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 Tuesday ensemble to show what they’ve been working on and what else they have planned for this spring!
From the Teaching Team - Katie & Kal
This semester, we’re really letting our actors lead. We started by identifying 6 topics that we could dive into: Shakespeare, Movement, Song & Storywriting, Puppetry, Improvisation, Movement, Character Development. In week 1, we put it to a vote to see what the ensemble most wanted to do.
Six sheets showing the 6 possible categories the Tuesday ensemble could explore this semester. Actors could vote for their favorites. They put an orange post-it on their first choice and a blue post-it on their second choice.
The majority of our team was really excited about Song and Storywriting, which is Kal’s area of expertise and Shakespeare, which is Katie’s. So we each get to share the stuff we’re best at, and learn from each other. And, of course, all of these topics inform each other. You can’t craft a song or story without some improvisation, you can’t dive into Shakespeare or Puppetry without understanding characters. And nothing we do at A.B.L.E. happens without movement!
We’ve built a 10 week class arc that will focus on each actor creating their own character and writing a song verse for them. In week 4, we started crafting our original puppets and developing their characters. You can get a peek at some of them here (click on a photo to enlarge it):
This is Kal’s first-ever semester with A.B.L.E. so it’s a great way for them to get to know some of our actors and how we work without the pressure of directing a final piece. We also have a brand new actor - Maggie - in this ensemble, so this approach lets her sample a little bit of everything!
New actor Maggie sits at table full of craft supplies with her paper bag puppet - “Lara” - infront of her. Katie stands next to Maggie and takes notes about Lara’s character.
Meet Sam!
Sam shows off his puppet character - Knight Light the Warrior. Knight Light is made from a brown paper bag with googly eyes and a wavy bright green pipecleaner for hair. He has a giant red construction paper hand holding a blue pipecleaner sword and a yellow construction paper shield.
Sam has been part of A.B.L.E. since the very beginning, when our programs first started inside GiGi’s Playhouse in 2010. Over the years, Sam has taken part in 25 productions. In January, Sam joined 5 other longtime actors in our inaugural cohort of Creative Associates; this group has been employed by ABLE to co-lead workshops and trainings and support administrative projects throughout the year. Here’s what Sam has to say about being part of the Tuesday ensemble this semester:
What is your “Rose” - or your favorite thing - about this semester?"
I love to be with my friends in person and to be artistic in different ways - like with different characters, and acting, but also making things with my hands. And I like to have Check In. I like the questions and sharing more about myself. It feels good to get the words out of my heart.
What is your “Thorn” - or your least favorite thing - about this semester?
It is good to be in person but it’s hard sometimes because of transportation. Like when PACE is late or doesn’t show up. This is really frustrating to me.
What are you proud of this semester?
I’m really proud of my puppet. His name is Night Light. I’ve done puppets before but it’s been a really long time. And last time I used a puppet I had to move it with other people. Night Light is my own puppet.
What would you like to work on this semester?
I am going to work on my song lyrics and write them for my character.
Who would you like to compliment from your ensemble?
Maggie is doing a great job because it’s her first time but she tries everything. I can help her with things like to lead the ensemble pact if she is still learning.
Dance Party
Get up and get moving with this playlist curated by our Tuesday ensemble
