Reviews
About our performances and mission
A.B.L.E. is a safe space. We care about you and what you want to learn and what you want to share with the world. We won’t judge you. We are on this journey together and we support each other.
What we are doing is helping artists from all walks of life come together to make sure that they feel seen, understood, heard, embraced and celebrated. A.B.L.E. just really expands your mind on what is possible with theater and community. It is just an important thing for humans to find ways to come together and A.B.L.E. makes that much more accessible.
Really, everyone, no matter of ability, wants to belong somewhere. A.B.L.E. gives a sense of community. Friendship isn’t the right word, it is bigger than that. It is a village that brings out the best in them, so they participate to the best of their abilities and grow skill sets they never knew they had.
In so many ways A.B.L.E. is like every other theater company — passionate people putting on a show, and at the same time, A.B.L.E. is achieving what so many theater companies cannot — true inclusivity and representation of the very stories we all attempt to tell on the stage.
I have been in other spaces where people with disabilities don’t get listened to or don’t belong. It can be hard. I hope our audience sees that theatre can be so different. They might not have seen a show with people with disabilities before. But everyone can make theatre and it can look different ways.
A.B.L.E. provides the safest space that I’ve ever been a party to. To a potential actor, facilitator, teaching artist, sister, parent: Walking into a rehearsal or a performance for A.B.L.E. will most likely be the most radically inclusive space that you’ve ever entered. Until you enter it you won’t know that you were missing something. It is the difference between just saying that ‘everybody is welcome’ and instead proving ‘we made this for you.’ I wish the rest of the world was the way A.B.L.E. was.
Read what our actors say about their experience
The highlight for our team was the engagement and interaction from everyone! It was a great experience for students to express themselves and the biggest take-away? Getting creative!
I was really, really nervous because I’m not an actor, but I’m so glad I did this. It was so much fun, and opened up a whole new level of appreciation and understanding.
The A.B.L.E. team really understands how to break down skills so everyone can enjoy the sessions. The growth in such a short time was incredible!
This gave me context for better understanding why some students may respond the way they do and how I can respond more empathetically.
This group not only challenges expectations of what people with Down Syndrome can or cannot do, it also breaks the audience’s limits regarding how we perceive Shakespeare’s 400-year old works. It calls into question who owns Shakespeare, who has the right to perform Shakespeare, and what makes Shakespeare appealing. I would suggest that the A.B.L.E. ensemble actors own Shakespeare on a personal level that I, having studied Shakespeare for over 30 years, cannot match.
A.B.L.E.’s mission is to…provide programming that encourages creative growth and self-actualization. Another equally important goal is joy, which is evident while watching the two movies.
Reflections from our staff and volunteers
I’ve volunteered with a lot of different theaters…A.B.L.E. is the best one I’ve ever seen. There’s a real focus on actors, volunteers and teaching artists—everybody’s needs are met at every level. That’s something you don’t really see often.
I’ve been fortunate in life to be part of some really cool teams and experiences, but this was honestly one of, if not, the best team/experience I’ve ever had the pleasure of being involved with.
About our accessibility consulting services
I’ve volunteered with a lot of different theaters…A.B.L.E. is the best one I’ve ever seen. There’s a real focus on actors, volunteers and teaching artists—everybody’s needs are met at every level. That’s something you don’t really see often.
I’ve been fortunate in life to be part of some really cool teams and experiences, but this was honestly one of, if not, the best team/experience I’ve ever had the pleasure of being involved with.
More words about A.B.L.E.
The highlight for our team was the engagement and interaction from everyone! It was a great experience for students to express themselves and the biggest take-away? Getting creative!
Staff from the PACE Program at National Louis University
I was really, really nervous because I’m not an actor, but I’m so glad I did this. It was so much fun, and opened up a whole new level of appreciation and understanding.
Participant from an Inclusive Devising Workshop
The A.B.L.E. team really understands how to break down skills so everyone can enjoy the sessions. The growth in such a short time was incredible!
Staff at Misericordia
This gave me context for better understanding why some students may respond the way they do and how I can respond more empathetically.
Participant from an Understanding and Engaging the 8 Senses Masterclass
This group not only challenges expectations of what people with Down Syndrome can or cannot do, it also breaks the audience’s limits regarding how we perceive Shakespeare’s 400-year old works. It calls into question who owns Shakespeare, who has the right to perform Shakespeare, and what makes Shakespeare appealing. I would suggest that the A.B.L.E. ensemble actors own Shakespeare on a personal level that I, having studied Shakespeare for over 30 years, cannot match.
Timothy Duggan for City Desk Chicago
A.B.L.E.’s mission is to…provide programming that encourages creative growth and self-actualization. Another equally important goal is joy, which is evident while watching the two movies.
Andrea Gronvall for the Chicago Reader
I was truly impressed by what the ensemble had accomplished in just eight weeks. Several of the most moving scenes were choreographed sequences devised by the ensemble….The impact of these scenes was a testament to the success of A.B.L.E.’s collaborative method.
Emily McClanathan for American Theatre Magazine
The fast-paced show, rowdy music (crowd surfing, anyone?), and joyous cast telling a story about embracing life on their own terms really prove A.B.L.E.’s point that you should never underestimate your cast and crew. The work they do truly breaks down barriers as it entertains.
Kimzyn Campbell for The Chicago Reader
[Virtual ensemble] is as if you’re transported to a room with your…best friends. You’re instantly in a moment with them. You didn’t have to travel to get there. You just boot up your computer and you’re there. It’s pretty amazing.
Polly Yukevich, Facilitator since 2015
At A.B.L.E. I have learned I am brave, I can do hard things, and I can help others, like by devising and saying “yes” to their ideas, studying my script so I am prepared, and being a good friend to my ensemble. When I get to perform, I feel confident. I hope our audience feels proud. I hope our audience knows to really focus on the performance and respect the performers. We work really hard to be onstage and we appreciate when you listen to us.
Sam Radinsky, Founding Ensemble Member
