Our Story... 
 

It started with a simple question: What if the magic of theater could be closer to home?

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For years, Lizz Hodgin drove her son Daniel from Santa Cruz to San Jose to participate in Angels on Stage, a theater program designed for individuals with disabilities. Daniel, who has Down syndrome, is quiet by nature and speaks with a stutter. Offstage, he tends to fade into the background. But something extraordinary happens when he steps into the spotlight: his voice becomes clear and strong. The stutter vanishes. His confidence soars.
 

“He’s loud, dynamic — there’s no stuttering or whispering. It’s like he becomes a completely different person,” Lizz recalls.

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That transformation was powerful to witness. And it planted a seed.

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In 2013, Lizz founded Miracles Santa Cruz, a free, inclusive theater program where individuals with disabilities could experience that same transformative joy — right in their own community. Her goal was simple yet profound: to create a space where performers are celebrated for who they are, where their talents can flourish, and where the arts are truly accessible to all.

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Now more than a decade later, Miracles Santa Cruz continues to thrive. Every Monday evening, participants gather at the Colligan Theater at the Tannery Arts Center, where the atmosphere is filled with encouragement, creativity, and camaraderie. The troupe welcomes performers aged 14 and older, with no previous theater experience required. What matters most is enthusiasm and a willingness to grow.

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Rehearsals are filled with moments of quiet bravery and joyful breakthroughs. Whether it's someone singing solo for the first time or confidently delivering a line, every step is met with applause and support. Performers cheer for one another, exchange high-fives, and build friendships that extend far beyond the stage.

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“At its core, this is about sharing what we love with a community we care deeply about,” Lizz adds. “It’s remarkable to see the joy that radiates from the stage — not just from the performers, but from everyone who walks through the door.”

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Miracles Santa Cruz invites you to be a part of that joy — to step into a story where possibility shines, and every voice matters.