Programs
Overview
FoCAL Center Programmatic Vision
The FoCAL Center will provide a premier venue for performance and presentation, serving both student groups and the wider community.
Our mission is to host:
- Staged Performances involving FCS students, schools, and the community members.
- Multi-county/District Competitions, Conferences, and Similar Events that foster collaboration and skill development.
- Large District Events, such as the Alliance Academy for Innovation graduation, promotion ceremonies, and other significant gatherings.
The FoCAL Center will actively support K-12 students in exploring and engaging with the performing arts, with a particular emphasis on providing opportunities for elementary and middle school students. These opportunities include in-district field trips, hands-on learning, performances, and more.
Additionally, we will provide space to showcase Visual Art Exhibitions presented by individual schools, vertical teams, and community-based arts organizations.
The Center will host a variety of Cultural, Arts, and Educational Events, including performances that will enrich the cultural landscape of our district.
Our facilities will also serve as a venue for FCS Professional Development activities, meetings, and presentations, as well as a rental space for local businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to hold their meetings and events.
The Penguin Project
What is The Penguin Project?
What is the Penguin Project? Established in 2004, the Penguin Project has evolved into a national program, with 53 chapter sites throughout the United States. The program provides a supportive environment for children with disabilities to explore their creative talents. In FoCAL's Penguin Project production, high school students with special needs from Forsyth County Schools perform a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical in the FoCAL Center James and Dorothy Otwell Theatre. They are joined on stage by a dedicated group of “peer mentors” – children the same age without disabilities who have volunteered to work side-by-side with them through rehearsals and through the final performances.
The FoCAL Center's Penguin Project artists must be enrolled in one of the Forsyth County Schools' high schools and be in 9th-12th grade or first year Project Life. Mentors must be a Forsyth County residents and in 6th-12th grades.
The Penguin Artist
Penguin Project Scholarship Opportunities
For 2024-25, The FoCAL Center and the Forsyth County Education Foundation offered three college scholarships for high school seniors who had participated as peer mentors in the Penguin Project: two $1,000 scholarships for a minimum of one year and one $2,000 scholarship for participating multiple years.
Congratulations to 2025 scholarship winners: Andrew Valencia, Soriah Soller, and Olivia Worrall! Thank you for supporting our actors and best wishes on your future endeavors.
'26 Aladdin Jr.
Disney's Aladdin Jr.
The 2026 Penguin Project production of Aladdin Jr. was an absolute triumph! From the very first rehearsal to the final curtain, our artists and mentors poured their hearts into every moment — and it showed. Our talented performers, each with their own unique gifts, brought the magic of the Arabian night to life with joy, creativity, and unstoppable energy. The mentors were right there beside them, offering support, encouragement, and inspiration every step of the way. The result? A show that was truly unforgettable. The audience was moved, amazed, and cheering from start to finish — and we couldn’t be prouder. Aladdin Jr. is a shining example of what happens when community, teamwork, and pure passion come together. What an incredible show!
'25 Lion King Jr.
Disney's Lion King Jr.
The 2025 Penguin Project production of Disney's Lion King Jr. was a monumental success for FoCAL, breaking records and setting new standards for the organization. The Sunday closing performance saw an overwhelming turnout, with over 1200 patrons filling the seats, making it the highest-selling single performance in FoCAL's history. The cast, made up of talented young performers with special challenges, brought the iconic story to life with energy, passion, and unforgettable moments. The community came together in support of the program, creating an atmosphere of celebration, pride, and joy that resonated long after the curtain call. It was a show to remember—a true testament to the power of inclusivity, determination, and the magic of live theater.
The FoCAL Center Penguin Project JTF Team
In 2024-2025, we were glad to expand our Penguin Project offering to a JTF Team. JTF stands for Junior Theatre Festival and the festival has been put on yearly since it's inception in 2003. Over 6800 students and teachers come together to celebrate youth theatre through adjudicated performances, workshops, and conversations with Broadway stars. In 2025, FoCAL was honored to bring the first Penguin Project group to JTF. The success of our penguin artists and mentors at JTF 25 resulted in the team coming home with 2 awards; Excellence in Ensemble Work and the JTF Inspiration Award. The Inspiration Award is important because only 3 are given out at the event each year. We are proud of the artists, mentors, and production team for their hard work, and we look forward to many future JTF experiences.
'24 Finding Nemo Jr.
Finding Nemo Jr.
The 2024 Penguin Project production of Finding Nemo Jr. was nothing short of a triumph! From the very first rehearsal to the final curtain, the dedication and hard work of our artists and mentors were evident in every moment. Our talented performers, each with their unique abilities, brought the vibrant underwater world to life with incredible energy, creativity, and heart. Mentors worked tirelessly alongside them, fostering an environment of support, encouragement, and growth. The show’s success was a testament to the power of collaboration and community, leaving audiences inspired and deeply moved by the extraordinary effort and passion of everyone involved. We couldn’t be prouder of what was achieved—Finding Nemo Jr. will certainly be remembered as a shining example of what can happen when talent, hard work, and dedication come together!
'23 Seussical Jr.
Seussical Jr.
The 2023 Penguin Project production of Seussical Jr. was an overwhelming success, filled with vibrant colors, catchy tunes, and heartwarming performances! Our talented artists shone brightly, bringing Dr. Seuss’s whimsical world to life with creativity, energy, and dedication. The mentors worked tirelessly alongside them, guiding and supporting every step of the way. The collaboration between artists and mentors was truly inspiring, showcasing the power of teamwork and perseverance. The show captivated audiences from start to finish, leaving them smiling and in awe of the incredible work done by everyone involved. We are beyond proud of our entire cast and crew for their hard work and unwavering commitment—Seussical Jr. will forever be remembered as a shining example of what can be accomplished when passion and dedication come together!
'22 Annie Jr.
Annie Jr.
March of 2022 marked a historic moment for the FoCAL Center as it hosted its very first Penguin Project show. The stage came alive with the talents of young performers, each with unique abilities, who poured their hearts into bringing a spectacular production to life. This milestone was a testament to the power of inclusion, determination, and creativity, as the artists and mentors worked hand in hand to create something truly special. The community rallied behind the production, showing unwavering support and excitement for the program's debut. That first show was more than just a performance; it was the beginning of a new chapter for the FoCAL Center, setting the stage for many more unforgettable moments to come.
Holocaust Remembrance
Overview of Past Events
The Daffodil Project | November 8, 2021
In 2021, Forsyth County Schools held the inaugural planting of 500 daffodils for The Daffodil Project, a worldwide living Holocaust Memorial to recognize the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust. The ceremony was held at The FoCAL Center and was attended by local elected officials, members of Congregation Beth Israel, and the OneForsyth Council.
- The Daffodil Project: https://www.daffodilproject.net/
- Watch the ceremony: FCS - Daffodil Project Planting Ceremony - YouTube
- Read about the ceremony: https://www.forsythnews.com/search/?q=daffodil+project
- View the event program: The Daffodil Project Event Program
The planting is held annually. Look for 24-25 information later this year.
Virtual Evening with Dr. Edith Eger | March 22, 2022
As of 2022, it is estimated that only 400,000 Jews who survived or fled the Nazis and their collaborators from 1933-1945 are alive worldwide. In partnership with Congregation Beth Israel, Forsyth County Schools hosted A Virtual Evening with Dr. Edith Eger in March. The presentation may be viewed (HERE).
A native of Hungary, Edith Eva Eger was just a teenager in 1944 when she experienced one of the worst evils the human race has ever known. As a Jew living in Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe, she and her family were sent to Auschwitz. Her parents were sent to the gas chambers but Edith’s bravery kept her and her sister alive. Toward the end of the war, Edith and other prisoners had been moved to Austria. On May 4, 1945, a young American soldier noticed her hand moving slightly amongst a number of dead bodies. He quickly summoned medical help and brought her back from the brink of death.