As we continue to celebrate our 10th Anniversary this spring, we’ve loved sharing memories from our ensemble. One of the common themes in these memories is the power of community and representation. Scroll for memorABLE moments from our community, and help Set the Stage for more moments of connection with a donation to our Annual Campaign.
Typically people have a pretty narrow view of who can be an actor. But at A.B.L.E., we structure our programs so that everyone can enjoy the spotlight. You don’t need to be able to read, you don’t need to have perfect posture, you don’t need to perfectly articulate your lines, in fact, you don’t even need to speak at all! We work together to draw out each other’s strengths and highlight the potential in everyone. Our play-based approach make our weekly rehearsals a beloved safe space for our community.
“I enjoyed all the drama games we played as part of rehearsals, like character charades and zip zap zop, because it was fun and got me engaged with everybody. I can be myself.”
–Quincy, A.B.L.E. Actor since 2010
Zach was nervous coming to his first A.B.L.E. rehearsal, but that fear quickly faded when he realized A.B.L.E. is. a space for everyone:
![Zach speaks passionately as he shares a personal memory]](https://ableensemble.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/514A3743-1024x819.jpg)
“My favorite memory is that the first time I went to rehearsal at Gateway, I was so happy. I did my first acting class and that is how this all started- now I am confident on stage and have started doing drag as well!
ABLE really did believe in my talent the first day they met me- Katie is amazing and saw something in me. Meeting her on my first day is one of my favorite ABLE memories.”
–Zach, A.B.L.E. actor since 2024
Even though 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has a disability, according to a recent NEA study, only 4.32% of actors identify as disabled. Many people with disabilities don’t ever get to see themselves represented onstage and aren’t sure it’s a space where they belong. A.B.L.E. prioritizes letting our community lead and upholding the disability advocacy mantra “nothing about us without us”
In 2022, Sam joined ABLE’s staff as part of our inaugural cohort of Creative Associates. He helped to develop and lead professional development workshops to teach others about disability advocacy and inclusion. He has presented at Northwestern University, the Mid Atlantic Theatre Conference, for The Saints of Chicago, on the WCIU morning show and more!
“I have a favorite memory of A.B.L.E.. It’s developing workshops and finding a job for theatre. I have a job, they hired me to be a good role model for A.B.L.E. and people with disabilities.”
–Sam, A.B.L.E. ensemble member since 2010 and Creative Associate
Another way we let our community lead is through the Program Advisory Council. This group of actors, volunteers, and family members share their invaluable perspective to shape organizational strategy including weighing in on the budget and season planning. They also host events to keep our community connected like our fall picnic which Chelsea recalls here:
“We were having a picnic in the fall. It started raining. Most people would say ‘it’s time to pack it up and go home’ but not us. We went under a gazebo. We had a dance party. We had an impromptu performance by some of the actors. It was a fantastic night and I think it just speaks to who we are as a community – supportive, adapative, and FUN!”
– Chelsea, A.B.L.E. facilitator since 2019
It’s not just our actors that benefit from this supportive community, and from seeing access in action on our stages:
"My favorite ABLE memory is from the first ABLE performance that I attended. A Teaching Artist read a line that was sad. Rather than repeating the line, the ensemble member turned and hugged the teaching artist. It was a beautiful and genuine moment that I have always remembered.”
“People often underestimate how much being a Facilitator means being part of a true team. Yes, you’re there to support your actor, but some of the most meaningful moments come from how much you support each other.
One of my favorite memories is playing the Memory Creature with Zach in Frankenstein. I joined the process late and only had a few weeks to mentally prepare for not only the show, but to sing the classic rock ballad ‘Creep’. I hadn’t performed since before COVID, and I hadn’t performed in Chicago at all.
I was honest with Zach about how nervous I was, and he met me with so much reassurance. He reminded me that we are talented, and that what would matter most is how much we loved what we were doing. He said the audience would feel our passion.
On our first night at Chicago Shakespeare, we heard the applause as the cast carried Ben offstage. Then there was a brief moment of quiet before the final chorus. Zach and I poured everything we had into it! In that moment, I could hear the audience reacting. Sniffles, people crying.
I had such a moment of calm and joy when I realized Zach had been right all along. They felt it. They felt how much we cared, how much it meant to us. It’s one of the most powerful performance memories I have, and I owe it to A.B.L.E.”
– Haley, A.B.L.E. Company Manager since 2025
“My favorite A.B.L.E. memory is seeing my son’s face light up when in an A.B.L.E. class and seeing how much he loves being in the ABLE virtual ensemble.
He gets to participate in something he would not otherwise have an opportunity to be in, living in a different state. I’m just grateful that we have this opportunity.
This is one of the best programs – and Jonathan’s been in a couple of theater programs. It’s very fun but it’s very well planned. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”
–Marcia, A.B.L.E. parent since 2023
And we have so many more stories to share!
Every year around this time, we call on our community to help raise funds to support the future of our programs, and this year it is more important than ever. Over the past two seasons, we have had to scale back to deal with the loss of government funding, rising costs, and the uncertain financial landscape. With a leadership transition underway, your contributions will make a huge difference to ensure ABLE can continue to provide quality, accessible opportunities for all the folks who have come to rely on our programs over the years.
We’re calling on our community to help us raise $30,000 to Set the Stage for more memorable moments like these. Will you join us?
Here are 4 ways you can make a difference:
Make a one-time tax-deductible donation: Every dollar makes a difference, so give what you are ABLE.
Launch a Peer-to-Peer Campaign: Visit our Givebutter campaign page and register as a fundraiser to set a personal fundraising goal and encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to join you in supporting ABLE. You can earn exclusive ABLE swag including an A.B.L.E. hoodie!
Join our Monthly Giving Circle: automated monthly gifts provide reliable revenue to help us plan ahead and meet new opportunities and challenges. Monthly donors receive perks including complimentary tickets to events, behind the scenes opportunities, and more.
Spread the Word: Like, comment, and share our stories and posts throughout the campaign. You can also access our #SetTheStage Messaging Kit for sample emails to reach out to your network.
