A.B.L.E. marked our 10th anniversary with a one-of-a-kind festival of original performances April 30 – May 3rd, 2026 at The Edge Theater in Edgewater.
Over the course of one weekend, 4 different groups will present a range of events. The festival included a Movement Showcase and Devising Showcase as well the world premiere of The Time Capsule – an original play devised by one of the neurodiverse ensembles. In addition to these live performances, A.B.L.E.’s Virtual Ensemble created short-form videos to share on A.B.L.E.’s social media channels throughout the summer.
Each event at ABLEfest is as unique as the group that created it. Enjoy them all below:
The Time Capsule (video coming soon)
It’s the year 2126. While searching the deserted remains of planet earth, a team of humanitarians discover something buried in the dirt. What they find is not as simple as it first appears…
A neurodiverse cast of 11 performers with disabilities used movement, object work, music, and personal reflections to share this original story about the memories we hold onto and the connections we keep.
Directed By: Kiaran Hartnett and Katie Yohe
Actors: Jack Butler, Benjamin Collins, Sophie Earvolino, Ryan Foley, Peter Grzeslo, Erin Harvey, Emily Kwidzinski, Carlos Mejia, Jr., Claire O’Leary, Kevin Smith, and Zachary Wandel
Facilitators: Amy Bahr, Lauren Berquist, Alexandria Bressette*, Mike Falevits* Kate McDuffie, Steve O’Connell, and Carly Sells*
Stage Manager: Caroline Uy
Lighting Design: Lea Davis
Director of ASL: Peter Wujcik
ASL Interpreters (May 2): Veramarie Baldoza and Sabrina Cienfuegos
Audio Description (May 3): Jason Harrington
Key Art Photographer: Justin Barbin
Movement Showcase
The Monday ensemble explored creating stories with little to no words. They used techniques like Viewpoints and the Frantic Assembly Method to practice making bold physical choices, building original characters through movement, strengthening trust with scene partners, and embracing a spirit of “yes.”
Actors: Christian Boyd, Sean Grynberg*, Natalia Janik, Emily Lavin, Anna Luzadder, Maggie Marren, Matthew Marren, Lucas Miezal, John Miksis, and Sam Radinsky
Facilitators: Andrea Bazzoli, Margo DePorter*, Julia Clavadetscher, Shannon Diegel, Paige Henderson, Erik Prather, Margaret Sheils, and Lindsay Stock
Directed By: Braden Cleary and Maddy Grady
Lighting Design: Lea Davis
Devising & Storytelling Showcase
The Sunday ensemble each developed solo pieces. Using personal memories and past A.B.L.E. performances, their work spans a range of storytelling styles and a variety of emotions brought to life through individual creativity and collaboration.
Actors: Colleen Altman, Colin Baar, Marissa Bloodgood, Gabe Felshman, Samuel Floersheimer, Xavier Juniel, Matthew LaChapelle, Maggie Leal, Kimmy Smith*, and Jake Solworth,
Facilitators: Lewis Beaver, Claire Buckley, Sarah Haley, , Avery Lareau*, Haley Schroeck, Kate Vargulich*, and Connor Wiles
Directed By: Ruby Gibson and Lawrence Kern
Lighting Design: Lea Davis
Shakespeare Showcase – new video released every Monday!
The Virtual Ensemble Zoomed in from 8 different states around the country to film monologues and movement pieces inspired by Shakespeare’s most studied work, Hamlet. Their original pieces will be shared in weekly posts on A.B.L.E.’s social media channels.
Directed By: Kaylie Honkala and Lawrence Kern
Actors: Rachel Buchanan, Sophianna Bressette, Samuel Floersheimer, Jonathan Jennings, Fletcher Jones, Andrew Kosnik, Lily Lundin, Kira Perdue, Dorsey Schroeck, Tommy Shimoda
Facilitators: Nette Angelini, Ashlyn Horein, Chelsea Hosler, Kaitlynn Milvert, Julianne Shea, Susan Sjodin, Julia Waits, and Polly Yukevich
Video editing: Brock Alter
A.B.L.E.’s 2025-2026 Season of Memories is partially supported by The Andrew E. Barrer Trust on behalf of the Chicago Lighthouse, The Chicago Community Trust, The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Forvis Mazars, FS Foundation, FunFund, The Illinois Arts Council, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Rusin Law, The Saints and generous individuals like you!
