Jesters

Jesters Jesters is a performance troupe of community members with mild to severe developmental and physical disabilities ranging in age from 8 to seniors.

Sponsored by the University of Saint Francis since its founding in 1978, the Jesters is a performing group comprised of people with mild to severe developmental/physical disabilities ranging in age from 6 to seniors. Each year, the program provides 20 weeks of customized, structured movement/dance, music (instrumental/voice), theater and visual arts activities from September to March. From Septemb

er to December, all the Jesters meet from 10 a.m. to noon at the North Campus building to participate in movement, dance, theatre and music activities. From noon to 2 p.m., Jesters who want to participate in visual arts activities bring a sack lunch and are transported to USF’s Rolland Arts Center building. Each spring the Jesters program culminates in an original production performed by Jesters participants. Jesters who want to participate in this performance opportunity are expected to regularly attend the Jesters program on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., January through March. The mission of the Jesters is to engage individuals with disabilities in the creative arts to enhance their quality of life. The vision is to develop self-expression, self-esteem, socialization and other life skills while providing learning opportunities to the USF community and the community at large. As a result of the program, participants achieve the following outcomes:
Gain creative tools for self-expression
Gain artistic skills in movement/dance, music (instrumental and vocal), theater and visual arts
Enhance self-esteem and gain a sense of belonging
Experience healthy social relationships
Experience positive use of leisure time
Enhance life skills such as focus, time management, responsibility and communication
Experience positive interaction with volunteers, students and family members
In addition, the program provides the following opportunities and benefits to students, volunteers, caregivers and the community:
Enhanced community involvement
Meaningful volunteer opportunities
Increased skills in working with people with special needs
Enhanced positive interactions and healthy relationships with people with special needs
Increased understanding/skills of how performing arts/visual arts activities can be used to enhance positive outcomes for people with special needs
Respite and an informal support network for caregivers

A lot of thought went into the costumes for I Declare! Here are some behind the scenes photos that really show them off!
05/01/2026

A lot of thought went into the costumes for I Declare! Here are some behind the scenes photos that really show them off!

If you saw I Declare! then you already know that the Jesters are "triple threats" (singers, actors, and dancers.) They a...
04/27/2026

If you saw I Declare! then you already know that the Jesters are "triple threats" (singers, actors, and dancers.) They also bring so many other skills to each show! Here is some of the visual art they made this year!

I Declare! gave the Jesters a chance to rewrite history. The performers who played historical characters did a lot of re...
04/23/2026

I Declare! gave the Jesters a chance to rewrite history. The performers who played historical characters did a lot of research to make sure they understood their characters!

When putting together our big show each year, a lot of thought goes into the stage lighting! Here's a few pictures where...
04/19/2026

When putting together our big show each year, a lot of thought goes into the stage lighting! Here's a few pictures where the lights really help the Jesters shine!

We hope you had as much fun watching "I Declare!" as we did putting it on! Here are a few pictures from our last rehears...
03/15/2026

We hope you had as much fun watching "I Declare!" as we did putting it on! Here are a few pictures from our last rehearsal!

The last rehearsal for I Declare is about to begin! We have put in a lot of hard work, and can't wait to show the people...
03/07/2026

The last rehearsal for I Declare is about to begin! We have put in a lot of hard work, and can't wait to show the people we love!

02/14/2026
The pieces are all coming together for this years show! Here's a few pictures of what we've been working on!
02/11/2026

The pieces are all coming together for this years show! Here's a few pictures of what we've been working on!

Putting together a stage show is hard, but it's worth it! What's something you do that's hard, but worth the effort?
02/07/2026

Putting together a stage show is hard, but it's worth it! What's something you do that's hard, but worth the effort?

Here's a few things we've been working on lately! The music for this years show is really coming together.
01/31/2026

Here's a few things we've been working on lately!
The music for this years show is really coming together.

Address

2701 Spring Street
Fort Wayne, IN
46808

Telephone

+12603997700

Website

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