Our History
Ten years ago, a little girl was in a community theatre summer musical with adults and lots of “orphans.” She was alone and did not play with her friends in the green room, laying down instead of lining up with her peers to go on stage. When the girl walked on stage, she moved dangerously close to the edge, as if she would fly off. Two pediatric therapists, who were also in the cast, quickly recognized her uniqueness, and the next day, they brought in a bear to serve as a special prop. This bear was different because it had fishing weights sewn into it to provide sensory support so the girl could perform—and she did, just like her friends. And thus, the concept of STEP VA was born.
STEP VA’s mission is to empower people with disabilities and their families through creative expression and sensory exploration. We offer our participants with disabilities classes and musical theater productions, giving them an opportunity to bloom from shy individuals, often judged by their disability, to confident young people with strong leadership skills.
We provide caregivers with workshops to explore the many resources in our community and to share experiences that have made a difference in the parenting journey. We strengthen our community through our volunteer program, by training future members of the workforce on how to support and advocate for people with disabilities.
Every facet of STEP VA comes back to meeting people where they are and celebrating their successes every step of the way.
Press Release Archives
First of Its Kind Musical Debuts this Spring
February 16, 2022
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STEPVA Announces New Musical
February 27, 2022
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Sensory-Friendly Shakespeare Coming to Fredericksburg, One Day Only
March 23, 2022
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STEPVA Cast Spotlight Mackenzie Walker and Joey Sergi
April 7, 2022
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STEPVA Cast Spotlight Alexander Siegling, Matthew Ruffalo & Hannah Wages
April 10, 2022
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STEPVA Cast Spotlight Tarrin Hoban and Presley Levasseur
April 12, 2022
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Cast Spotlight Meredith Archer and Ellie Devito
April 13, 2022
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Cast Spotlight: Bridget Syed and Warrick Couture
April 14th, 2022
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Cast Spotlight Hannah Wages and Raymond Nelson
April 15, 2022
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STEPVA Cast Spotlight Katie La Salle, Ryan O'Meara, and Isaac
April 15, 2022
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Cast Spotlight Emilia Michaud and Noah King
April 16, 2022
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First of Its Kind Musical Debuts this Spring
April 16, 2022
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Cast Spotlight Noah Finch and Joey Guyton
April 17, 2022
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Cast Spotlight Noah Finch and Joey Guyton
April 17, 2022
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Behind the Scenes: STEPVA Stage Crew Instrumental in Bringing Musical to Life
April 18, 2022
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STEPVA Cast Spotlight Noah Finch & Carson Baiz
April 19, 2022
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Cast Spotlight The “Rafiki” Players
April 21, 2022
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Stage Debut of “A Special Covid-19” an Indubitable Success
April 22, 2022
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Cast Spotlight_ The “Rafiki” Players
April 24, 2022
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Cast Spotlight Meredith Archer & Emilia Michaud
April 25, 2022
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STEPVA Cast Spotlight_ Raymond Nelson and Rachel Crowley -
April 27, 2022
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STEPVA Cast Spotlight Reeve Watson & Noah King
April 29, 2022
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STEPVA Cast Spotlight Imani
April 30, 2022
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