Over the years, we've had almost 40 individuals work with us as volunteer facilitators. This past semester, we were very glad that one of our former facilitators was able to come back to rehearsals after a 2 year break. She is a marvelous musician, and experienced educator, and always happy to help however she can. Get to know Polly in today's spotlight!
Name: Polly Yukevich
Birthday: January 15, 1985
Hometown: Beaver, Pennsylvania-- just outside of Pittsburgh PA, the home of Mr Rogers.
How long have you been working with ABLE? Since 2015 but with two years away in Nebraska while I worked on my PhD.
Why did you start volunteering with ABLE? I was fortunate enough to get to work with ABLE the first time in conjunction with Chicago Children’s Theater when we both did “Wonderland”. I have never really worked with a group quite like ABLE. It makes my Friday nights so joyful-- and seeing all of the actors learn and grow together from year to year is very special.
What’s your job when you’re not with us? I'm the orchestra teacher at Lincoln Park High School where students in grades 9-12 how to play string instruments. I also teach private music lessons for instruments like the violin, ukulele, and french horn.
What are some of your favorite hobbies? I love making bread and cooking-- especially when I can share it with friends and family. I also really enjoy taking walks with my husband and dog, Freya-- I also like curling up on the couch and watching a show with them.
Do you have a hidden talent? Cleaning and organizing things-- I have a knack for it.
Who is your favorite actor/performer? What do you like about them?: My favorite actress has always been Julie Andrews-- since I was very young. What I like most about her is her ability to perform broadway musicals, small plays, and movies both comedic and dramatic with great poise. I was lucky enough to meet her several years ago, and she was so lovely, and kind and humble in person.
If you won a million dollars, what would you do? Skipping all the serious answers like paying bills and buying stuff for my mom, I think I would take a really nice vacation, and then take the rest of the money to start a coffee shop/cafe with my husband.
What’s your go-to dance party song?: "Pursuit of Happiness" by Kid Cudi
What else should we know about you? I just moved back to Chicago after two years working on my PhD in music education at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. I'm so excited to be back in Chicago and equally as excited to be finishing up my PhD this May. On Monday, December 11th, my orchestras at Lincoln Park have a concert at 7pm in the LPHS auditorium. We will be performing selections from "The Nutcracker" as well as a song from "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay.
