A.B.L.E. - Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations

Description

A.B.L.E. - Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations is a Chicago nonprofit creating theatre and film projects with individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental differences. A.B.L.E.’s core program is their Stage Ensemble. Supported by a team of professional teaching artists and volunteer facilitators, ensembles meet for weekly rehearsals to stage a public performance in a professional theatre. Throughout the process, they strengthen lifelong skills including communication, confidence, creativity, cooperation. Since its inception, the ensemble has produced 14 stage plays, ranging from original stories devised by the ensemble, to adaptations of Shakespearean classics. A.B.L.E.'s first independent feature film, The Curse of the Tempest Jewel , was featured on "Your Chicago" on the CBS Evening News, in the Chicago Onscreen Local Showcase through Chicago Park District's Movies in the Parks program, and received the Award of Merit from The Accolade Global Film Festival. Their second film, THE SPY WHO KNEW ME, premiered in September 2017 and is available for private screenings at schools at community organizations. In addition to the ensemble programs, A.B.L.E. hosts specialty workshops, and partners with other community organizations to lead trainings and residencies.