Through the upheaval and instability of the past few years, A.B.L.E. focused on who we are, and what matters to us most - our community. None of our work happens without people, and throughout our Spring Campagn - #CircleUpWithABLE - we’ve been using our social media channels to introduce you to different members of our community so you can learn firsthand about the impact of our work. We’ve heard from actors, caregivers, teaching artists, volunteer facilitators about what they think sets A.B.L.E. apart and what keep them coming back.
Here’s a round up of some of our favorite stories from the campaign:
Colleen Altman - Actor & Creative Associate, joined our circle in 2010
Colleen is a founding ensemble member who has always loved the stage. She has been with A.B.L.E. since the very beginning. Now, Colleen works for A.B.L.E. as a Creative Associate, earning a competitive wage for doing what she loves the most. Over the past year, Colleen has co-led a range of sessions, including our In the Wings ensemble or new participants. “I love to perform so I like to lead activities that let me work with other people, like On the Spot or Yes Lets where we act out ideas together.”
Colleen’s mother Jane saw her in action when Colleen presented a public workshop as part of RECONNECT. Jane agrees that “It is important to Colleen not only to have meaningful and purposeful work, but also to do something she has an interest and a passion for. ”
The Creative Associates staffing initiative is just one way that A.B.L.E. has supported our community over the years. Creative Associates earn a competitive wage while gaining valuable work experience in the arts.
Erica Johnson - Volunteer Facilitator, joined our circle in 2021.
Erica fell in love with ABLE after attending our 2019 production of As You Like It. “The energy in that auditorium at Chicago Shakespeare was electric with the audience and the facilitators and the actors just bouncing off each other, laughing hysterically. I have never really witnessed it before and I have been in a lot of theaters over the years. It was something so really special that, that night, I said I wanted to be a part of it.”
Erica volunteers in our virtual ensemble, and Zooms into rehearsal from another state, and on an ABLE iPad. When Erica’s computer bit the dust right before her first rehearsal, ABLE issued her a loaner iPad through our Technology Assistance Initiative, which helps ensure that technology isn’t a barrier for participation for our actors or facilitators. “It was something that I never thought would be offered and it just set ABLE apart in ways of accessibility,” says Erica.
“You don’t know what A.B.L.E. is until you are in it.
I don’t know a single person who has left their time with the ensemble as an unchanged human.
I think we are all changed for the better because of it.”
Matt Marren - Actor and Program Advisory Council Member, joined our circle in 2019.
Matt is part of our Monday Ensemble, along with his sister, Maggie. While Matt loves all ABLE performances, he prefers devised work over scripted. “I like the chance to be a writer. I’ll probably have my own late night show someday.”
Matt also serves on our Program Advisory Council, a group of Actors, Facilitators, and Family Members who weigh in on important decisions like season planning, special events, and goals for the future. “Program Advisory Council is very nice. I like being able to come up with new ideas,” Matt shared. This winter, the Program Advisory Council met with ABLE’s Board of Directors to consult on strategic planning initiatives, and, this spring, they worked with Executive Artistic Director Katie Yohe to select to theme and shows for our 2023-2024 artistic season.
ABLE works hand in hand with our actors with disabilities to guide our work, and shape our programs and priorities.
Arin Mulvaney - Teaching Artist, joined our circle in 2019.
Arin currently works with our Creative Associates to facilitate In The Wings, an introductory program for new ABLE actors. Arin enjoys working for ABLE, and says ABLE’s creative culture is really inspiring. “Everyone is always looking for ways to improve, and at the same time, I feel valued and that my input is welcome.
Just like A.B.L.E., Arin prioritizes self growth and evolution. ABLE offers all Teaching Artists and Staff $250 each year for Professional Development opportunities. Arin has used these funds to take level 1 and 2 American Sign Language classes with Matt Lieberman, and a 3-part puppetry workshop with the Jim Henson Foundation geared towards creating with individuals with autism. “I learned about communication, and creating a safe space in the rehearsal room. A.B.L.E. supports our professional development, so we can bring our knowledge back to share with others,” Arin explains.
“A.B.L.E. gives me energy.”
Sam Radinsky - Actor & Creative Associate, joined our circle in 2010.
Sam began acting with A.B.L.E. as a teenager, and has grown up alongside A.B.L.E.’s programs. Sam has appeared in 26 productions, worked with international guest artists Frantic Assembly, served on the Program Advisory Council, and now is on the A.B.L.E. staff as a Creative Associate. This semester, he is working as Assistant Stage Manager for the Monday Ensemble, keeping things organized and assisting Kiaran and Braden. Sam says, “It makes me a better person. I learn to support people.”
Sam’s Dad Josh reflects on the evolution of A.B.L.E.: “We are in awe of A.B.L.E.! Everybody is keyed into who the actors are, and what they are learning. How the actors are changing show to show really is a special thing.” Josh encourages other families to enroll their loved ones with I/DD in A.B.L.E. programming “It’s so much more than doing theatre, it is really a way to explore who you are and to learn communication skills…if you want to go on an adventure, you should go down this road.”
“I have learned to help others like by devising and saying “yes” to their ideas, studying my script so I am prepared, and being a good friend to my ensemble. I want us all to learn things from each other. Like how to be less nervous about being around each other.”
Shannon Diegel - Volunteer Facilitator, joined our circle in 2018
At ABLE, actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities work closely with teaching artists and volunteer facilitators to create theatre and film projects every year. Some of our classical productions include Romeo & Juliet Remix in 2021, and Cyrano de Bergerac in 2018 - which was facilitator Shannon Diegel's first experience with ABLE!
A unique piece of our methodology is something we call “Dropping In.” Each actor pairs with a teaching artist or facilitator who drops in their line. Actors repeat, adding their own flare. This ensures everyone can be successful, regardless of memory, literacy, or communication style. Shannon explains, “Dropping in allows each actor to be in the moment. In rehearsals we are talking about how we can express our emotions, and get to the people in the back of the theatre, but it is really impressive how dropping in allows the actors to interpret the words in their own way. It allows all of us to work together to help share the story.”
“If you don’t have a lot of experience with the theatre, that is okay. If you don’t have a lot of experience public speaking or talking in front of large groups, that is okay. We are all here to help make each other our best...it is just an environment of complete inclusivity and being supportive. It is such a cool space to be in, and I love seeing how we have all grown.”
Ryan Foley - Actor & Program Advisory Council Member, joined our circle in 2019
After waiting years for a spot in the Ensemble, Ryan was welcomed into the group, and made friends right away. Ryan explains, “I feel joyful when I go to rehearsal. I get to spend time with all of my friends there.” Ryan’s favorite A.B.L.E. show so far is Romeo & Juliet Remix, where she played the nurse. “I feel joyful. I like performances, and I don’t get nervous.”
Her dad, Jamie remembers "My first ABLE event, I didn’t know what was going to happen. It was one of the best things I have ever been to...I couldn’t wait until the next one."
While Ryan continues to perform with an Ensemble, she has also taken on a leadership position on the Program Advisory Council, working with other actors, caregivers, and facilitators to make key artistic decisions and plan social events. Ryan’s mother Stephanie shares, “A.B.L.E. has given Ryan the independence that she craves. She has been given responsibility for something that she is passionate about, and Ryan has risen to the occasion.”
“Everyone, no matter of ability, wants to belong somewhere. A.B.L.E. gives confidence, and a sense of community.
Friendship isn’t the right word, it is bigger than that. It is a village that brings out the best in them, so they participate to the best of their abilities and grow skill sets they never knew they had.”
Nette Angelini - Volunteer Facilitator, joined our circle in 2019.
Nette first joined our circle in person in Chicago, but has been able to stay involved through our virtual ensemble since moving to Los Angeles. Soon after starting with ABLE, Nette attended one of our Professional Development sessions on inclusive language, and was inspired to share what she learned with others. “I kept thinking all of this great information should be common knowledge, and that we don’t hear enough in the workplace about how to be more inclusive.”
Last fall, Nette invited A.B.L.E. to lead a Professional Development for her employer, Ladder Life. Executive Artistic Director Katie and Creative Associate Sam presented a lunchtime session for over 70 employees. “I was so happy to bring in my A.B.L.E. family to my work family. It was so great to get everyone involved and listening. I wish inclusivity and access was talked about more, and I wish it was common knowledge. It is important to be cognizant of our speech, know that it is ever changing, and stay in the conversation. It is amazing that we have people like Katie, Sam and A.B.L.E. to provide these sessions for us.”
Donations to our #CircleUpWithABLE campaign will help us continue to offer more Professional Development sessions to employers and organizations, and advocate for more inclusive and empathetic communities!
Fletcher Jones - Actor, joined our circle in 2015
After participating in-person with A.B.L.E. for a few years, Fletcher’s family moved to Arizona. “One of the hardest things about leaving Chicago was leaving Fletcher’s A.B.L.E. theatre group. Leaving was really hard. It was emotional to say goodbye to his friends,” Fletcher’s mom Karen explains.
After watching our first livestreams during the pandemic, Fletcher re-joined our ensemble virtually and has been back with us ever since! "We love the remote ensemble! If you can find anything good out of such a bad time, it is this ensemble. Fletcher really missed it so much! We would still tune in and participate in fundraisers, but when COVID hit and they went virtually, I was like, 'why not here?', and they said yes! We live for ABLE!" Fletcher explains his love for A.B.L.E. "I like the friendships at A.B.L.E., and it is just so much fun!"
Since we added virtual programming, A.B.L.E. has reached Fletcher in Arizona, and other actors and volunteers in 11 different states.
Susan Sjodin - Volunteer Facilitator, joined our circle in 2013
A.B.L.E.'s work doesn't just make a difference for our actors, but for our whle community. Just ask Susan! Susan, is one of A.B.L.E.’s longest-tenured volunteers, having joined our programs way back in 2013. Susan stays with us because of the relationships she has built with our actors and teaching team - and this even sparked a major career change. She explains: “After doing this work and seeing these actors grow in confidence and build such strong relationships with each other, I came to the conclusion that I’d like to become a drama therapist. I’m currently a psychotherapist at a group practice and am taking courses to become a Registered Drama Therapist. Without A.B.L.E., I don’t know if I would have made this decision when I did!”
“ A.B.L.E. is a great environment to learn and play and to facilitate that for others. The team is made up of creative, passionate, and supportive people. It is just extremely enriching to be a part of the community.””
Kaylie Honkala - Teaching Artist, joined our circle in 2015
Kaylie has been supporting our actors, first as a facilitator, and then as a teaching artist since 2015. Most recently, Kaylie developed the curriculum for In the Wings to welcome new actors to ABLE's ensembles. In the Wings is co-led by our team of Creative Associates, so Kaylie gets to work alongside several of the actors she's coached for years. “It was great to see the Creative Associates, who are seasoned actors that have been at ABLE for so long, in the professional light."
As a seasoned educator, Kaylie enjoys mentoring the Creative Associates and watching them grow as leaders. “Not only would the Creative Associates step up and model an activity, they would also just be the most supportive and patient. It is a really great opportunity to bring new actors in and they can see people with disabilities leading their sessions, and leading their classes. I think it is just invaluable.”
YOU are a crucial part of our circle too!
With your support, over the past seven, we have seen record growth. You have helped us live into our values and implement important community-centered practices like committing to equitable living wages for our amazing artistic staff, starting the Creative Associates initiative to employ adults with disabilities, and offering “pay what you can” program registration so that anyone can participate in our performing arts programming regardless of finances. By listening to our community and letting them guide our decisions, we've established A.B.L.E. as a leader in inclusive theater. But we need you to help us keep going. We cannot continue our work without substantial financial contributions from our community.
Will you circle up with us, and create a space where everyone is A.B.L.E. to connect, to contribute, and to create?
We understand that support looks different for everyone. If you can’t make a donation at this time, there are still lots of ways you can support A.B.L.E.
SHARE our posts and stories to help them reach a wider audience
VOLUNTEER to support front of house at a show, hang up posters around town, join our board, or become a facilitator with our ensembles
CONNECT us with other individuals or organizations who might want to be a part of our work.
