Hi A.B.L.E. Family & Friends,
I’m sure, wherever you are in the world right now, you’re feeling the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It has certainly been a whirlwind week for our Chicago community. A third of A.B.L.E.’s ensemble members were impacted by the quarantine of Vaughn Occupational High School announced on March 6th, and since then it feels like the news has been changing every second. Of course the health, safety, and security of our A.B.L.E. actors, staff, and volunteers is our top priority, and this time has been especially nerve-wracking since so many of our ensemble members are immunocompromised. Considering the most recent guidance from our local and national public health officials, A.B.L.E. has made the difficult decision to suspend regular rehearsals for through our previously planned spring break (April 10th).
There is so much fear, anxiety, and uncertainty right now. I believe these are the times when the arts can be the most valuable. It can lift your spirits to connect with your community, to know you have something to contribute, and to create something new. That is what A.B.L.E. has always been about. Our mission is more vital than ever.
So we need to be brave. We need to try something new....
That's why I am excited to announce that for the first time ever, A.B.L.E.'s curriculum is going digital! We have two new ways to connect, contribute, and create online:
Virtual Rehearsals:
Our ensembles will still meet on the same days at the same times as usual, but, for at least the next 3 weeks, we will use Zoom video conferencing to see and communicate with each other. Here is a video explaining this change to our actors.
A.B.L.E. At Home:
Our teaching artists and facilitators have created a video series featuring some of our favorite A.B.L.E. games. We'll release a new game every week so you can play with your family or housemates while you’re at home during this time. In our first installment, teaching artist Emma MacLean explains how to play a Mirroring game. This game can be played by just 2 people, but also works for a group. It's a great way to work on eye contact, body language, leadership skills, and teamwork. If you play at home, let us know how it goes! Take a photo or video and share it with A.B.L.E. on social media using the hashtag #ableensemble
A.B.L.E.’s Other Digital Content:
This is also a great time to re-discover some of our old content, including:
Rent or Purchase A.B.L.E.’s feature films - The Curse of the Tempest Jewel and The Spy Who Knew Me - to stream on Vimeo
Enjoy clips from past performances and behind the scenes rehearsal footage on YouTube
Rock out to Dance Party playlists curated by our ensemble members on Spotify including our brand new quarantine playlist “We Can Dance If We Want To”
This week has been challenging to say the least, and I'm sure there will be more challenging weeks ahead. But I have never been more proud to lead this organization. We know the performing arts can teach so many things - communication, adaptability, problem solving, teamwork, focus, and creativity among them. And I have seen all of these skills come to the forefront as we've navigated this unprecedented experience. I am so grateful for the ingenuity of our teaching artists, the steadfast energy of our volunteers, the resilience of our actors and their families, and our collective commitment to persevere in the face of the unknown. I am reminded of Miranda's words from The Tempest: “How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world, that has such people in it!"
This is a new world for all of us. There is still a lot we don't know, and we will have to learn as we go. But we can and we will learn together. Let's see what we can do...with freshly washed hands.
Take care of yourselves and each other,
Katie Yohe
A.B.L.E. Founder & Executive Artistic Director
