The State Street Miracles are funded by a generous grant from The BOEING Company

The State Street Miracles is a performance troupe which highlights the performance artistry of adults with developmental disabilities.  The "Miracles" meet once a week on Mondays when the Theatre School in session. 

Music and dance are an incredible tool for communicating, and changing people’s attitudes. They are also a wonderful outlet, and form of expression for people of all ages and abilities.  But even more so for people with disabilities, who are often limited in their communication.

People with disabilities are often marginalized, socially, economically and artistically. While progress is being made on several fronts, with inclusion in schools, sports, and the work place, the world of arts and entertainment is still out of reach for people with disabilities.  Yet, the members of our performance troupe LOVE to perform, and they are uninhibited, joyful and enthusiastic about their music.

Their instructor, Roger Ricker, is often heard stating "Yes, we refer to this troupe as having developmental disabilities. But I like to say they have abilities. It's not everyone who has the talent, courage, and passion to stand in front of crowds of people to sing."

The State Street Miracles grew out of our Camp Media Theatre program, in the summer of 2006 we had 10 campers with special needs, primarily Down Syndrome, that enrolled in Camp Media Theatre over the age of 21.  Unfortunately, because we had no other specific program to offer them, they had to participate with children ages 5-16.  However, instead of being discouraged, without exception these special campers brought a spark and a joy to the camp with their passion for performing.  It was this passion and the effect that the staff at the Media Theatre wanted to create a group for these special people to showcase their talents and give them an outlet for performing year round.

The State Street Miracles were recently honored on the Senate Floor of the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg (March 2008), where they received a standing ovation that lasted for two minutes from the Senators. They were praised for their work and March was designated "Developmental Disabilities Month" in their honor. They performed at Media Theatre 11th Annual Gala this past February, as well as for the Media Borough Council, The Delaware County Council, The Rotary Club of Media, and performed the National Anthem at the local Special Olympics.  The current members of the State Street Miracles are Mary Jo D'Allesandro, Louise Kubicek, Brad Walgren,Brian Short, Jennifer Klapinsky, Erin, Jake Spencer,Kirk Anderson, Kim Watson, and Peter Crumb They opened for Beatlemania Now! at the Rose Tree Park Summer Concert Festival in 2007, where they will open for the Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band "Jimmy and The Parrots" in summer 2008. The Miracles adore singing and are terrific ambassadors for Media Theatre.

The State Street Miracles were the recently the focus of NBC 10's "Huggin's Heroes" segment and were the cover story for the Philadelphia Inquirer's Neighbors section in December '06.


If you would like to make a donation to help the Media Theatre continue to create and provide programs like the State Street Miracles Please visit out dontation page here.