On today’s blog, A.B.L.E. Actor and Program Advisory Council Member Eric Williams shares his experiences with A.B.L.E. Eric is a multi-faceted performer who has been part of our community in different ways since 2016. We’ll let him tell you more…
In November, I attended all 3 of A.B.L.E.’s Sparks of Invention showcases. I was an usher on Friday, in the audience on Saturday, and performed on Saturday night. I might be one of the few people - or possibly the only person - who accomplished this goal. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again! I like to challenge myself. In my personal life I'm trying to conquer the seven City Colleges of Chicago - so far I have attended classes at 5 of the seven schools. I'm strong-willed enough and brave enough to accomplish that task. I’ve learned I have to be brave to perform too.
A.B.L.E. in the audience at Saturday’s Sparks of Invention show. Photo by Jeff Kurysz
I started with A.B.L.E. as an audience member. The first time I went to an A.B.L.E. show was in 2016. It was Twelfth Night. At the time, I lived in the suburbs. But I wanted to see what it was all about. I wanted to cheer on Colleen and Rachel. I knew them through Special Olympics. After that, I wanted to come to everything I could. There weren’t places offering this kind of thing, and it made me think “I want to move back to the city and move up north!”
I wanted to see how I would do in the ensemble. I wanted to know what it was like to work with other people who are neurodivergent. Everybody who performs doesn’t have the same brain. It was amazing - the singing, the choreography, being silly, my teaching artists, Kiaran and Kaylie - It was so cool!
Eric performs with the Virtual Ensemble for Sparks of Invention.
This fall I did something new and was part of the virtual ensemble. Some people have been doing virtual since COVID-time, but it was new for me. Some people don’t like it because they’re not comfortable to have a camera in their home. They want privacy. But I was comfortable to have the camera in my apartment. A.B.L.E. let me borrow a iPad so I didn’t have to use my phone. My phone was grainy at times. I can use the iPad for the Program Advisory Council meetings too. The virtual ensemble is different because you meet people who are not in Chicago like Nette, Fletcher, and Jonathan. We performed a livestream on Saturday night for Sparks of Invention. I wrote a monologue to introduce our rap battle.
Every time I go to A.B.L.E. it's different, it's fun, it's amazing. My favorite parts of being at A.B.L.E. are the costumes and having fun. We play so many games. Some of my favorites are Banana Pancakes, Center of the Universe, and Here to There. I’ll try all the games. Some are more difficult than others, but part of being an ensemble is trying your best. The dance party is great too. I like having teaching artists helping me read my lines and work on my script. My speech therapist, Stacey, also helps me with my lines. She knows Jake too, and sometimes she will be in the audience to support us. The laughing, cheering, and support from the audience is everything!
I have also helped by ushering at performances and educating people about why is A.B.L.E. a wonderful program. I enjoy meeting new people and telling them what A.B.L.E. is all about. I have invited friends, family, or colleagues that haven't been to be an A.B.L.E. show before. People ask me “What is A.B.L.E.?” I say its a place for people who are neurodivergent - autism, ADHD, Down syndrome. It's a unique event. A.B.L.E. brings their A-game for supporting me and other neurodivergent actors. Whether you’re in the audience or doing rehearsal or performing onstage, you know you're going to have a wonderful time.
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