Meet our Fall 2024 Ensembles

Our Season of Invention is underway, and we can’t wait to get back into rehearsals to create something new together.

This fall, A.B.L.E. is hosting three ensembles. Each ensemble will collaborate to devise an original showcase centered on our season theme of INVENTION. With everything from dance to improvisation to personal storytelling, our shows are sure to be as unique as the people creating them!

Read on to meet the 61 actors, facilitators, and teaching artists who are shaping our work this semester, and learn more about what they’re inventing this fall:

Monday Ensemble

This semester, the Monday ensemble will use personal reflections, improv activities, and movement exercises to develop original characters and scenes that showcase the imaginations of the group. The Monday ensemble includes 12 actors ranging from founding ensemble members Sam and Emily to brand new actor John. They are supported by a stellar support team directed by TA’s Edmund (in his first semester with ABLE) and Kiaran with 7 returning facilitators and newcomers Erik and Erica!

We are excited to work with new venue partner, Gateway to Learning, for rehearsals this semester to bring our work closer to home for many longtime members of our team and ease rush hour traffic woes.

Save the date for this ensembles’ performance Friday November 1st at 7pm

Sunday Ensemble

Teaching Artists Kaylie and Braden have planned a thought-provoking semester exploring how we invent ourselves out in the world. Actors will develop scenes and movement pieces inspired by their own lives for a unique showcase. The ensemble includes 10 veteran actors who have all participated in various A.B.L.E. programs through the years, supported by a team of 8 volunteer facilitators - including newcomers Elizabeth and Rebecca!

Save the date to see what this ensemble invents on Saturday November 2nd at 2pm.

Virtual Ensemble

Our virtual ensemble is planning an electrifying adventure! Directed by Teaching Artists Katie and Melanie, we will use a series of drama games and activities to explore the rivalry between two famous inventors - Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. We’ll create some of our own characters to join in the battle of the currents, and create a mix of pre-recorded content and live scripted scenes to share in an interactive livestream. This ensemble includes a roster of 10 actors with all different levels of experience ranging from founding ensemble members Andrew and Rachel to new actors Kevin and Sophia. We have a stellar support team of 6 facilitators, including brand new volunteer, Brigid!

Join us live on YouTube on Saturday November 2nd at 7pm for our Interactive livestream event!

We are excited to reach new audiences and share our in-person performances in partnership with production sponsor, Filament Theatre.

Filament Theatre, on Chicago’s Northwest Side, has been creating innovative theater for young audiences since 2007. Filament’s mission is to create a more equitable society by celebrating and amplifying the perspectives and experiences of young people through the performing arts. Please visit www.filamenttheatre.org for more information.

A.B.L.E.’s 2024-2024 Season is partially supported by

and by generous individuals like you! If you would like to help us do all we are A.B.L.E. to do this season, click a button below to learn more about ways to support our programs.

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