part of seven Penguin Players productions.
Findlay said the program’s culture of acceptance left a lasting impact.
“You could be your authentic self, and they would love you despite any flaws,” she said. “It was never about anyone’s disability. We focused on people’s abilities.”
That experience helped shape Findlay’s future goals.
“Penguin was a major part of my undergrad and helped build me into the person I am today,” she said. “It confirmed that I want to work with people of all ages with disabilities for the rest of my career.”
While Penguin Players is currently on hiatus, King said they are hopeful the tradition will continue at NIU.
“While we have paused the program, we are very excited to be working with the colleges – Education, Health and Human Sciences and Visual and Performing Arts – to continue Penguin Players in a format that offers a richer academic experience for students,” King said.
