The story begins years ago with founder Lizz Hodgin Weihrauch and her son Daniel.
For four years, most every Saturday Lizz and Daniel drove from Santa Cruz to San Jose so Daniel — who has Down syndrome and a stutter — could participate in a specialized theater program. While Daniel was naturally quiet offstage, the transformation under the lights was undeniable.
Miracles Santa Cruz invites the community to see “See Me, I Matter” on Feb. 7 at the Colligan Theatre.
“He’s loud, dynamic — there’s no stuttering or whispering,” Hodgin recalls. “It’s like he becomes a completely different person.”
Moved by that experience, Weihrauch partnered with colleagues Mike Nichols and Stephen Ferro to bring the same opportunity closer to home. Together, they founded Miracles Santa Cruz in 2013 with a shared vision: create a welcoming space where individuals with disabilities are celebrated, supported, and given access to the transformative power of the arts.
More than a decade later, that vision continues to thrive. Nichols has returned to the program and now leads Miracles Santa Cruz, while Ferro remains actively involved as a volunteer. Ferro’s son, Addan, who also has Down syndrome, participates in the program — bringing the founding story full circle.
The director of our current show, Brad Roades, is a local actor, director and script writer.
Roades wrote: “Miracles Santa Cruz has been one of the most rewarding theatrical experiences in my almost 60 years of theatre. Each performer brings a diverse set of talents and willingness to learn and participate that is refreshing. We have been able to create a show out of what interests them. Every week each performer picks a song to sing or dance to which is part of our process which we call showcase.
This group brings the most interesting and diverse music, from Disney to opera to current country music or reggae. We then help them take some of those showcase selections and then build a show around it. This year the major theme has developed into ‘See Me. I Matter.’ I encourage people to come and share the joy these performers have when they get a moment to shine.”
Every Monday evening, performers ages 14 and up gather at the Colligan Theater at the Tannery Arts Center. No prior theater experience is required — just curiosity, courage, and enthusiasm. Rehearsals are filled with breakthroughs: first solos, confident lines, and friendships that extend far beyond the stage.
Miracles Santa Cruz invites the community to be part of a story where possibility shines — and every voice truly matters.
Come see our show on Saturday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m. at the Colligan Theatre! Free Admission with a $20 suggested donation.
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If you are wanting to be a part of this or know more, email [email protected] or check out our website, miraclessc.com.
Colligan Theater at Tannery Arts Center: 1010 River St, Santa Cruz