In Santa Cruz, a uniquely joyful and heartfelt theater troupe has taken root, transforming lives through performance and community: Miracles Santa Cruz. This ensemble of performers with special needs shares more than a stage—they share a passion for storytelling, song, and self-expression. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves the spotlight, Miracles Santa Cruz brings creativity and inclusion to life.
Roots in Innovation: The Hope Services Connection
The troupe’s origins date back to a visionary program launched in 2009 by Mike Nichols at Hope Services: the Community Membership and Media Program. At its core, the program emphasized media and performing arts, offering creative writing and arts classes from the beginning. Inspiration for what would become Miracles Santa Cruz sparked one evening as Mike and a Hope Media crew filmed an interview at a book launch for Elaine Hall—founder of The Miracle Project and star of the Emmy-winning HBO documentary Autism: The Musical.
Elaine shared news of an upcoming statewide initiative to teach Miracle Project methods in community programs. Mike, already deeply moved by the documentary, applied to join—and was accepted into—a three-day intensive workshop with Hall and her team.
That experience became a catalyst. He began immediately implementing the approach at Hope, where it was so beloved that he envisioned something bigger: a theater troupe that would extend beyond Hope participants to include youth with disabilities from the wider community.
With Hope’s blessing, Mike used their downtown space in the evenings, and began marketing through the Regional Center and his network.
Although licensing prevented the use of the name “Miracle Project Santa Cruz,” they received permission to use the name Miracles Santa Cruz and acknowledge that they used The Miracle Project’s methods.
When Partnerships Spark Miracles
Around this time, Lizz Hodgin Weihrauch reached out to Mike—she was preparing to start a theater group for individuals with disabilities. They instantly recognized their shared vision. Working together, Miracles Santa Cruz was born.
The early days were filled with community generosity. Jenny Hasselman became a volunteer director after reading about the project in Good Times. UCSC students Katie and Jaclyn signed on to help. Mike even met Rick, their props master and a UCSC set designer, while book hunting at the Bargain Barn.
Longtime theater supporters Sylvia from Hope, and Steve, Mary, and Sandi Jo from the Senior Follies joined in too. A team formed organically, grounded in love for performance and inclusion.
And at the heart of it all? The actors. Their joy lit up every rehearsal. They played games, sang, danced, and even ended each rehearsal with talent shows for friends and family. A favorite memory: during the second season, 12-year-old Tyler dashed down the hall in fear at his first talent show. But after months of growth and practice, he proudly took center stage as the Tin Man, singing his heart out.
Each year, the troupe evolved. Jenny adapted Oh, the Places You’ll Go for their first season. Their second season offered a reimagined The Wizard of Oz with lots of changes and inspiration from the performers. Eventually, the performers were writing their own stories, a testament to how much the group grew creatively together.
Pandemic Pause and a Powerful Return
Like so many programs, COVID brought things to a halt. Rehearsals ceased, performances paused, and their beloved Hope Services space was lost. Mike moved away—though he continues theater work in Minnesota, where next week he’ll stage an original play, ARRGH!, with a cast of 40 actors with disabilities and a sold-out 500-seat audience!
Back in Santa Cruz, Lizz held onto the dream. A new opportunity arose with All About Theater and Lindsey Chester, who welcomed Miracles Santa Cruz into the Colligan Theater at the Tannery Arts Center. This beautiful venue is now the troupe’s permanent home—and the magic has returned.
A Joyful Comeback: June 2 Performance
On June 2, Miracles Santa Cruz roared back to life with a spectacular show. Ten passionate performers took the stage performing a self-written “This is Me!” for an audience of over 90, radiating joy, heart, and talent. The applause said it all: Miracles are real.
What’s Next? Rehearsals, Community, and New Performers
Rehearsals will begin again in September, and the group is welcoming new performers age 14 and up. Volunteers are also needed—for directing, backstage, costumes, set design and more.
This season’s team includes:
- Lizz Hodgin Weihrauch (Organizer)
- Brad Roades (Director)
- Isabella Steigman, Steve Ferro, Harvey & Kathleen Newman, Sierra Lebovitz (Volunteers)
Together, they make the magic happen.
Miracles Santa Cruz is not just theater—it’s empowerment, inclusion, creativity, and joy. And everyone is welcome to be part of the miracle.
If you or someone you know is interested in performing or volunteering, please contact Lizz at [email protected]
