Our 2025-2026 season is officially underway and we can’t wait to get back into rehearsals with all of our ensembles. This fall, ABLE will host 3 showcase ensembles. Supported by a team of teaching artists and volunteer facilitators (including 8 new volunteers!), each group will explore a different performance style and work together to develop a 30-45 minute cabaret-style showcase that is shared at the end of the 6-week semester. Through the course of the semester, we will work with 29 actors with disabilities (including 5 first-time A.B.L.E. actors)Â across 72 hours of programming.Â
Read on to learn more about these 3 groups!
Our Sunday ensemble is diving into the world of Shakespeare with a scene study, putting their own stamp on some famous moments and greatest hits from our past Shakespeare adaptations.Â
Actors: Colin Baar, Jack Butler, Samuel Floersheimer, Peter Grzeslo, Xavier Juniel*, Emily Kwidzinski, Maggie Leal, Carlos Mejia, Jr., Xavier Saenger*, and Jake Solworth
Facilitators: Lauren Bergquist*, Julia Clavadetscher*, Sedona Coleman, Megan Gray, Liam Schlosser, Connor Wiles*
Marketing Manager: Steve O’Connell*
Stage Manager: Sarah Haley
Directed By: Braden Cleary and Ariya Hawkins
Our Monday ensemble will focus on devising and storytelling, bringing their own reflections and memories to life in a collection of original scenes and monologues.Â
Actors: Christian Boyd, Sandia Coleman, Sophie Earvolino, Emily Lavin, Anna Luzadder, Maggie Marren, Matthew Marren, Lucas Miezal, John Miksis, and Claire O’Leary
Facilitators: Erica Clark, Annabelle Cuitino*, Paige Henderson, Erik Prather, Lindsay Stock, and Craig Spidle*
Marketing Manager: Andrea Bazzoli
Stage Manager: Shannon Diegel
Directed By: Perry Hunt and Edmund O’Brien
The Virtual Ensemble is Zooming in from all around Illinois, California, Arizona, and Texas to explore movement and physicality. Through techniques drawn from physical theatre and devised performance, the ensemble will create group and solo pieces that get us up and moving in our own homes.
Actors: Sarah Byron*, Samuel Floersheimer, Natalia Janik, Jonathan Jennings, Fletcher Jones, Marty McLaughlin*, Kira Perdue*, Sam Radinsky, Tommy Shimoda, and Kevin Smith
Facilitators: Nette Angelini, Mary Lynn Cleary*, Ashlyn Horein*, Chelsea Hosler, and Polly Yukevich
Marketing Manager: Ari Domeraski
Stage Manager: Kaitlynn Milvert
Directed By: Kiaran Hartnett and Lawrence Kern
Want to see these groups in action?
Our end of semester showcases are a unique opportunity to learn more about our process and celebrate the growth and talents of the A.B.L.E. Community. Save the date for our Fall Showcases:
