Players Theatre Company Announces Program for Actors with Disabilities
CONROE, TX, December, 30, 2025. The Players Theatre Company announced it has been
designated as the inaugural replica chapter of The Penguin Project® in the Houston area and
will present the program’s first production next spring. The Penguin Project gives young artists
with special needs, working with peer mentors, the opportunity to perform in a fully staged
musical.
The Penguin Project, a nationally recognized program, provides children with disabilities ages
eight- to 21-years old a supportive environment to explore their creative talents as part of a
modified version of a popular Broadway musical. Each Penguin Artist is paired with a peer
mentor who provides one-on-one support through rehearsals and performances. The Players
first Penguin Project production -- Annie Jr, a heartwarming show that celebrates inclusion,
resilience, and joy – will be performed next May 22 through 24, 2026 at The Owen Theatre in
downtown Conroe.
“This program is very close to my heart for many reasons,” said Cindy Siple, Managing Director
for The Players Theatre Company. “It truly reflects who we are as a community theatre — a
place where everyone, regardless of ability, is welcome to experience the magic of creating and
performing. The special challenges of a disability don’t limit a child’s ability to dream, imagine, or
shine. Through The Penguin Project, we not only give these young artists the spotlight, but we
also create an inclusive environment where friendships grow, confidence builds, and both artists
and mentors experience the joy of belonging and working together as one theatre family.”
Siple, a retired Montgomery ISD music teacher with an extensive background in professional
theatre is the program director. Rehearsals for Annie Jr. begin in January 2026 and will be held
on Thursday evenings at The Owen Theatre. Registration is now open for Artists and Peer
Mentors. Participants should be between the ages of 8- and 21-years old. Adult volunteers are
also encouraged to lend a hand with a variety of support roles. There is no cost to participate
and an information meeting will be held on January 8, 2026 at 4:30pm at the Owen Theatre for
anyone interested.
The Penguin Project started in 2004 in Peoria, Illinois by Dr. Andrew Morgan and has grown to
55 chapters in 22 states. Through this program, special needs children have been shown to
increase communication skills, improve socialization and self-esteem as well as building lasting
friendships and confidence that last long after the final curtain.
“This project is all about inclusion, joy, and empowerment through the arts,” said Cindy Siple.
“It’s a chance to celebrate every individual’s abilities and create something truly magical
together.”
The Players Theatre Company is extremely grateful to Montgomery County Community
Foundation, Brand Advantage, LLC and HEB for their generous support of this program.
Families and individuals interested in participating or volunteering are encouraged to
contact Cindy Siple at manager@playerstheatrecompany.com for more information and
registration details. Sponsorship opportunities are also available to corporations, businesses
and individuals which help underwrite expenses and allow the program to be offered at no cost
to families.
The Players Theatre Company began in 1967 as The Little Theatre of Conroe utilizing the
Conroe High School stage and later a refurbished plumbing supply store at the corner of
Galveston and Robertson Streets. After helping to restore the historic Crighton Theatre in 1979,
the group produced shows there for nearly 30 years as The Crighton Players. In 2008, in a
partnership with the City of Conroe, The Players Theatre Company was formed and moved to
their current residence at The Owen Theatre.
SIDEBAR:
• The Players Theatre Company announces the “Penguin Project,” partnering special
needs youth with mentors to perform a full production of “Annie, Jr.” in May.
• Information meeting scheduled for January 8, 2026 at 4:30pm at The Owen Theatre in Conroe.
• Generously supported by Montgomery County Community Foundation, Brand Advantage and HEB.
• The program is offered free to participants.
Players Theatre Company
-
Cindy Siple
-
January 06, 2026
-
Send Email
CONROE, TX, December, 30, 2025. The Players Theatre Company announced it has been
designated as the inaugural replica chapter of The Penguin Project® in the Houston area and
will present the program’s first production next spring. The Penguin Project gives young artists
with special needs, working with peer mentors, the opportunity to perform in a fully staged
musical.
The Penguin Project, a nationally recognized program, provides children with disabilities ages
eight- to 21-years old a supportive environment to explore their creative talents as part of a
modified version of a popular Broadway musical. Each Penguin Artist is paired with a peer
mentor who provides one-on-one support through rehearsals and performances. The Players
first Penguin Project production -- Annie Jr, a heartwarming show that celebrates inclusion,
resilience, and joy – will be performed next May 22 through 24, 2026 at The Owen Theatre in
downtown Conroe.
“This program is very close to my heart for many reasons,” said Cindy Siple, Managing Director
for The Players Theatre Company. “It truly reflects who we are as a community theatre — a
place where everyone, regardless of ability, is welcome to experience the magic of creating and
performing. The special challenges of a disability don’t limit a child’s ability to dream, imagine, or
shine. Through The Penguin Project, we not only give these young artists the spotlight, but we
also create an inclusive environment where friendships grow, confidence builds, and both artists
and mentors experience the joy of belonging and working together as one theatre family.”
Siple, a retired Montgomery ISD music teacher with an extensive background in professional
theatre is the program director. Rehearsals for Annie Jr. begin in January 2026 and will be held
on Thursday evenings at The Owen Theatre. Registration is now open for Artists and Peer
Mentors. Participants should be between the ages of 8- and 21-years old. Adult volunteers are
also encouraged to lend a hand with a variety of support roles. There is no cost to participate
and an information meeting will be held on January 8, 2026 at 4:30pm at the Owen Theatre for
anyone interested.
The Penguin Project started in 2004 in Peoria, Illinois by Dr. Andrew Morgan and has grown to
55 chapters in 22 states. Through this program, special needs children have been shown to
increase communication skills, improve socialization and self-esteem as well as building lasting
friendships and confidence that last long after the final curtain.
“This project is all about inclusion, joy, and empowerment through the arts,” said Cindy Siple.
“It’s a chance to celebrate every individual’s abilities and create something truly magical
together.”
The Players Theatre Company is extremely grateful to Montgomery County Community
Foundation, Brand Advantage, LLC and HEB for their generous support of this program.
Families and individuals interested in participating or volunteering are encouraged to
contact Cindy Siple at manager@playerstheatrecompany.com for more information and
registration details. Sponsorship opportunities are also available to corporations, businesses
and individuals which help underwrite expenses and allow the program to be offered at no cost
to families.
The Players Theatre Company began in 1967 as The Little Theatre of Conroe utilizing the
Conroe High School stage and later a refurbished plumbing supply store at the corner of
Galveston and Robertson Streets. After helping to restore the historic Crighton Theatre in 1979,
the group produced shows there for nearly 30 years as The Crighton Players. In 2008, in a
partnership with the City of Conroe, The Players Theatre Company was formed and moved to
their current residence at The Owen Theatre.
SIDEBAR:
• The Players Theatre Company announces the “Penguin Project,” partnering special
needs youth with mentors to perform a full production of “Annie, Jr.” in May.
• Information meeting scheduled for January 8, 2026 at 4:30pm at The Owen Theatre in Conroe.
• Generously supported by Montgomery County Community Foundation, Brand Advantage and HEB.
• The program is offered free to participants.
Players Theatre Company
-
Cindy Siple
- January 06, 2026
- Send Email