OCT launches fundraising campaign to support Penguin Project

Opelika Community Theatre has launched a multi-part fundraising campaign that includes an Adopt a Penguin fundraiser and a spring musical to support its Penguin Project, an inclusive performing arts program for people with developmental, neurological and physical challenges.

Opelika Community Theatre (OCT) has announced a multi-part fundraising campaign to support its Penguin Project troupe and players. The Penguin Project offers inclusive performing arts opportunities for people with developmental, neurological and physical challenges alongside peer mentors. The program is part of a national organization with more than 25 years of activity and aims to provide recognition, growth and belonging through theatre. Key details: - OCT is offering an Adopt a Penguin fundraiser with a limited set of 60 named penguins; adoptions are listed at $100 or $150, the higher amount including a quarter-page program advertisement. - The Penguin Project Troupe and Players will present a 2026 spring musical titled "Raise Your Voice," with $25 tickets that include a drink and popcorn; proceeds are designated to support licensing, production materials, staffing, volunteer training, rehearsal operations and costuming. - The campaign will continue into fall with the return of East Alabama's Dancing With Our Stars, a community event raising funds for both the OCT Penguin Project and the Compassionate Hands of Hope Epilepsy Foundation; additional details and dates were announced as forthcoming. - OCT plans a June capital campaign featuring an interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and will open auditions for a newly formed Murder Mystery Troupe for performers ages 17 and up. - A Musical Theatre Intensive Camp running June 8–27 will stage Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; the announcement noted early-bird and returning-student discounts and named Bella Hardin as the camp leader. - OCT also listed an upcoming production of Hamlet directed by Onyx Wells and acknowledged community partners and local media support; the announcement included contact details for the theatre. Summary: The campaign brings several fundraising elements together to help sustain the Penguin Project and broader OCT programming, aiming to fund operations, training and productions. Additional event dates and participant details were reported as to be announced, and OCT described further fundraising activities planned for the coming months.