Read Our Newsletters | Edition 17
APRIL 2026 Newsletter
THE GREENROOM 42 EVENT
On an unusually balmy March evening, the Chickenshed NYC donor community gathered to celebrate the magic of inclusion. After enjoying a deliciously warm cocktail hour outdoors we headed into the cabaret style venue to be completely entertained by “Cyndi & Friends”. Cyndi’s talented guests Jessica Phillips, Michael Andrews, and Milena Comeau had a fabulous time singing and dancing with the Chickenshed Players. Thank you to them, our incredible Theatre Practitioners, staff, volunteers and especially donors who made the night such a success!!! Please put Monday, March 8th, 2027, in your calendar for next year’s event. Click HERE to hear what our audience had to say.
MEET OUR COMMUNITY
MATTHEW
Meet Matthew or rather King Oberon if you were lucky enough to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream last December. Matthew is a senior Chickenshed Player who takes his craft very seriously. He diligently uses the portal to practice lines, dances, signing and songs – checking off his “to-do” list with intention. According to his mother Mary, since joining Chickenshed just over a year ago, Matthew has flourished in ways his family hasn’t witnessed before. He has grown in confidence, joy and focus, all due to Chickenshed’s unique mentoring approach that combines high expectations and personalized support. The impact has extended beyond Matthew, evidenced when his twin brother danced the Electric Slide with him during a show’s final performance, possibly the first time he felt truly proud to introduce himself as Matthew’s brother. As a parent of a child with a disability, Mary has grown accustomed to the world seeing her child as somehow less than.
To have the Chickenshed community not merely accept Matthew but sing his praises as a leader and performer is music to her ears that she hasn’t heard before. For Mary, Chickenshed is a “beacon of light, a soothing for the soul – a promise and embodiment of the way the world could be.” For Matthew, Chickenshed is a place where he can sing, dance and hang out with his friends – a space to “be himself and not have to be a shadow.”
OUR GUEST ARTISTS
SEBASTIANO
Meet Sebastiano, a professional puppeteer who happily shared his skills during a Chickenshed workshop this spring. Ever since he was young boy he dreamed of being one of Jim Henson’s Muppets. Having grown up with “Barney and Friends”, he was drawn to the unique interactivity of puppets that cartoons just didn’t offer. As determined children do, Sebastiano created his own YouTube channel, using it as a space to hone his craft and connect with other aspiring puppeteers from around the world. After earning a double major in film and theatre art he landed his first job as an intern at the Jim Henson Company. He was awed by everything. When his internship ended, he began building puppets for the off-Broadway Winnie the Pooh show. Upon hearing they were auditioning for their live show he stepped out of his comfort zone and won the part. Eventually, he directed the US and Australia national tours of the show while performing the part of Tigger. Having had the time of his life he returned to the Jim Henson company – living out his dream as theLittle Italian American Boy on Sesame Street. Typically of artists, he also has a few other jobs that keep him going – being a sports mascot, a marionette artist in Central Park, a tour guide at the Jim Henson shop and a teacher of his craft. He is truly living the life he dreamed of as a little boy. His message? It is possible to follow your dreams – put your whole heart into it, be flexible, resilient and persistent. There are so many ways to do what you love.
WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT
Come see the latest Chickenshed NYC original musical. Devised by the Players themselves with a little help from their friends The Corner of TWIST & GRAY promises to be entertaining and thought provoking.
In the nostalgic town of Woodstock, NY, the Hendrix Community Center is a third space for a group of unforgettable kids. There is Dori, a wannabe influencer, and Oli, an orphan, each searching for a place to belong. As friendships are tested and identities challenged, the true cost of a focus on appearance begins to surface. Inspired by the classic stories of Oliver Twist and The Picture ofDorian Gray, this musical is a bold and imaginative journey about choices, change and the power of found family.
Performances are June 5, 6 & 7 at the 14Y Theatre.
Buy Your Tickets HERE
2026-2027 ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN
Join one of our inclusive theatrical programs where creativity, confidence, and connection come to life. We offer young people the opportunity to create and perform alongside professionals, develop skills, and build new friendships within a nurturing and supportive community.
SUPPORT OUR WORK
Please consider helping us grow our participants, our audiences and our outreach by donating toour annual campaign – Build The Shed. Every donation will support the work of inclusive theatre. Just click here to learn more.
Thank you to all our generous donors for promoting the Chickenshed NYC magic!
