The goal for our Semester of Play is to re-discover some joy after a very tumultuous few years. We’re focused on re-connecting to each other and revisiting what makes A.B.L.E. special. Each ensemble is taking a different journey this semester, shaped by the interests and personalities of the group. This week, we’ll go in-depth with the Sunday ensemble to show what they’ve been working on and what else they have planned for this spring!

Jake shares his “rose” - or his favorite part of rehearsal during a check out.

From Teaching Artists Kaylie & Perry

The semester’s first rehearsal included a “Taste Test” of some different topics to PLAY with this semester: Shakespeare, Improv/Physical Theatre, Puppetry, and Storytelling. The ensemble broke into small groups to get a glimpse into the topics before coming a vote to determine their top interests for the semester.

Storytelling and Improv were the top two choices our group wanted to focus on this semester. Kaylie and Perry structured the remaining 9 weeks of the semester to give extra time for these topics. They have both so enjoyed being back in person and are excited to see the ensemble come together and PLAY!

This is Perry’s first semester as a teaching artist (she has previously been involved with ABLE as a volunteer facilitator). Fortunately the ensemble chose one of Perry’s passion areas, Improv, as a main focus. She has been able to introduce everyone to some new games that have quickly become ensemble favorites. These games all follow the 3 rule of improv:

Say Yes!
Add on!
Be Bold!

Actors jumped in to play Yes Lets, On the Spot, and ended with a game that had actors laughing so hard, Emotional Scenes. They also learned a delicious new scene-based game called Banana Pancakes!

“This semester has been a great opportunity to reintroduce ourselves to the joy of theatre making in person! The Sunday ensemble dedicated one week to exploring puppetry which is a little more difficult to do virtually. We learned so much about playing, having fun, working together and being present to bring our puppets to life.”

— Perry

Colleen sits cross-legged on the floor. She holds up her Creative Associates handbook to share instructions for an activity.

Meet Colleen:

Colleen is one of our founding ensemble members and one of our new Creative Associates. Colleen brings natural leadership to every rehearsal. She is so excited to be back in person this semester where she has been able to step in and lead a part of warm up with Counting Numbers. Her biggest rose of this semester is IMPROV. She loves being able to be bold and try new things. She has no thorns this semester and has enjoyed getting to PLAY.