Today is #worldtheatreday. More then ever, we’re appreciating the value of what it means to come together as a community and create something. While you’re sheltering in place, why not relive some of A.B.L.E.’s best theatrical moments?
We’re adding to our Vimeo On-Demand Channel, so you can stream past theatre performances including Cyrano de Bergerac, and our feature films The Curse of the Tempest Jewel and The Spy Who Knew Me! Even better, your purchase helps support our programs so we can continue creating performance arts opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental differences. More titles are being added so check back often!
To get you started, we are sharing 3 exclusive shows that you can only watch here on ableensemble.com.
Our Winter 2018 devised shows were perfect examples of how theatre serves as a vehicle for our ensemble members to share who they are an all that they are A.B.L.E. to do with an audience. All 3 of these performances were built from the words and reflections of our casts. Grab some popcorn and enjoy….
Thereby Hangs A Tale
Whether good or bad, scary or exciting, change touches all of us. Over a 10-week rehearsal process, actors collaborated with a team of teaching artists and volunteer facilitators to reflect on change and transformation. By answering questions such as “what is something you wish you could change?”, “what has changed that you liked?”, and “who has helped you to make a change?” the group developed scenes, monologues and movement pieces inspired by their own lives. At times humorous, thought-provoking, and touching, these tales celebrate the moments that make us who we are. We had so many takes to tell, our ensembles presented two unique shows Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in December 2018.
The Most Sensational, Inspirational, Celebrational, ABLE-tational Variety Show
Meet the actors of A.B.L.E.'s first-ever ensemble for adults (ages 22+)! Supported by a staff of teaching artists and volunteer facilitators, actors collaborated over the course of ten weeks to build a Variety Show around their unique interests and the artists who inspire them. The ABLE-tational Variety Show featured songs, dances, scenes and monologues from a range of sources including The Muppets, to Shakespeare, to an original scene penned by one of the cast. The cast performed to a packed crowd in the Fasseas Studio at The Menomonee Club Drucker Center on December 11, 2018.
