Read Our Newsletters | Edition 18
AUGUS 2026 Newsletter
THE CORNER OF TWIST & GRAY
Chickenshed NYC’s latest devised musical was a fast-paced, thought-provoking performance about the challenges of social media addiction told through the characters loosely based on Oliver Twist and Dorian Gray. Crazy sounding? A little maybe – but it worked beautifully. Our young leads brought the audience into their world – one filled with challenges including friendships, identity, community, validation and trust. Click here to catch a glimpse of this wonderful production. Congratulations cast and crew!
MEET OUR COMMUNITY
JULIA
Julia came to Chickenshed NYC as a seasoned dancer. When Cyndi suggested she join the family, Julia wasn’t sure what to expect. At first, she was overwhelmed by how sometimes chaotic and loud the workshops were, so different from her dance classes. But soon she was loving the challenge of something new every Saturday and leaned into the methodology of inclusive theatre.
Julia especially enjoyed the process of devising shows, 4Minutes 28Seconds being her favorite for how the science was incorporated. The real highlight, however, was connecting with the kids. Forming relationships with various Players and seeing them blossom over time became her biggest reward. On her final day, a young man who had always simply repeated her words, spontaneously said “Goodbye Julia”. It was the first time he had used his own words to acknowledge their friendship and it warmed her heart.
Experiences like this have inspired Julia to consider special education as her major at the University of Vermont, where she begins this fall. For Julia, Chickenshed has been her “third space”, a place where she feels welcomed, embraced and challenged.
While we will miss seeing Julia each Saturday, she will continue to work with Cyndi on special projects and of course, be back to watch the shows from the audience. We can’t wait to seewhere this next chapter takes her. Thank you, Julia!
NORA
Nora is a force to be reckoned with both on stage and off. Born to perform, she has been entertaining family and friends since standing on her living room ottoman singing show tunes with her Dad. Eager to be skilled, standout and succeed, she became an active participant in everything theatrical inside and outside of school. However when she joined Chickenshed in ninth grade she not only became a central figure in productions she began to discover that musical theatre could be so much more. She learned that theatre isn't about perfection or competition, it's about effortful collaboration, shared discovery and meaningful relationships. Those lessons came in the many hours as a Youth Leader, supporting and encouraging Players of all ages with and without disabilities to meet challenges with creativity and shared purpose. As she heads to Princeon to major in Comparative Literature and minor in Theatre Sudies, Nora hopes to share her belief that the best creative communities are built on inclusion, connection and joy.
In the interim, whe will have an "observership" at the Young Vic Theatre in London working on the world premiere of Thelma and Louise The Musical and then spend a year teaching English in Colombia and Chile. For her college application, Nora created a 4-minute video about her experience at Chickenshed NYC – it is absolutely worth watching and a wonderful reminder of how Chickenshed changes lives. Click here to watch. Thank you, Nora – we have no doubt you will continue to make a positive impact in every community you touch. We will miss you!
SAYING GOODBYE
This summer we said a sad farewell to Kenneth & Janie and their beautiful children, a family that embraced Chickenshed NYC with its whole heart. As Stuyvesant Town neighbors, they discovered Chickenshed at a 14th Street Y open house four years ago and how lucky we are that they did. Ellinor(13), Alva (10) and Teo (5) – (and their parents too!) will be individually and collectively missed. Ellinor graced the stage in so many important roles with a sophistication beyond her years. Alva interpreted songs in sign with artistry and flair. And Teo was an Adventures frequent flyer; rumor has it that My Little Adventure program was created so that he could stay even longer on a Saturday morning! In their mother’s words, my children “didn’t just learn acting, dancing and singing, they grew into expanded versions of themselves, becoming louder, brighter and stronger on stage and in person.” She credits Cyndi, Elliot, Elaine and the dedicated practitioners for literally helping to raise them. She commented on what a gift it is to have non-family adults know your children so well, to care deeply about them and to see them for who they are. “Chickenshed nurtured not just our kids, but our whole family and we are all better for it!” To the entire family – we wish you a wonderful new life chapter in Oslo, Norway filled with the joy of song and the warmth of inclusion. May you carry that Chickenshed heart with you in all that you do. And please come back to visit!
WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
On Saturday 19th and Tuesday 22nd September we are opening our doors to a FREE Theatre Workshop Open House that invites children and families to step into one of our My Little Adventure or Players workshops, meet our creative team, and experience the magic of inclusive theatre. While children take part in activities, grown-ups can enjoy coffee, connect with other families already in the community, and get a sneak preview of what it’s like to be a Chickenshed member. It’s the perfect way to explore, play, and decide if joining us this semester is right for you.
Click here to reserve your spot. And If you have friends who might be interested, please feel free to forward the link.
MY LITTLE (MINI) ADVENTURE
New this year we are giving families the flexibility to join for a month at a time while children discover a new imaginative world through theatre.
Each month's themed adventure takes children somewhere new — from magical lands and underwater worlds to outer space and beyond.
Whether your child is completely new to theatre or already loves to perform, My Little (Mini) Adventure offers a fun, flexible way to discover the magic of theatre, make new friends, and try something different each month.
Families will also have opportunities throughout the year to join us for informal sharings celebrating the children’s creativity and experiences. Click here to inquire.
ADVENTURES FROM THE SHED
Slow Saturday mornings just got better! Adventures is moving to 4PM, giving families more time to enjoy the day before stepping into a world of puppets, music, movement, and storytelling. Come along after brunch, playtime, or a busy day exploring the city and share an interactive adventure together. Suitable for 2-5 year-olds. Click here for tickets.
FALL PRODUCTION
Calling all young people ages 7+.This Fall, they'll have the opportunity to bring an original musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night to the stage.
Registration is still open—and there’s no audition required to be part of this exciting production.
Ready to take the stage? Click here to enroll.
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!
