The Jesters

The Jesters of the University of St. Francis

Ranging in age from 6 to 26, the Jesters of the University of Saint Francis are challenged in varying degrees by muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, deafness, spina bifida, and Down Syndrome and other diseases. But their challenges-- most people will say-- seem to pale under the lights of the theater.

Since premiering on the University of Saint Francis (then St. Francis College) stage in December 1979, this creative drama troupe-- made up of mildly/moderately mentally and/or physically challenged young people-- has appeared in eleven musical productions across the country. Large and receptive audiences in Fort Wayne, New York City, Chicago, Indianapolis, Washington D.C., Toronto, Philadelphia, and The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and in many small Indiana towns and cities have been touched by their performances.

Playing before international conventions, on the public stage at the Embassy, or at home in the Gunderson Auditorium, they have garnered the respect of special educators, members of the medical community, and professionals from all walks of life. It is estimated that more than 20,000 people have witnessed their performances in such musicals as Heidi Pinocchio Alice Through the Looking Glass and more recently Grand Ole Opry, Star Search, Le Jazz Hot, and Celebrating Sullivan. Not surprisingly, they have received extensive coverage from the news media, as well as the loving acclaim and support of their family and friends.

The Jesters are directed by Jim Didier and Teresa Lamping and are assisted by University of Saint Francis students. The group was formed to give challenged young people an opportunity to develop creative expression and a positive self-image outside the school setting. During the past fifteen years, the directors have improvised many new acting techniques suitable to the abilities of each young person. The directors have also written original scripts so as to involve each child individually in the production.

During each production, the directors are assisted by University of Saint Francis students. Today, the Jesters are involved in all aspects of the theater, from acting to set design to publicity. Their directors and student volunteers have become their most-loved and trusted mentors.

Financial support for the Jesters has come from a variety of sources, including grants from the Indiana Federation Council for Exceptional Children, the Indiana Arts Commission, Very Special Arts of Indiana, and many private foundations and service clubs. Parents, friends and student volunteers have donated thousands of dollars and hours of time to make this the successful venture it has become. In the words of co-founder Hal Gunderson, who directed the Jesters for 13 years until his death in 1992, "The Jesters have gone beyond what we ever envisioned."

Mr. Gunderson's dream continues to live and grow because of the commitment of director, Jim Didier, and countless students, outside volunteers, Jester parents and friends.

The Jester's success lies in the dedication with which this project has been approached. The children, their parents, directors, and student volunteers have taken this special undertaking very seriously and everyone involved has benefitted from being a part of the Jesters.

"The Jesters has brought a new dimension to the lives of many children."

"The Jesters have changed my life!"

--Jesters Director

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