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Become a Facilitator

Volunteer facilitators provide hands-on support to help actors develop life skills, find community, and share their gifts with the world. Participating side-by-side with A.B.L.E.’s actors, our facilitators ensure everyone has a safe, supportive, and fun rehearsal. 

We open registration for facilitators twice a year – in January and July.

Become a Facilitator!

Applications are currently closed for Fall 2026. We will open applications for Spring 2027 in January.

For more information about becoming a facilitator, scroll down to see our Facilitator FAQs. 

If you have additional questions, please email our Program Director, Haley Schroeck, at programs@ableensemble.com.

To learn about other volunteer opportunities including Front of House support for our spring festival, visit our volunteer page. 

 

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.

Erica Johnson, Facilitator since 2021

A.B.L.E. is the best thing I do. I love A.B.L.E. so much because it is fun, empowering, and just such a beautiful space to be.

Chelsea Hosler, Facilitator since 2019

It’s A LOT OF FUN! It’s a great environment to learn and play and facilitate that for others. The team is made up of creative, passionate, and supportive people. It’s just extremely enriching to be a part of the community.

Susan Sjodin, Facilitator since 2013

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.

Jo Jennings, Facilitator since 2023

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.

Erik Prather, Facilitator since 2024

Facilitator FAQs

What are the requirements?

  • Age 18 or older;
  • Enthusiasm and kindness;
  • Communicates consistently, clearly, and authentically;
  • A proactive and collaborative work ethic;
  • Adaptability and responsiveness;
  • A sense of humor and a willingness to be silly;
  • Complete a criminal background check through A.B.L.E.’s partner, Sterling Volunteers.

All facilitators play an integral part in our ensemble. Your primary role is to be the most enthusiastic rehearsal participant possible! We look to facilitators to:

  • Participate fully in rehearsal games and activities to model and encourage bold choices.
  • Collaborate with actors in devising exercises and onstage.
  • Offer individual attention and assistance for actors who need additional support.
  • Nurture respectful and supportive relationships with individuals with and without disabilities.
  • Review weekly emailed rehearsal reports so they can come to each session prepared and ready to work.
  • Stage manage showcases
  • Assist Teaching Artists with other needs (setting up/cleaning up the studio, leading breakout activities, taking notes during activities, sharing feedback)
  • Dance, play, and have fun!

Facilitators come from many personal and professional backgrounds. No formal education or acting background is required!

All new facilitators must attend a 2-hour training before the start of their first semester. A.B.L.E. also offers additional professional development training throughout the year for all staff and volunteers.

A.B.L.E.’s ensembles run for two semesters each season, from September to December and February to May, with a performance at the end of each semester.

We expect that all facilitators will commit to attending the Facilitator Training, Actor Orientation, First Rehearsal, and Last Rehearsal for their chosen ensemble. 

Consistency is important for our whole ensemble to succeed. If you know you will miss 2 or more sessions, please take the semester off so we can make space for another volunteer. 

  • CORE FACILITATOR (estimated 28 hours for a showcase ensemble; 60 hours for a performance ensemble) this track is for facilitators who have at least 1 semester experience with ABLE. Teaching Artists  rely on core facilitators to take on leadership roles in the ensemble including leading warm ups, directing devising groups, and mentoring new facilitators. Core facilitators get priority for dropping in assignments. Each ensemble needs at least 3 core facilitators.
  • ROTATING FACILITATOR (estimated 19 hours for a showcase ensemble, 52 hours for a performance ensemble) – this track is recommended for first-time facilitators, or those who are coming to ABLE for a fun creative and social opportunity. Each ensemble needs 2-4 rotating facilitators.

This is a volunteer position.

Facilitators receive free professional development opportunities, complimentary tickets to select events, and other perks throughout the year.

Facilitators may also receive up to $50/month reimbursement for travel to/from in-person sessions or for internet service to connect to virtual sessions.

No! As part of our commitment to accessibility, A.B.L.E. continues to offer virtual programming. Our virtual facilitators Zoom in from as far away as California, New York, and even the U.K.!

If you are a first-time facilitator, you will need to answer a few more questions at the end of the application, including submitting a short bio or resume. Additionally, all new facilitators will need to:

  • Attend a mandatory training session (you will be asked to select a date on the application).
  • Undergo a comprehensive background check through our screening partner, Sterling Volunteers
  • Complete a suite of onboarding paperwork
No time to Facilitate? Donate!
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