A.B.L.E. welcomes participants who identify as having an intellectual or developmental disability such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or autism.

A.B.L.E.’s performance ensembles are open to participants ages 18 and up. Most of our actors are currently in their 20’s or 30’s.

Our In the Wings ensembles welcome actors 13 and up.

A.B.L.E. sessions are 90 minutes. Activities vary every week, but every rehearsal (even the ones on Zoom) follow the same basic format, so you’ll know what to expect:

• Dance Party

• Warm up

• Check In

• Group Activities

• Check Out

• Closing

You will receive a social story with more details before your session.

Yes, we really believe everyone is A.B.L.E. to connect, to contribute, and to create. But we also know everyone learns and communicates in different ways. Over the years, we have developed a methodology that ensures everyone is able to enjoy the spotlight, regardless of literacy, communication style, or short-term memory.

We build our performances to play to the strengths and interests of our performers. AAC devices are welcome and encouraged, as is sign language. You don’t need to be able to read a script. And if you can’t memorize a monologue, that’s okay too.

Some of the tools we use to engage different learning styles in rehearsal include:

• Social Stories

• Visual aids

• Sign Language

• Sensory supports like fidgets, headphones, or sunglasses

• A 2:1 ratio of actors to support staff

That said, A.B.L.E. staff cannot provide bathroom assistance or administer medications.

A.B.L.E.’s suggested pricing is:

• In the Wings Ensemble (6 weeks) = $175

• Performance Ensemble (12 weeks) = $450

We know that individuals with disabilities and their families may face many financial challenges. A.B.L.E. is committed to ensuring our programs are financially accessible for everyone. Registration for our ensembles is pay-what-you-can. You can self-select the pricing that works for you at registration - ranging from full price to free. We also offer payment plans for our semesters.

Additionally, A.B.L.E. offers a Technology Assistance Initiative to help our ensemble members participate in Virtual Programming. We can loan equipment like iPads, laptops, hotspots, or WiFi boosters to help you connect during rehearsal. You can request support during registration.

A.B.L.E. is an itinerant company and works with several different venue partners around the Chicagoland area for rehearsals, and performances. Every session is different. Some of our frequent collaborators include:

• The Menomonee Club in Lincoln Park

• Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier

• The Edge Theatre in Edgewater

• Gateway to Learning in Lincoln Square.

We also offer Virtual sessions that rehearse via Zoom so you can partcipate from anywhere!

A.B.L.E.’s Ensembles run for two semesters each year. Registration for our ensembles opens in July and January.

Workshops and other special programs have rolling registration.

Opportunities are announced via our social media channels and on our program newsletter. Click here to sign up for our newsletter.

We cannot make any guarantees about who will be in your ensemble. To place you in an ensemble, we will consider your preferred schedule, previous experience with A.B.L.E. (including attendance), and the chemistry and needs of the rest of the group.

If you are new to A.B.L.E. (even if you’re not new to theatre), you should start off with In the Wings. This shorter course is a great way for our team to get to know you and your support needs, and you can get comfortable with our rehearsal structure, build some relationships, and learn some of the key activities and vocabulary used in our creative process.

We will also have a bit more paperwork for you before you can get started:

• Sign and return our program waiver and photo release forms.

• Fill out the New Actor Questionnaire to let us know a bit more about your personality and how you communicate.

• Schedule a 20 minute introductory call with a member of our programming team and one of our veteran ensemble members. This is a time for you to ask questions and get to know us and how we work!

A.B.L.E. offers different levels of commitment for actors depending on your age, experience level, and time commitment. Download our “Which Ensemble is Right for Me?” Guide to see a breakdown of the differences between our courses.

We usually recommend that new-to-us actors start off with In the Wings. This is a chance for us to get to know you and how to support you best, and for you to get familiar with our rehearsal structure and some key activities.

Apply for In the Wings if you can say YES to all of the following:

• I am 13 or older

• I am interested in a fun social opportunity

Apply for a Performance Ensemble if you can say YES to all of the following:

• I am 18 or older

• I have worked with A.B.L.E. in the past 12 months

• I can commit to attending ALL sessions during the semester

• I am willing to do some work outside of rehearsals, including checking the ensemble portal and reading weekly emails, and practicing group numbers.

One key question to think about before registration is WHY are you excited to come to A.B.L.E.? For some people, they care more about the social experience - it's fun to come every week, dance, play games, and see their friends. For those people, In the Wings is perfect! Others are really committed to building a performance piece and performing onstage. That’s what the Performance Ensembles are all about.

Theatre-making is a team effort. Because ensembles are working towards a final project, attendance is important. We expect that actors who commit to a performance ensemble will make rehearsal a priority and attend every rehearsal.

If you need more flexibility, or a shorter commitment, In the Wings might be the best fit for you!

To foster agency and independence for our actors, A.B.L.E. has a closed-door policy for our sessions, including virtual sessions.

We invite family members to join the ensembles for semester orientation to see what is happening in rehearsal and get to know our teaching team. We also host open sessions periodically throughout the year if you want to learn more about what happens in rehearsal.

Every A.B.L.E. session is led by 2 Teaching Artists. Teaching artists plan rehearsal activities, make support materials, and direct our performances.

Teaching Artists are supported by 3-5 Facilitators in every session. Facilitators are volunteers who assist the actors and the Teaching Artists by demonstrating activities, partnering with actors, and leading some activities like warm ups. Facilitators can also offer extra coaching and support for actors who need more time, or need things explained in a different way.

A.B.L.E.’s Teaching Artists and Facilitators come from a range of personal and professional backgrounds. Many of them work in fields like theater and film, education, or disability advocacy. All Teaching Artists and Volunteers undergo background checks. A.B.L.E. also offers regular training and professional development opportunities for our staff and volunteers to learn best practices for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Our outreach programs and In the Wings Ensembles are also supported by our team of Creative Associates. These are veteran ensemble members who have been trained to co-lead sessions with our teaching team. We’re proud to be an inclusive employer and uphold the disability advocacy mantra “nothing about us without us!”

A.B.L.E. occasionally partners with guest artists for special workshop opportunities. These guests co-teach with one of A.B.L.E.’s regular Teaching Artists to ensure sessions meet our familiar structure.

You can see photos and read bios for our Teaching Team on the “Our Team” page.

A.B.L.E. cannot assist with arranging transportation. However, we try to ensure our rehearsal venues are within 0.5 miles from public transportation stations, and/or have access to free parking. Ensemble members can also claim reimbursement for transportation to/from rehearsals.

If you would like A.B.L.E. to come to you, contact us about our Outreach Programs. We send our Teaching Artists and Creative Associates to schools, community centers, residence homes, and other organizations to lead workshops and residencies. For more information about A.B.L.E.’s Outreach Program, click here to contact Executive Director Katie Yohe.