FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The Jesters program of the University of Saint Francis welcomes registrations for the 2026-27 season.
This interdisciplinary performing arts program is open to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), ages 8 and older. The program meets weekly during the school year and presents an original performance for the community in March.
Registration continues through Sept. 30. The registration fee is $100 with scholarships available. To request registration forms, contact Saint Francis Creative Arts Manager Molly McGowan at mmcgowan@sf.edu or 260-399-8064. For more information, contact Jesters Director Allison Ballard at aballard@sf.edu.
The Jesters program will begin on Saturday, Sept. 12 and will meet each Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Saint Francis North Campus, 2702 Spring Street. Morning activities will include dance/movement, theater/improvisation, storytelling and music (instrumental and voice). Optional afternoon sessions in visual arts, choir and dance/theater will be offered from 1 to 2 p.m. Only those enrolled in the morning program are eligible to attend the afternoon classes.
The Jesters will meet on Saturdays from Sept. 12 through Dec 5. The program will break for the holidays on Nov. 28, Dec. 12, Dec. 19, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. The program will resume Jan. 9 and continue meeting on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through March 13.
The 2027 performance will be held March 13 and 14 at the University of Saint Francis San Damiano Hall (formerly North Campus).
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. The academic structure at Saint Francis offers seven pathways: Humanities, Faith and Liberal Arts; Allied Health; Business and Leadership; Creative Arts and Digital Media; Education, Human Services and Community Care; Nursing; and Sciences and Medical Studies. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis delivers workforce development healthcare programs in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis, Lafayette and online. Saint Francis Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. A National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Five-Star Champion of Character institution, Saint Francis has 21 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.