A.B.L.E.’s ensembles curated a collection of 3 innovative performances for audiences in the fall of 2024.
Over the course of one weekend, 61 performers — including 32 actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities — collaborated for Sparks of Invention. The festival included two live in-person showcases hosted at Filament Theatre in Portage Park, and an interactive livestream on Saturday, November 2nd.
Through a 6-week rehearsal process, A.B.L.E.’s three ensembles collaborated to develop monologues, scenes, movement pieces, and songs for an original production. Each event in Sparks of Invention will be a different experience, uniquely crafted to reflect the ensemble onstage and celebrate the creator in us all!
Monday Ensemble
The Monday ensemble reflected on prompts like “Share a moment when you were inspired” and “What is something you’d like to invent?” to develop scenes and monologues that celebrate their imaginations and creativity. Using personal reflections, improv activities, and movement exercises, they built a showcase that features everything from original characters, to poignant personal reflections, to movement pieces, and playful games.
Actors: Christian Boyd, Sandia Coleman, Sophie Earvolino, Ryan Foley, Natalia Janik, Emily Lavin, Anna Luzadder, Maggie Marren, Matt Marren, John Miksis, Claire O’Leary, Sam Radinsky
Facilitators: Andrea Bazzoli, Erica Clark, Shannon Diegel, Paige Henderson, Kate McDuffie, Erik Prather, Liam Schlosser, Margaret Shiels, Lindsay Stock
Co-Directed by Kiaran Hartnett and Edmund O’Brien
Sunday Ensemble
Using their own lives as inspiration, the Sunday ensemble presented a collection of movement pieces, scenes, monologues, songs, and even GIFs about how we invent ourselves out in the world. Because we are our own best inventions! Click here to see the images that inspired this showcase.
Actors: Colin Baar, Marissa Bloodgood, Jack Butler, Benjamin Collins, Samuel Floersheimer, Peter Grzeslo, Emily Kwidzinski, Matt LaChapelle, Jake Solworth, Zachary Wandel
Facilitators: Amy Bahr, Rebecca Bailey, Lewis Beaver, Somer Benson, Audrey Connelly, Elizabeth Davisson, Megan Grey, Jo Jennings
Co-Directed by Braden Cleary and Kaylie Honkala
[VIDEO COMING SOON]
Virtual Ensemble
Our virtual ensemble Zoomed in from across the country to take you on an electrifying adventure! Using drama games, songs, and scenes, our ensemble explored the rivalry between inventors Edison and Tesla. Audience members were invited to use polls and interact in the chat to shape our original time-traveling story.
Actors: Rachel Buchanan, Martin Conway, Alena Counter-Brown, Sophia Guillory, Fletcher Jones, Jonathan Jennings, Andrew Kosnik, Tommy Shimoda, Kevin Smith, Eric Williams
Facilitators: Nette Angelini, Mary Feigenbutz, Erica Evans Johnson, Brigid Lally, Julianne Shea, Polly Yukevich
Co-Directed by Katie Yohe and Melanie Zehner
A.B.L.E.’s 2024-2025 Season of Invention was partially supported by The Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development, The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, FunFund, Fs Foundation, The Illinois Arts Council, The LaChapelle Family Foundation, The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Ministry Fund, The National Endowment for the Arts, and generous individuals like you!
