Guided by the vision of building more inclusive, empathetic communities, A.B.L.E. strives to give all of our community an active role in shaping the our work. The Program Advisory Council (PAC) is a really important part of this! The PAC is a group of actors, family members and volunteers who share their perspectives to support different initiatives including program budgeting, season planning, and community engagement. This season, we welcomed 4 new members to our Program Advisory Council. Today, actor Erin Harvey will share a little bit more about her first semester on the PAC!
Can you introduce yourself?
Hey, Erin Harvey here to talk about my first semester on the PAC - the Program Advisory Council. I joined A.B.L.E. for In the Wings in 2023, and then I was onstage for the first time in The Odyssey. I was Circe.
Erin kneels center stage at Chicago Shakespeare Theater and sings a song as Circe. Through our devising process, she chose the song “Colors of the Wind” to introduce the powerful sorceress to the audience. She says it was a good choice because it is about respecting differences and looking for deeper understanding.
Why did you decide to join the PAC?
I decided to join the PAC to help those who have learning challenges.
The PAC meets once a month to make plans, share ideas, and follow up on different projects. What happens in the PAC meetings? Can you share a little more about what you do?
For the PAC meetings, we have lots of checklists that we go through every month. We also can sign up for bonus shifts. I volunteered at Applefest. We greeted people at the gate, and it helped to raise money for A.B.L.E. I also went to the Hyde Park Farmer’s Market. At the farmer’s market I talked to people to get them to support A.B.L.E. as an actor or as a volunteer or to make donations.
Erin and her mom Nancy (in the top right corner) smile for a screenshot at the last PAC meeting. They are joined by ABLE’s Program Manager Beth, Executive Director Katie, Facilitator Shannon, Teaching Artist and PAL Kaylie, Facilitator Kate, Actor Eric, and Board Trustee Mary Kate.
Erin and Creative Associate Colleen sit together at a table under a big red tent at the Hyde Park Farmer’s Market. On the table are different handouts and information about ABLE. Next to the table, a big stand up banner features photos from rehearsal and information about our mission.
The Program Advisory Council worked together to plan a field trip to see The Wizard of Oz in concert at The Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In this picture, Erin and 10 members of the A.B.L.E. community pose for a group photo infront of a backdrop of the Emerald City.
This fall, Erin and the PAC also worked with Just Stories Chicago to create a series of videos sharing more about A.B.L.E.’s work. Here’s a close up of Erin as she speaks passionately about inclusion and being part of a team. Glowing lights wrap around the balcony behind her. Scroll down catch one of the videos from this series.
What are you looking forward to in the spring semester?
I’m going to be in the production of Frankenstein at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. I’ve never dressed like a punk before - this will be my first time doing that. Theatre is fun because we get to wear different costumes and try being someone new.
Why is the Program Advisory Council Important?
It is important to show support for everyone. And to give them respect. We want to show acceptance for those who are different.
