Performance Ensemble

Collaborate with A.B.L.E.’s team to develop a one-of-a-kind performance, take creative risks, and perform in a professional theatre.

Showcase Ensemble and Performance ensembles will be returning in spring 2027. Fall 2026 programming is focused on short courses and workshops. Please see that page for current offerings.

About the Performance Ensemble

In our signature program, actors collaborate with a team of teaching artists and volunteer facilitators in a 12-week process to develop an original theatre production.

Whether using our imaginations to devise something completely new, or putting our own spin on a classic story, actors with disabilities are involved in every step of the creative process. Our final projects are brimming with personality, heart, and creativity. These one-of-a-kind productions are shared in public performances at professional theatres.

Some preparation outside of rehearsal is expected every week.

Attendence

Theatre-making is a team effort. Your presence impacts not just you but your scene partners and the rest of the group. If you commit to a performance ensemble, we expect you will attend all orientations, rehearsals, and performances for the semester.

This group not only challenges expectations of what people with Down Syndrome can or cannot do, it also breaks the audience’s limits regarding how we perceive Shakespeare’s 400-year old works. It calls into question who owns Shakespeare, who has the right to perform Shakespeare, and what makes Shakespeare appealing. I would suggest that the A.B.L.E. ensemble actors own Shakespeare on a personal level that I, having studied Shakespeare for over 30 years, cannot match.

Timothy Duggan for City Desk Chicago

At A.B.L.E. I have learned I am brave, I can do hard things, and I can help others, like by devising and saying “yes” to their ideas, studying my script so I am prepared, and being a good friend to my ensemble. When I get to perform, I feel confident. I hope our audience feels proud. I hope our audience knows to really focus on the performance and respect the performers. We work really hard to be onstage and we appreciate when you listen to us.

Sam Radinsky, Founding Ensemble Member

A.B.L.E. is my people. Nice friends, and nice people.

Benjamin Collins, Actor since 2013

It’s the best kept secret in Chicago. I don’t think anyone would imagine the experience you will have.

Josh Radinsky, Parent of Actor Sam Radinsky