Little Mermaid Penguin Artist Form

Welcome to Penguin Project 2026: Little Mermaid Jr!

Show dates: March 6-8, 2026 and March 13-15, 2026*
The information in this form is to help you get started registering for Penguin Project: Little Mermaid Jr and DOES NOT replace the informational meeting.

The informational meeting/get to know you sessions are on Saturday, September 27th at 10 AM and 3PM and Saturday, October 4th at 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM at Uptown Stage at the University Mall. Please use the back door to enter.

Uptown Stage
@University Mall
2200 E. Fowler Ave
Tampa, FL 33612

Directions to Back Door of Uptown Stage: Once at the University Mall, park either 1) on the Fletcher side of the mall near the OLD Burlington Coat Factory Parking Lot or 2) on the Fowler side of the mall in front of K& G Fashions.

If you are parked at the Old Burlington Coat Factory, follow these directions----When facing Burlington Coat Factory, follow the sidewalk to the left. There is a road leading between the apartment buildings on your left and Burlington Coat Factory on your right. Follow that road and our backdoor has a red star on it.

If you are parked near K&G Fashions, follow these directions--- When facing K&G Fashions, go around the outside of the mall to the right and come between the apartment building and the mall. Follow the outside of the mall around and to the left. Our door is the third door on your left with a red star.

If you get lost, my cell phone is 443-850-8997. We will send someone to find you!

We are about to embark on a remarkable journey together!! We anticipate that this will be a “life-changing” experience for your family. This packet is designed to provide general information about the program and the rehearsal process in hopes of insuring that everything goes as smoothly as possible. If you have any questions, please contact Nora Paine at (443) 850-8997.

General Policies/Information

1. The Penguin Project is a safe environment for creative expression for all of our artists, peer mentors, and families. Everyone’s talent, needs, and hard work are honored. To maintain this safe environment, we have a no tolerance policy for bullying, teasing, or physical violence. Anyone who violates this policy may be asked to leave the program.

2. In order to create a safe, creative, and successful environment, it is very important for our staff to have as much information about your artist as possible. Please make certain that we are aware of any special circumstances, potential problems, or restrictions, particularly any issues related to behavior or health. Let us know how we should deal with significant behavior problems. Our standard approach will be to remove the child from the rehearsal area to allow him/her to calm down. If this does not work, we will call you to come get him/her.

3. This year, in order to create a safe and successful environment for everyone, we will have to honor a limit of 55 artists for Little Mermaid Jr. To participate in Little Mermaid Jr., we ask that each artist:

1) Complete all registrations forms as soon as possible.
2) Attend 80 percent of rehearsals called for
3) Attend costume fittings

In order to expand Penguin Project from our previous 45 to 55, we will need two weekends of performances with two casts. Some people may be asked to perform both weekends, depending on numbers.

We will start a waiting list after we reach 55 artists. It is important that each artist fulfill their obligation because they may be holding a slot that someone on the waiting list could fill.

Rehearsals

1. We have included calendars and a tentative rehearsal schedule, please fill out the calendars (on the participant form) identifying any and all conflicts. This will allow us to schedule rehearsals based on conflicts to maximize everyone’s time commitment.

2. For the first 2 rehearsals, artists and peer mentors will be divided into groups. Most artists will only attend 1 of these first 2 rehearsals. This will allow our artistic team to get to know the artists and peer mentors better. If you are a returning artist, you may not be asked to attend these early rehearsals.

3. Mid-October, we will cast the show based on our observations of the artists. There will be no traditional “auditions.” Those receiving lead roles will be expected to attend more frequent rehearsals, depending on the size of the role. Until the final 2 weeks, however, I do not anticipate that anyone will need to rehearse more than four times per week.

4. Unless otherwise specified, rehearsals will start promptly at 7:00 pm and will be held as follows:

-Rehearsals will be held at Uptown Stage, @University Mall, 2200 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33612 unless otherwise specified.

-Rehearsals will typically last for 1 hour and thirty minutes, unless otherwise specified, and a snack will be provided at the end of rehearsal.

-Children should wear comfortable clothes and sneakers to rehearsals to allow movement. Please do not wear sandals, flip-flops, or go barefoot. Also please dress appropriately – girls with tops that are not revealing, and boys with shorts/pants that do not fall below the waist. No under-garments should be exposed.

-Please arrive 10 minutes early so your child is “ready to go” when rehearsal begins.

-The frequency of rehearsals will increase for everyone as we get closer to the performance.

-Rehearsals will typically be held Monday thru Thursday during the last two weeks, and may last up to 2½ hours.

-We will not be having rehearsals over Thanksgiving, Winter, or Spring Break. We have included a tentative rehearsal schedule in this packet and will provide a complete rehearsal schedule with all rehearsal dates as soon as possible.

5. Parents and other family members are welcome and encouraged to remain at rehearsals to watch their children, as long as they remain out of the “performance area” and do not interfere with the rehearsal. We want you to sit back, relax, and enjoy watching your children as they do amazing things. This can also be a time to “network” with other parents.

6. If you drop your child off, please plan to return to pick him/her up at 8:15 pm, or whenever the rehearsal is scheduled to end. The production staff will always stay until every child is gone, so please be prompt.

7. If your child will unexpectedly be unable to attend a scheduled rehearsal, please contact us by emailing or texting:
Nora - nora.paine@newtampaplayers. org/443-850-8997 and/or
Connie – chunt0122@gmail.com/813-695- 4844

Peer Mentors

1. Each Artist with a Special Need will have a mentor to assist them at rehearsals and on stage. The mentor will be on stage and appropriately costumed. Please let us know if you would like a specific mentor for your child. We will do our best to honor these requests but will always do what we feel is in the best interest of the child and of the cast. Over the first two to three weeks, we match the children based on our observation of their strengths and needs. If an artist and a mentor want to continue as partners, they need to let Carol Paine know. If there is a problem with your child and his/her partner, please do not discuss this with the peer mentor directly. Please bring your concerns to us ASAP, and let us handle any problems.

2. Each Mentor will learn the part of his or her Artist including lines, songs, and stage directions. Mentors will receive additional training in “mentoring” throughout the rehearsal process. Mentors will be expected to attend all rehearsals of their partner. Please let us know if you will be unable to attend a rehearsal, so we can find a “sub.”

3. All peer mentors should mark their calendars for Saturday, September 27th for Peer Mentor Training at Camp Idlewild.

Additional Info:

1. Each member of the cast (Artists and Mentors) will be given a script book and a link to the song files. Cast members will be expected to work on their lines and songs outside of rehearsals, at home with their family or their mentors. This will allow us to focus the rehearsal time on group activities.

2. Parent involvement is critical to the success of The Penguin Project. In addition to helping your children prepare for rehearsals, we will need adult volunteers to assist with sets, costumes, props, etc. Let us know if you are interested in serving in any of these capacities.

3. Songs will be on Google Drive (link will be provided when they are posted).

Registration Form
Artist’ Name

First NameLast Name
Artists’ Age
Artist’ Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
Date
Parent/Guardian 1 Name

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian 1 Email Address
example@example.com
Parent/Guardian 1 Phone #
Please enter a valid phone number.
Parent/Guardian 2 Name

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian 2 Email Address
example@example.com
Parent/Guardian 2 Phone #
Please enter a valid phone number.
Artists’ Email (If information should be sent to Artist)
example@example.com
Artist’ Phone # (if information should be sent to Artist)
Please enter a valid phone number.
Preferred Mailing Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Artist Information:
Please list any allergies your artist has:
Please list any medical conditions we should know about while working with your artist (seizure disorders, heart conditions, etc):
Please give us any information about your artist's disability that will help us work with them better.
School (or Graduated From):
Grade/Graduation Year:
If Employed, Where
T-Shirt size in Adult Sizes:

Between October 22nd and March 1st, do you have any "one-off" conflicts on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays, or Saturdays? (Examples include: a school concert on October 28th)
Other than Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks, do you have any trips or periods of time your artist cannot attend rehearsal? (Examples include: Going on a cruise from October 1-7th)
In addition to the above questions, is there anything else about rehearsal conflicts, we should know:
We will have mandatory rehearsals on Cast A: 2/28, 3/2, 3/3, 3/4, 3/5 with Performances on 3/6 and 3/7 and Cast B, 3/6, 3/10, 3/11, 3/12, 3/13, 3/14 with performances on 3/15 and 3/16.

I have read these dates and placed them on my calendar.
Permissions, Releases and Waivers
WAIVER OF CLAIM FOR INJURY

I agree to waive and relinquish all claims that I or my child may have for injuries or damages as a result of participating in the Show or using the theatrical facilities or equipment, against New Tampa Players and the Foundation, its officers, directors, agents, employees and/or affiliates. This Release is intended to release any and all claims that I/we may possess as a consequence, in any fashion, of our participation in the Show. Accordingly, I do hereby fully release, discharge from liability and hold harmless the Foundation, its officers, directors, agents, employees and/or affiliates from any and all claims for injury, including death, damages, property damage or loss which we may have or which may in the future accrue to me or my child on account of participation in the Show or use of the Show or the theatrical facilities equipment.

INDEMNITY AND DEFENSE

I further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and pay defense costs and defend New Tampa Players and the Foundation, its officers, directors, agents, employees and/or affiliates from any and all claims resulting from injuries, including death, damages, property damage or loss sustained by me or my child arising out of, connected with or in any way associated with the activities participating in the Show or by use of any theatrical facilities or equipment.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

To better ensure the safety of all persons involved with this production, New Tampa Players, Inc. reserves the right to conduct background searches on all volunteers and cast members. This search may include, but is not limited to, an individual's Criminal History and the Florida or National Registry for Sexual Offenders. Should a prospective volunteer or cast member be found to have an existing felony involving a dependent or vulnerable population (the aged, children, disabled, or infirmed) they will not be allowed to provide volunteer services or perform for New Tampa Players’ production of “Seussical, Jr”

RECOGNITION OF TERMINATION

The undersigned recognizes the right of the director of the Show, in his or her absolute discretion to terminate a participant’s involvement in the Show at any time due to disciplinary issues or medical issues which might jeopardize either the participant’s or someone else’s health, safety or well being or because of concerns about the completion of the production of the Show in a satisfactory manner, which it is acknowledged is solely the decision of the Show’s director.

MISCELLANEOUS AGREEMENT

I understand that I must attend one of the two mandatory parent meetings

I understand that the program has a NO TOLERANCE policy regarding physical/verbal violence and bullying. I further understand that my child may be asked to leave the program if he/she violates this policy. The director may consider my child’s return to the program, if I agree to attend rehearsals/performances and monitor my child’s behavior.
Dated:   Date
Name of Participant:   First Name   Last Name
Name of Responsible Person:   First Name   Last Name
Signature of Responsible Person     Signature

Waiver Release
I First Name Last Name, have voluntarily permitted and hereby consent to my participation in the programs and activities provided by New Tampa Players ("NTP"), including but not limited to my participation in theater activities and use of NTP’s facilities (collectively, the "Program").

COVID-19 Policies:

1) It is not required that all staff, participants, and parents will wear face masks during all Penguin Project rehearsals and performances. Participants are encouraged to wear masks, if they feel more comfortable.
2) Participants will be organized into smaller groups for rehearsals and not rehearse in larger groups until late January/early February at the earliest.
3) If anyone in your family is exposed to COVID-19, please call Nora Paine (443)-850-8997 as soon as possible. You will be asked to keep your child from rehearsal for 5 days and have a negative covid test on the 5th day to return.
4) If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please call Nora Paine (443) 850-8997 as soon as possible. You will be asked to keep your child from rehearsal for 10 days and have a negative covid test on the 10th day to return.
5) Leading into tech week of the production (week before performances), New Tampa Players may add temperature checks and COVID testing to our COVID-19 Guidelines.

I verify that all the information on this form is accurate and that I have read, understand, and agree to the terms and conditions herein, as well as all rules and regulations governing the Program.

This waiver, release, and hold harmless agreement is effective as of the date signed and returned to NTP and shall remain valid and in effect even after the conclusion of the individual’s participation in the Program. The undersigned represents and warrants that he/she is authorized to sign this waiver, release, and hold harmless.
Parent/Guardian Full Name
First Name   Last Name
Parent/Guardian Signature
  Signature
Evening contact number & name
Area Code   Phone Number   First Name   Last Name
1st Alternative number and name
Area Code   Phone Number   First Name   Last Name
2nd Alternative Number and Name
Area Code   Phone Number   First Name   Last Name

Medical Release
Penguin Project Participant:

First NameLast Name
I/we hereby give permission for any and all medical and/or dental attention to be administered to my/our child in the event of accident, injury, sickness, etc., under the direction of the bearer of this letter, until such time as we may be contacted. I/we also assume the responsibility for the payment of any such treatment.
First Medical Center Preference:   Type a label
Medical Conditions:   Type a label
Known Allergies:   Type a label
Medications:   Type a label
I have read all Penguin Project and Covid-19 permissions, releases and waivers.
Parent/Guardian Full Name
First Name   Last Name
Parent/Guardian Signature
  Signature
Evening contact number & name
Area Code   Phone Number   First Name   Last Name
1st Alternative number and name
Area Code   Phone Number   First Name   Last Name
2nd Alternative Number and Name
Area Code   Phone Number   First Name   Last Name
Photo / Video Release
Penguin Project Participant

First NameLast Name
I/we hereby grant permission to the Penguin Project to use any photographs/video recordings in publications without further consideration, and I/we acknowledge the Project's right to crop or treat the photographs/video recordings at its discretion. I/we also acknowledge that the project may choose not to use any photos/video recordings at this time, but may do so at its own discretion at a later date.
Parent/Guardian’s Name
  First Name   Last Name
Parent/Guardians Signiture
Signature
*NOTE: If you are an adult participant, you may print and sign on your own behalf in one of these locations.
Should be Empty:

Welcome to Penguin Project 2026: Little Mermaid Jr!

Registration Form

Artist Information:

Rehearsal Conflicts:

Permissions, Releases and Waivers

Waiver Release

Medical Release

Photo / Video Release