What are we working on this semester?

Calling all werewolves, shapeshifters, and critters! Virtual Ensemble’s theme is Creature Feature! Join Teaching Artists Perry and Ruby as we work togehter to build a character piece highlighting your creature’s evolution. Whether you’re a creepy zombie or a beautiful butterfly, join us to explore transformation through beasts of all kinds.

Schedule

Orientation: September 21 (a parent or caregiver should plan to attend with your actor) 

Rehearsals: September 28, October 5, October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9 (no rehearsal October 12)

Showcase: Monday, November 9 at 8:00pm

Attendance

Theatre-making is a team effort. Your presence impacts not just you, but your scene partners and the rest of the group. We expect actors who commit to an ensemble will make rehearsal a priority. If you anticipate you will miss 1 or more rehearsals, please take a break this semester to make space for someone else. 

What happens in rehearsal?

A.B.L.E. sessions are 90 minutes. Activities vary every week, but every rehearsal follows the same basic format, so you’ll know what to expect. You will receive a social story with more details before your session. 

Financial Assistance

A.B.L.E. is committed to ensuring our programs are financially accessible for everyone. We will never turn anyone away because of finances. At sign up, you will be able to choose a pricing scale that works for you. You will also have the option of setting up a payment plan at check out. 

Technology Assistance

A.B.L.E. also offers technology assistance to help actors connect online including equipment loans, hotspots, and stipends for high-speed internet access. If you need assistance to get connected, please note this on your registration form.

What are we working on?

In this scene study short course, actors will rehearse a variety of scenes in pairs and small groups while receiving feedback from Teaching Artists Maddy and Braden. You'll explore performing well-known stories and fairy tales with a focus on setting, plot, and character, Over the course of three weeks, actors will learn to break down text and act in a fun and supportive environment. 

Attendance

Space in this short course is limited. Please only register if you’re confident you can attend. Canceling with less than 72 hours’ notice, aside from situations like illness or emergencies, may impact your ability to register for future workshops.

What happens in the short courses? 

A.B.L.E. short courses are 120 minutes for 3 weeks. Activities vary depending on the focus, but every session follows the same basic format, so you’ll know what to expect. You will receive a social story with more details before your session. Each participant will be able to invite 2 supporters to the last 15 minutes of the last session to see a small presentation of what we've accomplished.

Health & Safety

We are an ensemble and have to support each other. One easy way to show support for our community members who are immunocompromised or high risk is to wear a mask. A.B.L.E. recommends masks at all in-person sessions to help care for the most vulnerable among us. 

Financial Assistance

A.B.L.E. is committed to ensuring our programs are financially accessible for everyone. We will never turn anyone away because of finances. At sign up, you will be able to choose a pricing scale that works for you. 

What are we working on?

• Monday, October 5th at Gateway to Learning - Clowning with Maddy and Kiaran: Get ready to play, explore, and embrace the unexpected! Join Teaching Artist Maddy and Kiaran as you discover the joy of clowning. Dive deep into physical comedy, bold choices, playful movement, and the art of being fully present. Focusing on improvisation, physical comedy, and character-building activities, you'll learn to turn mistakes into moments of magic and let your unique personality shine. Get ready to be silly, take risks, and discover your inner clown!

• Monday, October 19th at The Menomonee Club - Stage Combat with Joe and Edmund: Step into the world of theatrical action and learn how to make every fight feel larger than life! Led by Teaching Artist Edmund and Guest Teaching Artist and Chicago stage legend Joe Dempsey, this workshop will explore the fundamentals of stage combat through movement, choreography, storytelling, and teamwork. You'll learn how performers create exciting fight scenes while keeping safety at the center of every move. Get ready to build confidence, sharpen your physical storytelling skills, and bring thrilling moments to the stage!

• Monday, October 26th at The Menomonee Club - Stage Makeup with MK and Kiaran: Transform yourself from everyday performer to unforgettable character! Led by Teaching Artist Kiaran and the incredible makeup artist MK, who brought ABLE's Frankenstein monsters to life, this workshop will explore the art of stage makeup and discover how color, shape, texture, and design can bring a character to life. Through hands-on activities and creative experimentation, you'll learn techniques for creating expressive looks that shine under the stage lights. Get ready to paint, play, and discover a whole new way to transform!

Attendance

Space in our workshops is limited. Please only register if you’re confident you can attend. Canceling with less than 72 hours’ notice, aside from situations like illness or emergencies, may impact your ability to register for future workshops.

What happens in the workshop? 

A.B.L.E. workshops are 120 minutes. Activities vary depending on the focus, but every session follows the same basic format, so you’ll know what to expect. You will receive a social story with more details before your session. 

Health & Safety

We are an ensemble and have to support each other. One easy way to show support for our community members who are immunocompromised or high risk is to wear a mask. A.B.L.E. recommends masks at all in-person sessions to help care for the most vulnerable among us. 

Financial Assistance

A.B.L.E. is committed to ensuring our programs are financially accessible for everyone. We will never turn anyone away because of finances. At sign up, you will be able to choose a pricing scale that works for you.