Read Our Newsletters | Edition 16
JANUARY 2026 Newsletter
BRAVO ON A GREAT SHOW
December’s beautiful production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream focused on making Shakespeare accessible for all. With support from the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Education Department and guest scientist Dr. Oks, the Players explored both the text of the play and the science of dreaming. Learning how the brain processes fear and emotion unlocked their imaginations and helped them connect more deeply to the story. Blending science with storytelling encouraged the Players to move past memorization and really tap into their own thoughts and feelings, making the experience more meaningful for everyone including the audience. Thank you to Cyndi and her team for sharing the magical brilliance of Shakespeare. Click HERE for a glimpse of the show.
MEET OUR COMMUNITY
ANNE
Meet Anne, the mother of Graham, a long-time member of the Chickenshed NYC family. A fierce advocate for her son’s well-being, Anne is deeply grateful for the role Chickenshed hasplayed in his life. More of an athlete than a theater aficionado, she enrolled Graham in every sport and activity imaginable when he was younger. But nothing truly resonated. Graham wanted to talk and connect — not compete. Frustrated but hopeful, Anne had an epiphany after Graham’s successful participation in an elementary school production: maybe theatre was the answer. She searched “acting, kids, NYC” with little success until she added “inclusion and disability.”
Finding Chickenshed NYC felt like discovering the magic ingredient — a place where Graham could be fully himself, celebrated for who he is, and even sing and dance. The impact was undeniable. On the final night of his last show, Both Sides Now, Graham burst into tears at dinner with his family — a rare “feelings bomb” that spoke volumes about how much it meant to him.
Fast forward to this past fall, when Graham unexpectedly had to leave his post-secondary residential program.With no clear Plan B, Anne reached out to Chickenshed. A “forever” member of the community, Graham was offered a Front of House assistant role every Saturday — and he was all in. While he enjoys being on stage, what he truly loves is returning to a place where he feels accepted, valued, is trusted with responsibility and required to be accountable. Anne appreciates Chickenshed’s commitment to supporting young adults with disabilities, noting that as children with disabilities become adults, society can become less welcoming, even questioning why they haven’t “grown out” of their autism. She especially values that Chickenshed is not therapy — there are no IEPs here — just a space designed to help everyone thrive and excel. We are so grateful to welcome Graham and his family back. Thank you, Anne, for your candor and trust.
NOW STREAMING
Chickenshed NYC’s very first songs album is now streaming on Spotify! Featuring favorite songs and show tunes from our productions, this album is made for singing in the kitchen, dancing in the living room and reliving the joy of Chickenshed. It’s full of the energy, imagination and heart our community knows and loves. PRESS PLAY, turn it up and let the fun continue!
GROWING UP AT CHICKENSHED
From your child’s first time in the audience, to their first rehearsal, to their stage debut. It’s never too lateto start their journey. No matter the age there is something for your child at Chickenshed NYC:
Adventures from The Shed - interactive musical shows for ages 2-5 with their grown-ups
My Little Adventure – weekly theatre games for ages 3-5 without their grown-ups
Players 1 – weekly theatre making workshop for young creators ages 5-7
Players 2 – making friends and building confidence and artistic skills ages 7-10
Players 3 – nurturing artistic expression and essential life skills ages 10-13
Players 4 – collaborating, creating and developing leaderships skills ages 13-18+
Join us now - Register HERE!
WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT?
Chickenshed NYC's Annual Celebration and Fundraiser is happening on March 9th. A one-night cabaret event featuring Artistic Director Cyndi Steele-Harrod's performing debut. She will be joined on stage by Players and Broadway artists Jessica Phillips, Michael Andreaus and Milena Comeau. Join us for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, performance and Paddle Raise. All proceeds go towards supporting Chickenshed's magical community of inclusive theatre for young people.
Purchase your tickets HERE.
