We are still glowing from our ensembles’ sold out performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

#ABLEdream was a perfect way to finish off our season of connection. 330 audience members joined us on Navy Pier for a weekend of workshops and performances. Our end of semester shows are such an important time to bring our community together, and to celebrate the growth and hard work of our entire team. Each of the 62 Actors, Teaching Artists, Creative Associates, and Volunteer Facilitators who were part of Midsummer connected with the audience in a unique and special way. Today, we will share just one actor’s story so you can get a peek at the communication, trust, and magic that goes into an A.B.L.E. show….

Meet Peter Grzeslo!

Peter's mom, Ines, spoke with us, and shared a little bit about Peter, who has been an Ensemble member since 2017. She says, "Oftentimes, Peter is misunderstood because of his unique expressive communication technique. When Peter is listening, it can look like he is in his own world, but he isn’t. That is just how he processes information that is presented to him verbally. He takes it in, on his own time. He gets it and it makes sense. He listens, observes and processes all that is happening around him."

Peter, and all A.B.L.E. actors, receive individualized support to help them achieve their best. For example, the Sunday ensemble Teaching Artists Katie and Perry developed a visual cue light system to use backstage to let him know when he could rest, when he had to be on-deck, and when it was time to get onstage. He also had a one-page picture story for each one of his scenes to remember who he was speaking to and the big emotions of the scenes. Ines shares the benefits of these personalized accommodations: "Peter took it to the next level this year! He showed everyone, 'I am here, I want to make you laugh, and these people (ABLE teaching artists and volunteers) know how to help me show it to you!'

Part of A.B.L.E.’s methodology is something we call “Dropping In.” Rather than pressuring actors to memorize lines, each actor partners with a Teaching Artist or Facilitator for their role. They say the line and the actors can repeat back, adding their own flair and personality. For an actor like Peter, who communicates primarily through signs, movement, and vocalizations, this can also help draw the audience into a circle of understanding. A.B.L.E. Executive Artistic Director and Teaching Artist, Katie Yohe, partnered with Peter for the Sunday performance. She says: "As Puck, Peter was the first actor onstage for the Sunday show, and the way the crowd greeted him was truly the thing that theatre dreams are made of. Peter’s first line was to come out and greet the crowd with a mischievous laugh and a big ‘hello.’ He stood still for a bit taking them all in. Someone, somewhere in the crowd said ‘hello’ back to him, which kickstarted this big round of applause and cheering just for Peter. It’s the kind of magic that can only happen in live theatre, and it was exactly what he needed.”

Peter gives a hearty laugh as he connects with the crowd in his first appearance.

Ines recalls this moment too, saying “Peter proves that given the right environment and right support, he can shine. When he got the crowd to clap, he makes everyone else feel good about themselves, he loves entertaining audiences. When Peter smiled, I knew the look in his eyes, when he connected with the audience!”

A.B.L.E. is proud to give each actor the opportunity to be themselves, build trusting relationships, and connect in meaningful and personal ways. Peter’s story also highlights how important our audience is to our actors’ journeys. Your laughter, your applause, your cheers make our work complete. We need your support to continue this vital programming, and bring more stories to the stage.