Hello A.B.L.E. Community,
Well, the time has come, and I’m about to sign off on my last day as A.B.L.E.’s Executive Artistic Director.
It feels like time has flown since I shared my announcement publicly in February. But in between all the logistics that have been part of this leadership transition, in my final season, I had the honor of co-directing two very special projects – Frankenstein and The Time Capsule.
I am always happiest when I am in the rehearsal room with our actors. Since beginning our programs at GiGi’s Playhouse, I have produced and directed 38 different projects for the stage and screen, and this pair of shows were the perfect cap to that time. The themes of the productions helped me work through some important questions:
What happens when our creations take life without us?
What is my responsibility as a maker/creator?
What memories do I want to hold onto?
What do I want to leave behind?
I’ve thought a lot about these questions, but there’s one central question that I keep coming back to. It’s the question that led to my decision to leave this organization after the 16+ year journey of taking us from GiGi’s to an independent organization, from movie screens to Zoom screens to the Courtyard at Chicago Shakespeare, and storefronts across the city. It’s maybe not surprising that, since I’m the founder, A.B.L.E. and I are both facing the same critical question: what can I do within my capacity?
A.B.L.E. was founded to address the truth that there are so few meaningful creative and social opportunities for people with disabilities. The need for A.B.L.E.’s programs has always been greater than our capacity to deliver. Our programs have operated with a waitlist since the very beginning, with some actors waiting 3 years or even longer before they’ve been A.B.L.E. to participate.
For the folks who finally get to be a part of A.B.L.E., our programs are a haven, a place of belonging and connection. It’s natural, then, that our community keeps asking us for more. A.B.L.E. has tried to be lots of things for lots of people: social club, arts education provider, theatre producer, inclusive employer, accessibility training experts, traveling service providers, and more. Out of a love for our community, we’ve added more and more. But what are we really best at? And what can we sustainably continue to do?
In the coming months A.B.L.E. will need to refine and refocus the mission and strategy of the organization. With the curious and kind stewardship of our Interim Executive Director, Peter Handler, A.B.L.E. can hone in on a vision that honors the needs and wants of our community while balancing the realities of what is possible with a small staff and small budget.
Before my departure, I have worked with the Program Advisory Council, Haley, and our staff to map out the 2026-2027 artistic season. Fittingly, the season theme is Transformation. Stay tuned for a full season announcement next week. You can also save the date for a Town Hall on Monday July 13th at 6pm CST on Zoom. Sign up for our newsletter to get the link and learn more about the entire season plan, including how to register for the fall, and receive updates on the transition process.
There is so much more I could say. So many memories to share, and so very many people to thank. Over the years, 86 actors have worked with our core ensembles, and more than 175 volunteers have supported our work in rehearsals and front of house. We’ve worked with so many partners both large and small. I like to say “there are no jerks at A.B.L.E..” Even when we disagree, our community is bonded by a deep sense of care and collaboration. I am not exaggerating when I say that each and every one of you has made a difference to me and our organization.
If you saw The Time Capsule, you might remember a moment where the ensemble joined in trios and quartets around the stage performing different choreography while our facilitator Steve strummed the guitar and sang “Rainbow Connection” in the background. It was one of my favorite parts of the show. All the movement was developed by our actors from the prompt “tell me about a time you felt free.” It felt like a warm hug. And completely coincidentally, the song the ensemble chose to underscore this moment brought my A.B.L.E. journey full circle. In my very first blog post welcoming people to the A.B.L.E. community, I shared a quote from the inimitable leader and creative hero, Kermit the Frog:
“Well I have a dream too, but it’s about singing and dancing and making people happy. It’s the kind of dream that gets better the more people you share it with. And I found a whole group of friends who have the same dream, and that makes us sort of like a family.”
What a gift to live this dream with all of you. Thank you for believing in me, believing in this dream, and being part of my family. Now, my wish for A.B.L.E., and for all of you reading, is the same as my wish for myself as I head into this new chapter: let’s slow down, find the fun, and focus on what we are A.B.L.E. to do best.
I look forward to having one more dance party with our community tomorrow Wednesday July 1st, at The Understudy. You can join virtually starting at 7:15pm – contact Program Director, Haley, for the link.
With deep gratitude and hope for the future,
Katie Yohe
