This was our first week of the semester. This spring, A.B.L.E. has 4 ensembles serving a total of 35 actors ages 16-52 with a range of disabilities including Down syndrome, autism, and CHARGE syndrome.
After all the challenges and uncertainty of the past 2 years, we're trying something a little different this semester…. we're focusing the whole semester on PLAY! Each ensemble is on their own journey this semester. Lets see what they got up to in week 1:
Sunday Ensemble
The Sunday ensemble is totally in charge of their experience this semester. This week the Sunday ensemble did a “taste test” of the various options for topics they could explore. They worked in small groups to visit 4 stations: Shakespeare, Improv/Physical Theater, Puppetry, and Storytelling. Each ensemble member then voted on what they would like to work on this semester. Teaching artists Kaylie and Perry will use this feedback to shape their plans for the rest of the semester.
This week, we also moved a favorite Zoom game into the rehearsal studio: Over There! During the game Peter played a phenomenal robot which started a huge trend!
Monday Ensemble
The Monday ensemble will focus on a different theme every week like Collaboration, Imagination, and Movement with teaching artist Braden and Kiaran. This week’s theme was “WELCOME BACK.” The group played various games to get the ensemble back in the groove of being in person and working together. They utilized an extended dance party to help everyone “Shake It Off” and get used to the rehearsal space.
They also got to play a favorite in-person game: Center! This game gets us moving through the space and listening to directions. Many actors came up with some amazing ideas, and on his turn as the director, Lucas had the ensemble break a sweat by jumping 21 times!
Monday Virtual Ensemble
This week the Monday Virtual Ensemble was on the move from the moment they entered the Zoom Room until the end of “I Take”! They were busy exploring their adventure packs, using their magic wands, and getting back into the swing of class.
Our newest ensemble member, Selma, jumped in and volunteered to lead “Find Your Frame” even though she had never played it before.
During the rest of the semester, teaching artists Emma and Lawrence will guide this group in some fun role playing activities as they play with different characters like Wizards, Bards, and Barbarians, and, ultimately create their own characters.
The Monday Virtual ensemble including our newest actor Selma (2nd Row, first photo) and new facilitators Abby and Catherine (4th row, second and third photos).
Tuesday Ensemble
The Tuesday ensemble is our smallest group this semester with just 6 actors. We also have a new actor (Maggie) and a brand new teaching artist (Kal). This week, they focused on some cool ensemble games like Family Vacation and Center of the Universe to build cohesion as an ensemble. During the warm-up Justice enthusiastically participated in the game Pass the Name which really brought up the energy and the laughs for the ensemble!
At the end of rehearsal Kal and Katie asked the group to vote for how they’d like to spend the rest of the semester. Actors got to choose between Character Development, Song and Story writing, Shakespeare, Puppetry, Improv, and Movement. We’ll see how the rest of the semester flows!
The Tuesday ensemble pauses for a selfie taken by actor Samuel F.
