Theatre Workshops
Bring safe and transformative theatre and film workshops directly to disabled and neurodivergent individuals in your organization.
FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
About A.B.L.E. Theatre Workshops
Since 2016, A.B.L.E. has created innovative theatre and film projects for, with, and by actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
In our Theatre Workshops, we bring our methodology directly to your organization with on-site programs facilitated by qualified teaching artists. Our team has visited the Chicago Park District, NSSRA, Misericordia, NADs, and more!
We tailor every session to your group’s unique learning and communication styles. You can choose from any of our available topics to suit your group’s needs and interests. Along the way, we’ll nurture each individual’s confidence and creativity.
We have worked with:
One-time Workshops
One-time workshops are sessions that introduce fundamental theatre skills like improvisation, ensemble building, or puppetry. Choose from one of A.B.L.E.’s existing topics or customize sessions that cater to your participants’ interests, strengths, and goals.
Workshops:
- Are typically 90 minutes (though we can adjust to your timetable)
- Accommodate up to 12 participants ages 8 and up.
Residencies
Residencies are multi-day courses that allow a consistent group to collaborate as they explore a range of topics, dig deeper into a specific performance style, or even devise an original showcase! Through the creative process, the group can share their imaginations and strengths and build deeper connections with each other. Residencies can culminate in a presentation for invited guests.
Residencies:
- Range from 3 to 6 sessions, 90 minutes each
- Accommodate up to 12 participants, ages 15 and up.
Staff from the PACE Program at National Louis University
Staff at Misericordia
Theatre Workshop & Residency Topics
A.B.L.E. Theatre Workshops & Residencies can explore a range of performance styles and skills. Choose from one of our existing workshops or collaborate with A.B.L.E.’s programming staff to develop a bespoke curriculum built around your group’s interests, strengths, and goals.
Ensemble Building
Theatre requires listening and cooperation from everyone involved. This session focuses on games and activities that foster teamwork, social connection, and group bonding.
Physical Theatre
Break a sweat in team-building exercises aimed at encouraging movement and physicality. Actors will explore how to create characters and stories without needing to vocalize.
Characters & Genre
Actors explore how to use their voices and bodies to transform into different types of characters and tell different types of stories.
Improvisation
Working in pairs, small groups, and as a big team, actors will think on their feet and practice creativity and communication skills as they learn the basic rules of Improv: 1) say yes, 2) build on, 3) be generous, 4) be bold!
Devising & Storytelling
Take your skills to the next level as we work together to create original stories from scratch.
Shakespeare
In Shakespeare, everything is BIG: big emotions, big characters, big voices. Participants will explore their inner Royal, Lover, Warrior, and Jester and put their own spin on these classic archetypes through some of The Bard’s most famous scenes and speeches.
Puppetry
Puppetry brings awareness to breathing, posture, eye contact, and nonverbal communication. Participants will explore these concepts in their own bodies and through work with one—and three-person puppets.
On-Camera Acting
Get ready for your close-up! Using scenes and monologues from some of our favorite popular films, participants will learn basic film lingo while practicing skills for performing on the big screen.
Need Financial Assistance?
Check out our Partner Grant Toolkit for suggested language, metrics, and guidance in securing funding for performing arts programming with A.B.L.E.
Theatre Workshop FAQs
How much does it cost?
A.B.L.E. strives to offer high-quality instruction at an affordable rate for our partners. We understand that many potential partners may also be working with limited resources.
Need financial assistance? Check out our Partner Grant Toolkit for suggested language, metrics, and guidance in securing funding for performing arts programming with A.B.L.E.
Base Fees
Our base pricing includes instruction and materials for up to 12 participants for 90-minute sessions:
- 90-minute Workshop = $750
- 3-session Residency = $2,200
- 6-session Residency = $4,225
Supplementary Costs
We work with each partner to develop a customized experience. Fees may vary based on the number of days, participants, specialized equipment, or travel needed for your sessions.
Additional Staff
$150/session to meet our required 2:1 ratio, or for sessions with more than 12 participants
Specialty Material
$125/session for puppetry, on-camera, or specialized props and costumes
Mileage
$0.67/mile outside of Chicago city limits
ABLE T-shirts
$10/person
When do Theatre Workshops & Residencies take place?
Availability varies throughout the year. We have a range of daytime, evening, and weekend hours. Please book at least 6 weeks in advance for the best availability.
Where do Theatre Workshops & Residencies take place?
The host organization takes responsibility for securing a venue and requisite insurance. We do not need to be in a theatre, but we do need a room with open floor space (at least 650 square feet) and a suitable floor for movement (please, no concrete!). Facilities should be ADA-compliant and temperature-controlled. We can also facilitate sessions virtually via Zoom.
Who leads the sessions?
A.B.L.E. aims for a 2:1 ratio of actors to support in sessions. We provide 2 Teaching Artists and 1 Creative Associate who will co-lead sessions. Additionally, we ask the host organization to provide 1-3 staff members or volunteers to actively participate in the session and help your participants thrive. If the host organization is unable to meet this target, A.B.L.E. can provide additional staff for a supplementary fee.
What do participants need for a session?
Participants should wear clothes and shoes suitable for movement. Some participants may want to bring a favorite fidget or a journal to take notes. Otherwise, just bring yourself! A.B.L.E.’s teaching team will supply visual aids, props, and support materials.
What should we expect?
A.B.L.E. workshops incorporate a range of activities that engage the whole group as well as small group and partner work. The agenda will vary depending on the session topic. We will send a social story before your session with more details to help you prepare.
