Working toward creating a paid, professional theatre company that champions authentic representation and challenges the performing arts sector to embrace true accessibility.
About the Producing Ensemble
Starting in 2028, A.B.L.E. hopes to realize a long-term goal of establishing a fully paid, professional company composed of actors who have an established working relationship with A.B.L.E.
Beyond giving a chance for deeper engagement and creative control to our veteran actors, and opening space in our core ensembles for new participants, the Producing Ensemble will help A.B.L.E. expand possibilities for inclusive theatre in Chicago.
Over a two-year employment contract, the Producing Ensemble will collaborate with A.B.L.E. staff and guest artists to hone their skills, deepen their knowledge of the theatre industry, and develop an original work inspired by their own lives and imaginations. This production will be presented in a limited run with a local professional theatre and be available for additional touring.
A.B.L.E.’s Producing Ensemble will reshape the performing arts sector and demonstrate what radical accessibility looks like onstage and off.
Producing Ensemble FAQs
Why do we need a Producing Ensemble?
98% of our current actors have aged out of the school system, and creative programs may no longer be available or affordable. There is a sharp decline in available services, leaving many adults with I/DD looking for a way to fill their days.
While finding a job is typically part of being an adult, people with disabilities are un/underemployed at more than double the national average, and subminimum wage laws in many states mean they are often not valued for their work. The performing arts field presents additional barriers. Traditional production practices—from training programs, to auditions, to rigorous production schedules—are simply not accessible. According to a 2019 NEA study, only 4.32% of actors and 7.7% of arts workers identify as disabled. This contributes to a lack of authentic disability representation on our stages and screens. By not including stories told for, with, and by people with disabilities, the performing arts sector devalues the lived experiences of the 1 in 4 adults who are disabled. This leads to increased misperceptions and stigma about what it means to live with a disability.
The Producing Ensemble will provide authentic, meaningful disability representation and encourage our audiences and creative partners to reconsider who gets to call themselves an artist.
What makes you think this will work?
With support from an ArtsWork Explore grant, A.B.L.E. started our Creative Associates Initiative in 2022. Through this program, A.B.L.E. hired 6 long-time ensemble members with disabilities to co-lead A.B.L.E. outreach programming both virtually and in-person. Creative Associates earn a competitive salary and gain transferable job skills like communication, leadership, adaptability, and collaboration. We heard from our Creative Associates that they wanted more hours, more opportunities, and deeper creative involvement. The Producing Ensemble will replace our current Creative Associates initiative to allow us to offer impactful artistic employment opportunities.Â
Who can join the Producing Ensemble?
The Producing Ensemble will employ up to 8 actors aged 22+ who have completed at least four previous A.B.L.E. sessions, one in the past 12 months. The program will be by invitation.
What is the time commitment?
Each member of the Producing Ensemble will be offered a 2-year contract and will work a range of weekly shifts with A.B.L.E. throughout that time. This will include rehearsals, guest artist workshops, and administrative support.
How can I help?
The Producing Ensemble will only be possible with significant financial support from our community. If you would like to help us create more boundary-breaking employment opportunities, make a donation today.
