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Join A.B.L.E.’s Teaching Artists for our Spring Professional Development Series. While theatre practice underpins all of A.B.L.E.'s work, these sessions can benefit anyone who wants to make their corner of the world more inclusive - whether in the rehearsal room, classroom, board room, or any place in between!

Here are our upcoming sessions:

Adapting The Odyssey

Saturday May 4, 2024

10am-12pm CST

Chicago Shakespeare Theater - 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago IL 60611

Go behind the scenes of A.B.L.E.'s latest production in this interactive 2-hour workshop! The Odyssey co-directors Braden Cleary and Katie Yohe and founding ensemble members Colleen Altman and Sam Radinsky will guide you through a typical A.B.L.E. rehearsal. Through warm ups, check ins, and devising activities, participants will develop a deeper connection to Odysseus' story. You'll experience A.B.L.E.'s play-based approach to adapting familiar stories for, with, and by performers with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and come away with actionable ways you can make your classrooms and rehearsals more accessible.

Who is this session for?: This session is ideal for directors, teaching artists, program directors, educators, and other professionals who want to add to their toolkit for supporting individuals with varying learning and communication styles.

We’re excited to learn with you!

About A.B.L.E.’s Connect & Create Series

Since 2016, A.B.L.E. has been creating innovative theatre, film, and digital projects for, with, and by actors with a range of disabilities including Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy. A.B.L.E. has built a methodology rooted in fostering agency and independence, and celebrating the creativity of individuals of all abilities, both in person and virtually. A.B.L.E. is proud to offer Professional Development sessions for artists and art leaders interested in furthering their practices for inclusion and accessibility. A.B.L.E. hopes these sessions will inspire more responsive, adaptable, and empathetic leaders in our Chicago community.

“This was a truly excellent workshop.
I sometimes leave short (2 hours or less) PDs and think “well that was interesting but there were so few practical takeaways” or “well I already knew everything they talked about!” This felt incredibly relevant, applicable, and engaging the whole time. I learned new vocabulary as did our teaching artists. I’ve already recommended A.B.L.E. trainings to peers at other theatres, I wish it was a training every Teaching Artist in Chicago took.”

— Professional Development Participant

FAQ’s

How much does it cost?

As part of our commitment to ensuring the arts are accessible to everyone, these sessions are pay-what-you-can. You can pick the pricing tier that works for you ranging from $15-$50. A limited number of free spaces are available. Please contact us for information.

Your registration fee includes your workshop, a social story, and a resource list for further exploration.

Your registration fee helps A.B.L.E. continue to offer a vital creative and social outlet through the arts for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.