What is A.B.L.E. working on this semester?
Join A.B.L.E. as we continue our season of Invention! Each ensemble will work together to explore what it means to create something new.
Facilitators are an integral part of the A.B.L.E. ensembles. Each session is staffed with 2 teaching artists, rounded out by 3 to 5 facilitators, maintaining a 2:1 ratio of actors:support team. Facilitators participate side-by-side with A.B.L.E. actors to ensure everyone has a productive, supportive, and fun rehearsal. Click here to read our Facilitator FAQs.
We will continue to offer virtual programming for those who need or prefer to participate that way. If you are interested in volunteering in person, please note that masks are recommended at all sessions out of consideration for our immunocompromised community members.
When are the Ensembles this Spring?
You can register as a Core or Rotating facilitator for any of the following ensembles. Core facilitators are expected to attend all sessions for their ensemble. Rotating facilitators should plan to attend at least 3 regular rehearsals. Regardless of which level you are interested in, please make note of the required dates for your ensembles.
Dates marked with a (*) are mandatory for all facilitators in this ensemble
Dates marked with a (^) are strongly recommended
Showcase Ensembles
Each of these ensembles will work together to present a cabaret-style showcase at the end of the semester.
SUnday Ensemble with Ari & Perry
10:30am-1pm CST
The Menomonee Club Drucker Center - 1535 N. Dayton St, Chicago IL 60642
Facilitator Training: February 2*
Orientation: February 9 ^
Rehearsals February 16, February 23, March 2, March 9^, March 23 * , March 30*
(no rehearsal March 16)
Showcase: Friday April 4th at The Understudy* (facilitators called at 5:30pm, show at 7:30pm)
Monday Ensemble with Kiaran & Perry
6:00pm-8:30pm CST
Gateway to Learning - 4925 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago IL 60625
Facilitator Training: February 3*
Orientation: February 10^
Rehearsals February 17*, February 24, March 3, March 10^, March 17*, March 31*
(no rehearsal March 24)
Showcase: Saturday April 5th at The Understudy (facilitators called at 5:30pm, show at 7:30pm)
Monday Virtual Ensemble With Lawrence & Melanie
6:00pm-8:30pm CST
On Zoom
Facilitator Training: February 3*
Orientation: February 10^
Rehearsals February 17*, February 24, March 3, March 10^, March 17*, March 31*
(no rehearsal March 24)
Showcase: Monday April 7th*
Performance Ensemble
This group will stage a punk-rock adaptation of Frankenstein that will perform for a weekend run at Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier. This ensemble is working through a longer rehearsal day. Facilitators can sign up to support the morning, afternoon, or BOTH shifts.
Thursdays with Lawrence & Katie
Block One: 10am-12:15pm
Block Two: 12:45pm-3pm
The Menomonee Club Drucker Center - 1535 N. Dayton St, Chicago IL 60642
Facilitator Training: February 6*
Orientation: February 13^
Rehearsals: February 20*, February 27, March 6, March 13, March 20^, April 3^, April 10*, April 17* (no rehearsal March 27)
Tech/Dress: April 24* (invited preview at 1:30pm)
Performances*: Friday April 25 7pm, Saturday April 26 2pm, Sunday April 27 2pm
Public Workshop: Saturday April 26th 10am
If you want to play with us this semester, applications are due by 5pm on Friday January 17th. All applicants will be notified of their assignments no later than Wednesday January 22nd.
Have questions? Scroll to read some FAQs or download our Facilitator FAQ sheet before filling out your application
FAQs
-
Facilitators are an integral part of the A.B.L.E. ensemble. They volunteer their time to participate side-by-side with A.B.L.E. actors in rehearsals and performances to ensure everyone has a productive, supportive, and fun experience. Facilitators support rehearsals in a number of ways including partnering with actors in exercises and activities, modeling engaged participation, and supporting small group work. Click here to read more.
-
Anyone age 18+ with a passion for the performing arts and A.B.L.E.’s mission of creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities. The best facilitators are collaborative, reliable, adaptable, and positive. Facilitators come from a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds. We are looking for volunteers who can reflect the diverse experiences of our ensemble.
-
We know our volunteers have busy lives outside of A.B.L.E., and offer different levels of commitment for our facilitators:
ROTATING FACILITATOR (Estimated 13hrs per semester ):
This track is recommended for first-time facilitators, or those who need more flexibility with their schedule. Rotating facilitators are expected to attend at least half of the sessions for their ensemble.
CORE FACILITATOR (Estimated 25hrs per semester ):
This track is recommended for facilitators who already have at least 1 semester of experience with A.B.L.E.. Each ensemble has 2 Core Facilitators who are expected to attend all rehearsals.
-
This is a volunteer position.
Facilitators receive free Professional Development opportunities throughout the season, complimentary tickets to select events, and other perks.
All facilitators can claim up to $50/month for reimbursement for travel to/from in-person sessions or for internet service to connect to virtual sessions.
-
If you are a first-time facilitator, you will need to answer a few more questions at the end of the application, including submitting a short bio or resume. Additionally, all new facilitators will need to:
Attend a mandatory training session (you will be asked to select a date on the application).
Undergo a comprehensive background check through our screening partner, Sterling Volunteers
Complete a suite of onboarding paperwork
If you’d like to learn more about A.B.L.E.’s volunteer facilitator program, click here to contact Program Manager, Beth Sherwood.
