THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. CLICK HERE TO READ A.B.L.E.’S Health and safety POLICIES

Join A.B.L.E. as we continue our season of INVENTION!

Over the course of 6 rehearsals, each Showcase ensemble will play with different performance styles and storytelling techniques to devise a cabaret that highlights the unique interests and talents of the group.

Anyone ages 15 and up can participate in our showcase ensembles - whether you are brand new to A.B.L.E., coming back from a break, or have been part of our ensembles for years. We have new times and locations to offer, and, with our virtual ensemble, you can participate from anywhere!

Please carefully review the dates, times, and locations listed below to see which ensemble is right for you.

Theatre-making is a team effort. We expect that anyone who commits to an ensemble will make rehearsal a priority. If you anticipate you will miss 2 or more rehearsals, we recommend you take this semester off to make space for another actor. If you have already registered for Frankenstein, you do not need to register for a showcase ensemble.

We’re excited to see you and all you are A.B.L.E. to do!

Sunday Ensemble with Ari & Perry

11am-12:30pm CST

The Menomonee Club Drucker Center - 1535 N. Dayton St, Chicago IL 60642

Orientation: February 9 (a parent or caregiver should plan to attend this session with your actor)
Rehearsals: February 16, February 23, March 2, March 9, March 23, March 30 (no rehearsal March 16)
Showcase: Friday April 4 at The Understudy (actors called at 6pm, show at 7:30pm)

Registration will open Monday January 6 at 9am

Monday Ensemble with Kiaran & Perry

6:30pm-8:00pm CST

At Gateway to Learning - 4925 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago IL 60625

Orientation: February 10 (a parent or caregiver should plan to attend this session with your actor)
Rehearsals: February 17, February 24, March 3, March 10, March 17, March 31 (no rehearsal March 24)
Showcase: Saturday April 5 at The Understudy (actors called at 6pm, show at 7:30pm)

Registration will open Monday January 6 at 9am

Monday Virtual Ensemble with Lawrence & Melanie

6:30pm-8:00pm CST

Zoom

Orientation: February 10 (a parent or caregiver should plan to attend this session with your actor)
Rehearsals: February 17, February 24, March 3, March 10, March 17, March 31 (no rehearsal March 24)
Livestream Showcase: Monday April 7th (actors called at 6:30pm, show at 7:30pm)

Registration will open Monday January 6 at 9am

Each ensemble can accommodate a maximum of 10 actors. All spaces are filled on a first come, first served basis. Register early to avoid disappointment. Registration must close Tuesday January 21st at 5pm

Registration will open Monday January 6 at 9am

FAQs

A.B.L.E.’s suggested pricing is $175 for the 6 week semester.
A.B.L.E. is committed to ensuring our programs are financially accessible for everyone. You can self-select the pricing that works for you at registration - ranging from full price to free. We also offer payment plans.
Additionally, A.B.L.E. offers a Technology Assistance Initiative to help our ensemble members participate in Virtual Programming. We can loan equipment like iPads, laptops, hotspots, or WiFi boosters to help you connect during rehearsal. You can request support during registration.
A.B.L.E. welcomes participants who identify as having an intellectual or developmental disability such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or autism.
Our Showcase ensembles welcome actors ages 15 and up
A.B.L.E. sessions are 90 minutes. Activities vary every week, but every rehearsal (even the ones on Zoom) follow the same basic format, so you’ll know what to expect:
1) Dance Party
2) Warm up
3) Check In
4) Group Activities
5) Check Out
6) Closing
You will receive a social story with more details before your session.
Yes! we really believe everyone is A.B.L.E. to connect, to contribute, and to create. But we also know everyone learns and communicates in different ways. Over the years, we have developed a methodology that ensures everyone is able to enjoy the spotlight, regardless of literacy, communication style, or short-term memory.
We build our sessions around the strengths and interests of our performers. AAC devices are welcome and encouraged, as is sign language. You don’t need to be able to read a script. And if you can’t memorize a monologue, that’s okay too.
Some of the tools we use to engage different learning styles in rehearsal include:
*Social Stories
*Visual aids
*Sign Language
*Sensory supports like fidgets, headphones, or sunglasses
*A 2:1 ratio of actors to support staff
That said, A.B.L.E. staff cannot provide bathroom assistance or administer medications.
If you are new to A.B.L.E. (even if you’re not new to theatre), In the Wings is the perfect place to start! This shorter course is a greta way for us to get to know you and your support needs, and for you to build some relationships, and learn some of the key activities and vocabulary used in our creative process.
We will also have a bit more paperwork for you before you can get started.
1) Sign and return our program waiver and photo release forms.
2) Schedule a 20 minute introductory call with a member of our programming team and one of our veteran ensemble members. This is a time for you to ask questions and get to know us and how we work!