Spotlight: JENNA RAPISARDA!

If you came to our show last weekend, you may have noticed several new faces up onstage. Not only were we joined by two new actors this semester, but we also have some new fabulous facilitators. This week, we're shining the spotlight on one of these new friends. This was just her first semester with us, but it feels like she's been with us a lot longer. She is proactive, positive, and brings great energy to both our Monday and Friday classes! Meet JENNA!

Name: Jenna Rapisarda

Birthday: April 8th, 1994

Hometown: Evanston, IL

How long have you been working with ABLE?: I just started working with ABLE this past semester!

Why did you start volunteering with ABLE? Had you done this type of work before? I have! I did a lot of work with this community in high school! I did Best Buddies after school, Book Buddies on my lunch period, and I was a gym leader during school. I also spent a couple summers working as an aid at a couple summer camps. My past work, and loves for theatre and inclusive environments led me to get involved with ABLE.

Jenna in a rousing game of Elephant/Alligator

Jenna in a rousing game of Elephant/Alligator

What’s your job when you’re not with us?: I’m an actor, so I do a lot of auditioning and taking classes when I can, and I work as a server in Lincoln Park to support myself!

What are some of your favorite hobbies?: I love to craft and make creative things when I have free time!! I am also a huge fan of TV, Shakespeare, seeing live music, and true crime.

Do you have a hidden talent?: It’s not kept too hidden, but I love to sing! It’s the talent I’m most proud of :)

Here's Jenna belting it out in a show :-) 

Here's Jenna belting it out in a show :-) 

Who is your favorite actor/performer? What do you like about them?: Right now I’m on the kid actors in Stranger Things train! They are all so talented at such a young age and can reach such depth and vulnerability in their performances. As an actor, I think there is a lot to learn from them.

If you won a million dollars, what would you do?: I would donate a lot, save a lot, and I would buy some fun/critical things for my new apartment!

What’s your go-to dance party song?: Since You Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson

IMG_0357.JPG

 

Thanks Jenna for all you do for our ensemble! We can't wait to work with you again next semester.

If you want to volunteer in class like Jenna, click here to read more about what our facilitators do and find out how you can join our team. 

Follow A.B.L.E. on Social

Continuing our look back in honor the 10th anniversary of #TempestJewelMovie. One of our favorite days of filming brought us to one of the oldest jazz clubs in the city - The Back Room. This club has been swinging with live music 7 nights a week sinc
A big #HappyBirthday to the one and only NATALIA! Natalia has been a fixture onscreen and onstage since 2015. She packs a huge stage presence into a small frame, and absolutely lights up when she is singing onstage. Natalia is also a natural leader,
Our Program Advisory Council had their last meeting of the year tonight. We focused on feedback and reflection from the past semester so we can be even stronger heading into the new year! . . . [ID: A screenshot from a Zoom meeting with 8 video squa
Thumbs up for our outreach team who wrapped up an 8-week residency at @misericordiahome today. Ari, Melanie, and Rachel worked with a group of residents every week to explore different roles in the theatre and build foundational performance skills. T
Clear communication and transparency are an important part of our values at ABLE. We’ve earned our Platinum Seal of Transparency for 2024 with @CandidDotOrg! Get updates on our impact through our #NonprofitProfile on Guidestar, or check out our
Did you mark your calendar yet for #GivingTuesday on December 3rd? Did you know that December 3rd is ALSO International Day of Persons with Disabilities? This year’s #IDPD theme is “amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities f