Our ensembles would not be possible without a committed group of volunteers. One of our most popular volunteer positions is the role of Facilitator for our ensembles. Facilitators participate side-by-side with ABLE’s actors with I/DD to ensure everyone has a productive, supportive and fun rehearsal. Thanks to these dedicated volunteers, ABLE’s ensemble program boasts a 2:1 actor to support ratio at all rehearsals and performances that translates into individualized attention and support for our actors. In today’s spotlight, meet facilitators Andrea Bazzoli and Paige Henderson!
Friends since high school, Andrea and Paige both volunteer for ABLE’s ensemble program, most recently serving as facilitators for the Monday ensemble. They also contributed to ABLE’s Frankenstein as run crew and front-of-house support.
Paige first came across ABLE on a search for local theatre companies and was immediately interested. “I had never heard of inclusive theatres before and I was so taken with it. I went to the website and did a deep dive. I found the volunteer tab and I signed up to be a facilitator. Within five minutes of the facilitator training, I knew this was amazing and I have loved it over since,” says Paige.
Paige invited a group of friends and family to attend her debut ABLE performance in December 2023. Andrea was happy to be there, eager to show her support. She was captivated by the joy unfolding on stage. “We saw Twists and Turns, and we literally were like ‘Wait, why is it over already? Oh, my God, it's been an hour and a half. That was so good!’ Our cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing. And I was like, ‘Oh, I want to do that’.”
Paige plays the role of Taylor Swift in a devised scene from Twists & Turns (2023)
“I think the ABLE methodology, on the surface, is dropping in and putting on a production, but when you dig deeper, everyone comes exactly how they are and is so encouraged to do that,” Paige explains. “For example, we have actors who become very quiet on stage and no one tells them to try to speak louder. Instead, we recognize that is how this actor likes to perform. So what do they love? How do they come alive on stage? Is it movement? Is it costumes? Is it dance? So much time and attention goes into finding what each actor loves.”
Many people are seeking meaningful ways to give back to their community that also offer a sense of belonging. ABLE is happy to meet volunteers where they are with a variety of opportunities. Whether it is a year-long role like the Board of Directors or Program Advisory Council, a one-day commitment like our Front of House team, or something in between, ABLE has something for everyone.
Paige & Andrea have found that volunteering together at ABLE has strengthened their friendship. They look forward to their time together chatting on the drive to and from rehearsal, and working with the ensemble. “It’s fun to see your friend in that element and to look across the room and see them having a really breakthrough moment with an actor. You’re proud of your friend and you're thinking how cool it is that we get to do this and see a part of your friend that you wouldn't get to see at a bar on a Saturday afternoon. There's a little bit more intimacy in our friendship because we get to have these vulnerable moments in front of each other, which is really nice,” says Paige.
Both women have found ABLE to be a welcoming environment, and are grateful for new friends they have made. “We are in a group chat with all the facilitators and we are talking a lot now,” Andrea explains. “I think there's a way for everyone to get involved. One of our other close friends didn’t want to be on stage, but she has worked front-of-house before. There are backstage roles now, or helping with a fundraiser, even coming to a show.”
““I can’t think of a reason why someone shouldn’t get involved. There’s not a moment wasted. You are helping someone grow, you’re helping someone through a hard time, or you yourself are smiling and laughing. There’s just not a single moment that is not bettering yourself and hopefully someone else.”
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Volunteers like Paige and Andrea. In our 2024-25 season, 37 volunteers gave 1,120 hours of their time to ABLE - this time is valued at $35,616. Even with their support, the costs to run just one showcase ensemble total over $13,500 for a semester.
Help set the stage for more joyful collaborations like Paige and Andrea’s by supporting our Annual Campaign. By coming together now, we can ensure the future of ABLE’s programs that offer individualized support and connection for actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
PS: If you are interested in joining Paige and Andrea on our volunteer team, ABLE will open registration for new facilitators on Monday July 14th. To receive notifications about this and other volunteer opportunities, sign up for our newsletter.
