You can connect and create from anywhere!
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our teaching team re-imagined our programs for a virtual format. Virtual programming has become a mainstay of our programs, allowing us to engage ensemble members from far outside our home-base in Chicago. Our virtual ensembles have created a series of innovative digital projects ranging from Shakespeare-inspired webseries, to a downloadable story collection illustrated by the ensemble, to a feature-length film - all created and filmed entirely over Zoom.
Explore our digital projects below
Comedy of errors: the Webseries
A.B.L.E.’s teen ensembles reimagined Shakespeare’s tale of mistaken identity in a 5-part web series adapted by Braden Cleary.
o for a muse: A short story collection
A.B.L.E.’s adult ensemble - 12 actors with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities - have imagined 5 original tales inspired by 5 objects from famous Shakespeare stories - a crown, a ring, a lantern, a handkerchief, and a skull. These interactive storybooks feature illustrations by the ensemble, as well as games and activities for you to make your own version of each tale.
Anthology
Join A.B.L.E.’s ensembles for a series of 8 interactive video stories. As they narrate each tale, actors invite you to play with different objects from your home, and to act out different sights, sounds, and characters to bring each story to life.
Romeo & Juliet Remix
Clashes in the streets, people yearning for connection but being kept apart, a citywide plague...Shakespeare’s 400 year old tale feels as timely as ever, and even more so when told through the eyes of A.B.L.E.’s ensembles.Romeo & Juliet Remix weaves Shakespeare's words with original monologues, scenes, songs, and dances developed by the cast.
The Forms of Things Unknown
Gather around the campfire and get ready for some magic with the A.B.L.E. Ensembles.The Forms of Things Unknown is a collection of 8 original tales devised and performed by A.B.L.E.'s ensembles. Colorful animation, original music, and movement bring the tales to life.
Into the Underworld
Set sail with A.B.L.E.’s Virtual Ensemble to find a mysterious man named Odysseus. Co-directed by A.B.L.E. teaching artists Emma MacLean and Melanie Zehner, the film celebrates how sometimes you may start on one path, but wind up somewhere you never expected.
