Players 3

The Chickenshed Players 3 (CP3) program is a dynamic, two-semester journey in theatre-making, offering young people the opportunity to perform in two mainstage productions each year — one scripted in the fall and one devised collaboratively in the spring.

This fall, Players will take the stage in a vibrant musical adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, reimagining Shakespeare’s magical world of mischievous fairies, tangled love stories, and dreamlike adventures. Working with professional theatre practitioners and youth leader mentors, Players will build acting, singing, and movement skills in a fun, supportive environment — all through our inclusive, no-audition process.

In the spring, the group will devise an original musical production using our signature inclusive approach, centering their own voices, experiences, and ideas. Past devised works have explored themes like artificial intelligence and its impact on the arts, incorporating insights from guest scientists into the creative process.

Each workshop, rehearsal, and performance is rooted in community, creativity, and connection — nurturing both artistic expression and essential life skills in an affirming, empowering environment.

Periodically throughout the year Players have access to specialized workshop programs designed to deepen their artistic development:

• Dance Lab – Explores styles like contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop.
• Vocal Lab – Builds vocal technique, interprets songs across genres, to help gain confidence in both solo and ensemble performance.
• Acting Lab – Dives into improvisation, scene work, and character development to strengthen storytelling and stage presence.

Each lab supports creativity, confidence, and skill-building in a fun, inclusive environment led by our experienced team.

In addition some Players may also be invited to join our Youth Leadership Training Program, where they can begin developing skills to mentor younger participants and take on leadership roles within the company.