A.B.L.E.—Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations—a Chicago-based nonprofit that creates theatre and film for, with, and by individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) will mark their 10th anniversary as a 501c3 this spring. To celebrate, they are hosting a one-of-a-kind festival of original performances April 30 – May 3rd at The Edge Theater in Edgewater.
Each of A.B.L.E.’s 4 ensembles have collaborated to develop original pieces for the festival inspired by this central theme. Each event will be a different experience, uniquely crafted by the group onstage. The Thursday night showcase explores movement and physicality, while the Saturday matinee will focus on storytelling. A.B.L.E.’s performance ensemble has developed an original full-length play inspired by a time capsule. The neurodiverse cast of 11 will use movement, object work, music, and personal reflections to explore the memories we hold onto and the connections we keep. In addition to these live performances, A.B.L.E.’s Virtual Ensemble is creating short-form videos that will play on A.B.L.E.’s social media channels throughout the spring. In total, 78 performers – including 40 actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities – will appear throughout the festival.
A.B.L.E. is committed to ensuring everyone feels they belong in the theatre. In addition to supporting disabled actors onstage and backstage, all performances include numerous accessibility accommodations for audience members of all ages and abilities.
Performances:
- Thursday April 30th at 7pm – Movement Ensemble Showcase (ASL interpreted)
- Friday, May 1st at 7:00 pm – The Time Capsule
- Saturday, May 2nd at 2:00pm – Devising Ensemble Showcase (ASL interpreted)
- Saturday May 2nd at 7pm – The Time Capsule (ASL interpreted)
- Sunday, May 3rd at 2:30pm (audio described performance)
Accessibility at all performances:
- All performances are open captioned
- All performances are relaxed – you can leave the theatre at any time if you need a break and sensory support tools will be available
- Wheelchair Access
- Masks are required for all attendees out of consideration for our immunocompromised community members
All tickets are pay-what-you-can starting at $15
Teaching Artists: Braden Cleary, Ruby Gibson, Maddy Grady, Kiaran Hartnett, Kaylie Honkala, Lawrence Kern, and Katie Yohe
Actors: Colleen Altman, Colin Baar, Marissa Bloodgood, Christian Boyd, Sophianna Bressette, Rachel Buchanan, Jack Butler, Benjamin Collins, Sophie Earvolino, Gabe Felshman, Samuel Floersheimer, Ryan Foley, Sean Grynberg, Peter Grzeslo, Erin Harvey, Natalia Janik, Jonathan Jennings, Fletcher Jones, Xavier Juniel, Andrew Kosnik, Emily Kwidzinski, Matthew LaChapelle, Emily Lavin, Maggie Leal, Lily Lundin, Anna Luzadder, Maggie Marren, Matthew Marren, Carlos Mejia, Jr, Lucas Miezal, John Miksis, Claire O’Leary, Kira Perdue, Sam Radinsky, Dorsey Schroeck, Tommy Shimoda, Kevin Smith, Kimmy Smith, Jake Solworth, Zachary Wandel
Facilitators: Nette Angelini, Amy Bahr, Andrea Bazzoli, Lewis Beaver, Lauren Berquist, Alexandria Bressette, Claire Buckley, Julia Clavadetscher, Margo DePorter, Shannon Diegel, Mike Falevits, Sarah Haley, Paige Henderson, Ashlyn Horein, Chelsea Hosler, Avery Lareau, Kate McDuffie, Kaitlynn Milvert, Steve O’Connell, Erik Prather, Carly Sells, Julianne Shea, Margaret Sheils, Susan Sjodin, Lindsay Stock, Kate Vargulich, Julia Waits, Connor Wiles, and Polly Yukevich
Company Manager: Haley Schroeck
Lighting Designer: Lea Davis
Director of ASL: Peter Wujcik
ASL Interpreters (April 30 and May 2): Sabrina Cienfuegos and Mark Motyka
Audio Description (May 3): Jason Harrington
Key Art Photographer: Justin Barbin
A.B.L.E.’s 2025-2026 Season is partially supported by The Andrew E. Barrer Trust on behalf of the Chicago Lighthouse, The Chicago Community Trust, The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Forvis Mazars, FS Foundation, FunFund, The Illinois Arts Council, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Rusin Law, The Saints and generous individuals like you!