THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR Community is our top priority. Click here to read A.B.L.E.’s covid policies

The core of A.B.L.E.’s programs are ensembles for teens and adults with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Over the course of a semester, actors meet for weekly 90-minute rehearsals to hone their personal performance skills and develop the social skills necessary to contribute constructively to a group. Our performance ensembles have collaborated to create original plays devised by the cast, Shakespearean classics, one-of-a-kind feature films, and digital stories. Actors can share their imaginations with audiences, and claim ownership over stories which have not traditionally been “for” them. Watch some of our past projects here.

All sessions are structured to accommodate multiple learning and communication styles by incorporating a range of visual aids, sign language, and sensory tools. Rehearsals are staffed by 2 teaching artists and 3-5 volunteer facilitators for a 2:1 ratio of actors to support. This ensures everyone can enjoy the spotlight!

All spaces for our Fall 2024 ensembles are full. Stay tuned for information about our free Open Studios. Registration for Spring 2025 will open in January.

Ensembles meet for 2 semesters each year. The fall semester runs from late August to November, and registration takes place in July. The spring semester runs from late February through May, and registration takes place in January. To be notified when registration opens, sign up for our newsletter.