Read Our Newsletters | Edition 15

August 2025 Newsletter

SPRING PRODUCTION ACHIEVES BIGGEST CAST TO DATE

Chickenshed NYC’s Spring musical, Both Sides Now, was a perfect springboard to summer. In the biggest production yet, this lively jukebox musical followed two generations united through memories andfriendship to save their beloved summer camp. With AI being the science explored in the spring term, the Players devised the show in part on their own and in part with the help of ChatGPT. The process itself elicited interesting discussion about authorship and originality. In the end, it was a thoroughly entertaining and joyful story. Hopefully, everyone’s summer camp experiences have been as inclusive and adventurous as Camp All-In. Click here to enjoy a short video about how AI was used during the process of devising the show.

OUR GRADUATES‍

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GRAHAM‍

Graham has been a charismatic part of the Chickenshed NYC community since 2019. His favorite part of Chickenshed is meeting new people.As a young man with autism, he appreciates that everyone atChickenshed accepts him for who he is. He describes himself as sweet, kind and respectful, someone who doesn’t judge people and who treats others as he would like to be treated.  

Graham has enjoyed all the shows but liked Both Sides Now in particular, because he is a big fan of old-fashioned things like vintage cars and MoTown.  After graduating from the Lowell School in June, he is looking forward to visiting lots of new citiesduring Travel Camp.  In the fall, Graham will be going to a 2-year college for individuals like him who want to become more independent.  

Graham is a lover of all things NYC. Some of his favorite places are Times Square and the New York Transit Museum. He loves seeing shows and eating all the food the city has to offer. He says it is the “city that never sleeps” (except during COVID!) When asked if he will continue to take part in Chickenshed NYC – he said, “The future will tell”  We sure hope he does. Best of luck to Grahamin his future endeavors.  

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MILI

It could be said that Chickenshed runs through the veins of our graduate, Mili. Growing up with Chickenshed in London, she fell in love with the stage. As a young person in NYC, she fell in love with the people and the process. Though she is the daughter of our beloved CEO, Elaine, Mili initially stepped away from Chickenshed during middle school as she adjusted to life in a new big city.

Once she found her footing as a dancer and drama student at LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, Mili volunteered as a backstage tech for one of our shows. That experience - of community and helping others made her want to stay. She went on to take lead roles, write several songs, and give back the kind of mentorship she once received in the UK to younger Players at Chickenshed NYC.

In her own words, Chickenshed taught her to focus on others and to see the world from different perspectives. She learned that nothing is ever one-sided or meant to be viewed through a single lens. What has she learned about herself as a Chickenshed NYC Player? She enjoys feeling useful - especially when helping others - and finds child development a fascinating field. It's no surprise that she's chosen to study psychology at St. Andrews University in Scotland (and yes, she plans to join the drama club to find "her people").

What will she miss about her Chickenshed NYC family? The feeling of being truly loved when she walks into a room—and knowing that everyone in that room believes in her. She treasures every Player she’s worked with and will keep her special birthday cards forever and a day.

What will she miss about NYC? The Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise, and Lincoln Center at night, watching beautiful people milling around the fountain. Mili - you will be deeply missed, both onstage and off. Best wishes for an amazing future.

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OUR TEAM

ERIC

Please meet Eric Emch, Chickenshed NYC’s talented marketing consultant. Since 2021, Eric has been providing his expertise to develop a professional and appealing brand. He appreciates the collaborative and creative nature of Chickenshed’s work both onstage and off. The active involvement ofeveryone results in skill building and the devising of valued original theatre.

His desire is to help create a visual brand and voice as alluring as the productions themselves.  

We are fortunate to benefit from Eric’s belief in our program and his robust experience of over 16 years in the theatre industry.  His full-time job is Associate Creative Director for Disney Theatrical Group. He oversees artwork development, campaign development and photography that support The Lion King and Aladdin on Broadway and the North American tours of Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King.  

As the father of a 5-year-old, he appreciates the interactive and engaging quality of the programs at Chickenshed NYC.  Thank you, Eric for helping us articulate and share our mission!  

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WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT?

Join us now for an exciting new year of discovery and creativity!  Our creative team has beenworking diligently all summer to give your child(ren) a truly immersive and inclusive experience.  For those aged 7 and up – Players will be performing a newly devised version of Shakespeare’s A MidsummerNight’s Dream in December.

Younger Players and Adventurer’s will explore the world of dreams through songs, stories and movement.

Sign up HERE.

BE PART OF OUR OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY SEPT 13TH

Join us on the first day of the semester for a special Open House! Players, families, and friends are invited to step inside Chickenshed NYC, experience a workshop, and see what makes our community so unique.

My Little Adventure (ages 3-5): 11:00–11:50am

Players 1 & 2 (ages 5–10): 11:00–11:50am

Players 3 & 4 (ages 10–17): 12:00–12:50pm

Grown-ups are invited to mingle and learn all about Chickenshed NYC in the coffee lounge and will also get a sneak preview of the workshop before heading home. A registration link coming soon. In the meantime, email Ali@chickenshednyc.org to reserve your spot.

Families that buy tickets for an Adventures from The Shed performance will be able to bring another adult and child for free! Just add their names to booking when you buy your tickets.

HELP INCLUSIVE THEATRE THRIVE

Please consider supporting our work by donating HERE. We rely on the generosity of individuals like you to offer the magic of inclusive theatre.