Ever wondered how A.B.L.E. makes our shows? In this interactive session, we’ll share A.B.L.E.'s ensemble-based approach for generating new stories and material with a neurodiverse cast. You’ll experience A.B.L.E.'s rehearsal format first hand, and learn best practices for scaffolding inclusive rehearsals. Participants will come away with a series of games and activities they can use to build characters, settings, and plot without relying on literacy or verbal communication.
Who is this session for?
This session is ideal for early-to-mid career Teaching Artists, educators, directors, or program administrators who are interested in build their creative toolkit, or those who would like to expand their existing practice to include disabled and neurodivergent participants.
Accessibility
Captioning and ASL translation will be arranged as requested by registrants.
Masks are recommended out of consideration for our immunocompromised community members.
If you have additional access needs, please let us know!
Registration
Due to the interactive nature of this sessions, space is limited to 15 participants. Please register early to avoid disappointment.
Registration is Pay-What-You-Can starting at $25. Please choose the pricing tier that works best for you at this time. If you need additional financial assistance, a limited number of free sessions are available. Please contact us for information.
About the presenters
Katie Yohe is a multi-faceted performer and educator. As the Founder & Executive Artistic Director of the nonprofit organization, A.B.L.E - Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations, Katie specializes in collaborating with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). She has produced over 25 stage productions and 2 feature films for this population, and also authored adaptations of 6 plays from the classical canon. Katie holds a BFA in Drama from Syracuse University and an MA with Distinction in Applied Theatre from The Royal Central School for Speech and Drama. Her ongoing research centers on developing creative arts programming for individuals with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and dementia. Katie also manages her own chronic health conditions.
Matt LaChapelle has been part of the A.B.L.E. ensemble since 2018. He particularly enjoys devising original characters and writing his own stories to share with an audience. Matt describes himself as an actor, dancer, and “all about A.B.L.E.!” He enjoys coming to A.B.L.E. to work as a team, be a leader, and explore different emotions and characters. In his spare time, Matt enjoys writing, watching movies, and auditioning for professional roles. He recently wrapped filming for the pilot "I Didn’t Mean to Go Mental".
About A.B.L.E.
A.B.L.E. - Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations is a Chicago-based nonprofit with a mission of providing performing arts opportunities through which individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) can share who they are and all they are A.B.L.E. to do. Since 2016, A.B.L.E. has been creating innovative theatre, film, and digital projects for, with, and by actors with a range of disabilities including Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy. A.B.L.E. has built a methodology rooted in fostering agency and independence, and celebrating the creativity of individuals of all abilities, both in person and virtually. By placing participants with disabilities in the spotlight, A.B.L.E. strives to shift societal preconceptions, and build more inclusive, empathetic communities.
Questions?
If you need additional information, please contact A.B.L.E.'s Executive Artistic Director, Katie Yohe (katie@ableensemble.com) or Program Manager Beth Sherwood (beth@ableensemble.com)
