Ensembles
Our ensembles offer a safe and supportive community space for actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities like Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy to foster independence, practice teamwork and communication, and express creativity through live performance.
About A.B.L.E. Ensembles in Chicago
Our ensembles are a place where difference is celebrated and everyone is A.B.L.E. to shine—on and off stage.
Over the course of a semester, actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities meet for weekly rehearsals to hone their personal performance skills and build supportive relationships. We explore a range of performance styles from puppetry to improvisation to dance and music to showcase the strengths and interests of our performers and create one–of-a-kind showcases and performances.
We believe everyone is A.B.L.E.
to CONNECT
Collaboration is a key part of the process. At every rehearsal, we recite our ensemble pact and remind each other of our promises to work together and support each other. We practice saying “YES, AND!” — meaning we accept and build on each other’s ideas. The ensembles forge tight-knit, supportive relationships.
to CONTRIBUTE
A.B.L.E. recognizes that support looks different for everyone, so our skilled teaching artists and facilitators tailor our approach around each actor’s unique needs. We incorporate a range of visual aids, sign language, and sensory tools to ensure meaningful involvement and participation for participants with different learning and communication styles. All Rehearsals are staffed by 2 teaching artists and 3-5 volunteer facilitators for a 2:1 ratio of actors to trained support to ensure everyone has the support they need to contribute.
to CREATE
Aside from the roles you might see them in onstage or on screen, our actors develop numerous talents in rehearsals, including writing monologues and scenes, choreographing movement pieces, directing scenes, and bringing their imaginations and perspectives to the forefront.
Virtual Ensemble
Registration for fall 2026 opens this Sunday, July 19th at 10:00am CST.
Questions? Read our FAQs or contact our program team.
Find the applied theatre program for you.
We offer different types of ensemble theatre for adults with disabilities to engage actors of various ages, interests, and experience levels.
Showcase Ensembles
In-person courses for anyone looking for a fun social and creative opportunity. In these play-based sessions, we’ll learn foundational theatre skills and build relationships. The semester culminates in a 30-45 minute showcase for friends and family.
AGES: 15+
PREREQUISITES: None!
SUGGESTED FEE: $175
Virtual Showcase Ensembles
Our virtual ensemble Zooms in from across the country for weekly sessions. Actors transform their homes into film sets, go on collaborative adventures, play games, and create short-form film projects.
AGES: 15+
PREREQUISITES: None!
SUGGESTED FEE: $175
Performance Ensembles
Over the course of a semester, actors participate side by side with a staff of teaching artists and volunteer facilitators to create a larger performance piece staged at a professional theatre. Some preparation outside of rehearsal is expected every week.
AGES: 22+
PREREQUISITES: At least two previous A.B.L.E. sessions, one in the past 12 months.
SUGGESTED FEE: $475
Workshops and Short Courses
Join A.B.L.E.’s teaching artists and special guest artists to explore different performance styles and special skills in these experiential 2-hour sessions and short courses.
AGES: 15+
PREREQUISITES: None!
SUGGESTED FEE: $30/session
Financial Assistance
A.B.L.E. is committed to ensuring our programs are financially accessible for everyone. We will never turn anyone away because of finances. At sign-up, you will be able to choose a pricing scale that works for you. You will also have the option of setting up a payment plan at checkout.
Actor FAQs
Have questions about our programs or need help deciding if A.B.L.E. is the right fit for you?
Who can participate in A.B.L.E?
A.B.L.E. welcomes participants who identify as having an intellectual or developmental disability, such as Down syndrome or cerebral palsy, or who are autistic and neurodivergent.
A.B.L.E.’s Showcase Ensembles are open to participants ages 15 and up. Most of our actors are currently in their 20’s or 30’s.
What happens in a rehearsal?
Activities vary every week, but every rehearsal (even the ones on Zoom) follow the same basic format, so you’ll know what to expect:
- Dance Party
- Warm up
- Check In
- Group Activities
- Check Out
- Closing
You will receive a social story with more details before your session.
Do you really think everyone can do this? What if I struggle with memorizing lines? What if I communicate best non-verbally? Can I still join?
Yes, we really believe everyone is A.B.L.E. to connect, to contribute, and to create. But we also know everyone learns and communicates in different ways. Over the years, we have developed a methodology that ensures everyone is able to enjoy the spotlight, regardless of literacy, communication style, or short-term memory.
We build our performances to play to the strengths and interests of our performers. AAC devices are welcome and encouraged, as is sign language. You don’t need to be able to read a script. And if you can’t memorize a monologue, that’s okay too.
Some of the tools we use to engage different learning styles in rehearsal include:
- Social Stories
- Visual aids
- Sign Language
- Sensory supports like fidgets, headphones, or sunglasses
- A 2:1 ratio of actors to support staff
That said, A.B.L.E. staff cannot provide bathroom assistance or administer medications.
How much does A.B.L.E. cost?
A.B.L.E.’s suggested pricing is:
6 week Showcase Ensemble = $175
12 week Performance Ensemble = $475
We know that individuals with disabilities and their families may face many financial challenges. A.B.L.E. is committed to ensuring our programs are financially accessible for everyone. Registration for our ensembles is pay-what-you-can. You can self-select the pricing that works for you at registration – ranging from full price to free. We also offer payment plans for our semesters.
Additionally, A.B.L.E. offers a Technology Assistance Initiative to help our ensemble members participate in Virtual Programming. We can loan equipment like iPads, laptops, hotspots, or WiFi boosters to help you connect during rehearsal. You can request support during registration.
Where and when are rehearsals and perfomances?
A.B.L.E. is an itinerant company and works with several different venue partners around the Chicagoland area for rehearsals, and performances. Every session is different. Some of our frequent collaborators include:
- The Menomonee Club in Lincoln Park
- Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier
- The Edge Theatre in Edgewater
- Gateway to Learning in Lincoln Square.
We also offer Virtual sessions that rehearse via Zoom, so you can participate from anywhere!
How can I sign up?
A.B.L.E.’s Ensembles run for two semesters each year. Registration for our ensembles opens in July and January.
Workshops and other special programs have rolling registration.
Opportunities are announced via our social media channels and on our program newsletter.
I know someone else in the ensemble. Can I be in a group with my friend?
Spaces in our programs fill very quickly on a first come, first served basis. We cannot make any guarantees about who will be in your ensemble.
I've never worked with A.B.L.E. before. Are there special requirements for first-time actors?
If you are new to A.B.L.E. (even if you’re not new to theatre), you should start with a 6-week Showcase ensemble. This shorter course is a great way for our team to get to know you and your support needs, and you can get comfortable with our rehearsal structure, build some relationships, and learn some of the key activities and vocabulary used in our creative process.
We will also have a bit more paperwork for you before you can get started:
- Sign and return our program waiver and photo release forms.
- Fill out the New Actor Questionnaire to let us know a bit more about your personality and how you communicate.
- Schedule a 20-minute introductory call with a member of our programming team and one of our veteran ensemble members. This is a time for you to ask questions and get to know us and how we work!
Which Ensemble is right for me?
A.B.L.E. offers different levels of commitment for actors depending on your age, experience level, and time commitment. See our “Which Ensemble is Right for Me?” Guide to see a breakdown of the differences between our courses. You can download it here, too.
We usually recommend that new-to-us actors start off with a Showcase Ensemble. This is a chance for us to get to know you and how to support you best, and for you to get familiar with our rehearsal structure and some key activities.
Apply for a Showcase Ensemble if you can say YES to all of the following:
- I am 15 or older
- I am interested in a fun social opportunity
Apply for a Performance Ensemble if you can say YES to all of the following:
- I am 22 or older
- I have worked with A.B.L.E. in the past 12 months
- I can commit to attending ALL sessions during the semester
- I am willing to do some work outside of rehearsals, including checking the ensemble portal reading weekly emails, and practicing group numbers.
One key question to think about before registration is WHY are you excited to come to A.B.L.E.? For some people, they care more about the social experience – it’s fun to come every week, dance, play games, and see their friends. For those people, a Showcase Ensemble is perfect! Others are really committed to building a performance piece and want to be onstage to further their craft. That’s what the Performance Ensembles are all about.
If I sign up for an ensemble, do I have to come to rehearsal every week?
Theatre-making is a team effort. Attendance is important as we build trust among the ensemble and make a piece of theatre together. We expect that actors who commit to an ensemble will make rehearsal a priority.
If you anticipate that you will miss 2 or more rehearsals, we recommend that you take the semester off.
Can parents or family members watch the rehearsal?
To foster agency for our actors, A.B.L.E. has a closed-door policy for our sessions, including virtual sessions.
We invite family members to join the ensembles for semester orientation to see what is happening in rehearsal and get to know our teaching team. We also host Open Studios periodically throughout the year if you want to learn more about what happens in rehearsal.
Who leads A.B.L.E. sessions?
Every A.B.L.E. session is led by 2 Teaching Artists. Teaching artists plan rehearsal activities, make support materials, and direct our performances.
Teaching Artists are supported by 3-5 Facilitators in every session. Facilitators are volunteers who assist the actors and the Teaching Artists by demonstrating activities, partnering with actors, and leading some activities like warm ups. Facilitators can also offer extra coaching and support for actors who need more time, or need things explained in a different way.
A.B.L.E.’s Teaching Artists and Facilitators come from a range of personal and professional backgrounds. Many of them work in fields like theater and film, education, or disability advocacy. All Teaching Artists and Volunteers undergo background checks. A.B.L.E. also offers regular training and professional development opportunities for our staff and volunteers to learn best practices for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our outreach programs are also supported by our team of Creative Associates. These are long-time ensemble members who have been trained to co-lead sessions with our teaching team. We’re proud to be an inclusive employer and uphold the disability advocacy mantra “nothing about us without us!”
A.B.L.E. occasionally partners with guest artists for special workshop opportunities. These guests co-teach with one of A.B.L.E.’s regular Teaching Artists to ensure sessions meet our familiar structure.
You can see photos and read bios for our Teaching Team on the “Our Team” page.
Do you provide transportation?
A.B.L.E. cannot assist with arranging transportation. However, we try to ensure our rehearsal venues are within 0.5 miles from public transportation stations, and/or have access to free parking. Ensemble members can also claim reimbursement for transportation to/from rehearsals.
You might also want to check out the PACE Rideshare Access Program or Taxi Access Program for subsidized travel support.
If you would like A.B.L.E. to come to you, check out our Consulting Workshops. Through our outreach programs, we send our Teaching Artists and Creative Associates to schools, community centers, residential facilities, and other organizations to lead workshops and residencies. For more information, contact Company Manager, Haley Schroeck.
