One of the joys of A.B.L.E. is that we get to build long-term relationships with our actors. Benjamin Collins joined us way back in 2013, when we were still operating as part of GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago. Read on to meet Ben and learn more about how A.B.L.E. has made a difference for him and his family:
This weekend, Ben joined a cast of 9 actors to take the the stage at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in A.B.L.E’s sold-out run of Frankenstein.Ben has enjoyed being a part of the Performance Ensemble this spring, sharing that A.B.L.E. makes him feel “excited and happy.” His mom Sharon adds, ”Ben’s been very happy and devoted to all the aspects of the play from staging, costume, makeup, and of course, his character as The Creature.”
Benjamin gets his Creature makeup done by artist MK Papadatos.
Sharon still remembers how she felt 10 years ago heading into Ben’s first A.B.L.E. rehearsal. She and her husband Jacob had been looking for a place to encourage their son’s creativity and interest in musical theater when they came across a flyer for A.B.L.E. “We didn't know what to expect because Ben’s not that verbal. But we thought, ‘why not try?’”
After rehearsal ended, she recalls “Ben ran out and was so happy. Then Katie (Teaching Artist) came up and told us he was fantastic. She explained Ben despite his verbal limitations, Ben was able to project through movement. He was very expressive in big physical ways. Katie said, ‘I'm so happy he's here.’” Sharon continues, “It's rare for our special children to find their gift and the community to nurture it, and we have found that community with A.B.L.E” Ben agrees, adding A.B.L.E. is “My people. Nice friends, and nice people.”
As you can tell from the photos above, Ben has seen A.B.L.E. evolve from that first rehearsal into expanded program offerings that include filmmaking, gathering over Zoom during the pandemic, and performing on well known stages throughout the city. “The creativity in every program is above and beyond” says Sharon. “This is really art in action.” The Collins family has remained committed to A.B.L.E., offering their time and talent on A.B.L.E. projects. “A.B.L.E. is extremely important in our lives and we are more grateful than words can express.”
Sharon, Ben, and Jacob Collins smile for a photo together after a performance.
Ben looks forward to coming to A.B.L.E. activities, even if commuting to rehearsal can be challenging. Sharon describes the A.B.L.E. community in one word: “‘Freedom! Everywhere we go, there's always a bit of a restriction, or guardrails. There are so many times when we're on the outside looking in.” A.B.L.E. gives Ben the opportunity to “be front and center on stage and express himself. It's totally freeing for him. To do everything that he wants. To sing, to dance, to act, to be dramatic, to be a ham, to make people laugh and interact with the audience. He’s free. And I'm so grateful for that for him.”
