We want everyone to be able to connect, to contribute, and to create. As an ensemble, we all have to work together and support each other in rehearsals and onstage. That sense of collective care extends to our entire community - our actors, facilitators, and teaching artists who are in rehearsal, our audiences, and the loved ones they go home to.
In addition to our actors being considered high risk for COVID-19 and other illnesses under CDC guidelines, many other members of our community - staff, teaching artists, volunteers, and audiences - may also be immunocompromised, or have family members in their home who are at risk of getting very sick.
We know everyone is involved in a range of activities outside of A.B.L.E. and may face varying levels of exposure. For that reason, A.B.L.E. has enacted a comprehensive protocol for all staff, volunteers, and program participants to mitigate the risks of exposure while participating in our programs. We recognize these policies are more conservative than some others, but it is our hope that the most vulnerable members of our community will feel safe and supported to participate in-person at A.B.L.E.
This page has key points from our comprehensive COVID-19 Policy, which you will need to review and acknowledge before registering for any in-person sessions. A.B.L.E. will continue to offer virtual programming, screenings, and trainings for those who need or prefer to participate in that way.
We need all staff, volunteers, and participants to:
Self Screen
It is not fun or productive to attend rehearsal if you are not feeling well. Anyone coming to A.B.L.E. programs should be able to say “NO” to the following self-screening questions:
Have you experienced any symptoms like fever, sore throat/cough, congestion, difficulty breathing, headache, congestion, vomiting or diarrhea in the past 3 days?
Have you been in close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19? (Close contact is defined as within 6 feet for more than 10 consecutive minutes).
Have you traveled at any point in the past seven (7) days either internationally or to a community in the U.S. that is experiencing a HIGH community spread of COVID-19?
Mask up
Masks are recommended at A.B.L.E. rehearsals or sessions with more than 10 people, and may be required for gatherings over 100 people. This is to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community feel safe to attend gatherings, and do not feel singled out.
A.B.L.E. will have a limited number of KN95s available at each rehearsal for those who forget to bring their own.
Test when needed
Many theatre activities require close contact in rehearsal, and increased breathing, as well as performing in crowded indoor venues. For this reason, A.B.L.E. may implement screening testing for actors, staff, and volunteers at key times in the season (for example before a performance, or returning from breaks). In these cases, A.B.L.E. will provide rapid test kits at our expense. You may also opt for a PCR or laboratory test from your healthcare provider.
Get boosted
While A.B.L.E. does not currently require proof of vaccination for participation in its programs, it is possible that our programming or venue partners may do so. If necessary, proof of vaccination may be uploaded at bit.ly/ABLEcovid
Communicate
Communication is important onstage, and in keeping our community healthy. Just like in rehearsals, we have to work together and be respectful. If you have symptoms, diagnosis, or close contacts of COVID-19, please contact A.B.L.E.’s Executive Director, Katie, as soon as possible so we can start contact tracing and make a plan for returning to rehearsal.
We ask you to share changes openly with us and we’ll share with you, too.
A.B.L.E.’s COVID policies are reviewed and adjusted each semester by A.B.L.E.’s Program Team and Board of Directors. In setting policies, A.B.L.E. considers feedback from our participants, their caregivers, and our volunteers. We also consult with our peer theater companies who work with the disability community, and disability advocates.
These policies are subject to change pending advice from the CDC, World Health Organization, Illinois Department of Public Health, and Chicago Department of Public Health, as well as requirements set forth by A.B.L.E.’s partner organizations.
