In the year 2000, the Board of Directors of the Arcadia Theater expanded their mission to include the cultural needs of the children of the Greater Johnstown and surrounding regions through live children's theater.  The "Coal-ala-Bear" Series name was derived to honor the coal heritage of Windber, PA (home of the Arcadia Theater).  In 2001, the Whalley Charitable Trust made a commitment to support the series.