A.B.L.E.’s showcase ensembles are for anyone who wants a fun social and creative opportunity! Over the course of 6 weekly rehearsals, actors collaborated with a team of teaching artists and volunteer facilitators to explore different performance techniques and showcase their unique interests and talents while reflecting on A.B.L.E.’s season theme of MEMORY.
Our showcases are a chance to celebrate our work and give you a peek at our process! Each group presented a 30-45 minute showcase of scenes, solo pieces, movement pieces, and some surprises. A.B.L.E.’s neurodiverse ensembles shared their work in two unique events – an in-person evening at The Cindy Pritzker Auditorium at The Harold Washington Library and a virtual showcase live-streamed to A.B.L.E.’s YouTube Channel.
In Person Showcase
Shakespeare Ensemble
If music be the food of love, play on!” Tune into iHeartABLE Radio as our very own DJ Orsino spins some greatest hits from ABLE’s past classical adaptations including The Tempest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and more!
- 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
Devising & Storytelling Ensemble
Our ensemble brings their own memories to life through a mix of games, improvisation, personal reflections, and some poetic license!
- 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
Virtual Movement Ensemble
Our virtual ensemble Zoomed in from Illinois, California, Arizona, Texas, and beyond to explore movement and physicality. Through techniques drawn from physical theatre and devised performance, the ensemble created group and solo pieces to get them up and moving in their own homes. The ensemble shared their work in a free stream on ABLE’s YouTube channel – it’s live so anything can happen!
Actors: Sarah Byron*, Samuel Floersheimer, Natalia Janik, Jonathan Jennings, Fletcher Jones, Kira Perdue*, Sam Radinsky, Tommy Shimoda, and Kevin Smith
Facilitators: Nette Angelini, Mary Lynn Cleary*, Ashlyn Horein*, Chelsea Hosler, and Polly Yukevich
Stage Manager: Kaitlynn Milvert
Directed By: Kiaran Hartnett and Lawrence Kern
A.B.L.E.’s 2025-2026 Season 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!
