From a Humble Chicken Shed to a Global Beacon of Inclusion
New York, N.Y. — CHICKENSHED NYC creates preschool performances for ages 3–5, theatre-making experiences for ages 5-18+, youth leadership opportunities, and inclusive outreach partnerships across the city. The origin story of Chickenshed is unique. Musician and composer Jo Collins met teacher and director Mary Ward in London, England.
Sharing a belief that everyone should be able to perform and create, they set up a theatre company in London in 1974.
Initially based in local church halls, they ask local benefactor and landowner (and fan) Lady Elizabeth Byng if there might be a space free on her property for the company to use as its base—and a facility was made with the kind offer of a disused chicken shed, hence the name of the theatre company, Chickenshed!
Mary and Jo realize the way forward for Chickenshed must be one of true inclusion, and by embracing this ethos wholeheartedly, the next phase of b.
John Bull joined to become Chickenshed’s first Managing Director, pioneering work on integration and taking Chickenshed to the next level: Jo, Mary and John had created the world’s first truly inclusive theatre company.
Soon Chickenshed was going from strength to strength with record contracts, CDs, West End shows, TV spots, high-profile trustees such as Dame Judi Dench and Sir Trevor Nunn.
The Chickenshed team met Lord and LadyRayne. Lady Rayne became president of the company.
Thanks to her, Chickenshed gained a very special patron: Princess Diana, whose zest for Chickenshed’s message of hope shined through in spectacular fashion. Lord and Lady Rayne work tirelessly to create a permanent home for the company.
Fast forward to 2016. Parent and volunteer of Chickenshed in London, Elaine Finkletaub, relocated with her husband and two children to New York.
She was keen to enroll her son and daughter in a like-minded inclusive theatrical company like the one her children so dearly loved in London.
She was disappointed to discover there was not a comparable theatre program in NYC.
Elaine took matters into her own hands and was connected with Elliot Fishman, a Broadway producer and Secretary to the Royal Shakespeare Company America.
Elliot immediately jumped on the idea of bringing Chickenshed to the United States. Together they agreed their first task was to give New York a ‘taste’ of what Chickenshed’s inclusive approach to theatre was all about.
Adding Cyndi Steele-Harrod, Artistic Director of studio programming at Shuffles, Broadway Tap and Musical Theater School, the project began to take shape.
The team spent the next year preparing to present a pilot demonstration week in NYC… and as they say, “The rest is history!” Fast forward to 2025.
Elliott Fishman is CEO of Chickenshed NYC and Elliott Fishman, General Manager, brings his expertise and combined backgrounds as a not-for-profit executive, theatrical producer, strategic consultant, and legal professional.
Their dedication and blend of preschool workshops, theatre-making experiences, youth leadership opportunities, inclusive outreach partnerships across the city and performances have made an indelible impression on families, educators, the Broadway theatre community and, most importantly, the children of New York City.
Chickenshed NYC Presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Musical Featuring Its Largest Inclusive Cast to Date
For holiday 2025, Chickenshed NYC proudly announced the premiere of A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Musical, a bold new adaptation that blends Shakespeare’s classic text with modern verse and an original score.
Created by Chickenshed’s artistic team members from both London and NYC, this landmark production marks the company’s first collaboration with the education team from the Royal Shakespeare Company.
With an impressive cast of ninety-five youthful performers, this is Chickenshed NYC’s largest production to date and unites young people from across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
In keeping with Chickenshed’s core value that “when everyone is included, everyone flourishes,” the cast reflects the full diversity of New York City, inviting performers with and without disabilities to share the stage and shape the storytelling together.
Audience response has been highly enthusiastic with all five performances
nearly sold out in advance, an unprecedented milestone for the organization.
“We are thrilled to bring this ambitious production to the stage,” said Elaine Finkletaub, CEO of Chickenshed NYC. “The original score, the work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the extraordinary commitment of our performers represent the very best of what inclusive theatre can achieve.”
Performances take place at the 14Y Theatre at 344 East 14 St., New York, NY 1003 from Dec. 12-14.
Tickets, interviews, and photography requests are available upon request.
For more information, visit: www.chickenshednyc.org
#ChickenshedNYC #InclusiveTheatre #AMidsummerNightsDream #YouthTheatre
#NYCTheatre #TheatreForAll #DiversityOnStage #ShakespeareMusical
Tags: inclusive theatre, Chickenshed NYC, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, youth theatre, New York City, Elaine Finkletaub.
Royal Shakespeare Company, diverse cast, holiday performances, Shakespeare adaptation, Elliott Fishman, Patrice Samara
Summary
Chickenshed NYC empowers young people through inclusive theatre, from preschool shows to major productions. Its 2025 premiere of A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Musical features 95 diverse performers in a landmark collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company, celebrating diversity and creativity in New York City. (75 words)
Social Media
Facebook: Join us at Chickenshed NYC for the holiday magic of A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Musical! Our largest inclusive cast yet brings Shakespeare to life with original music and diverse young talent. Performances Dec 12-14 at 14Y Theatre. Tickets: www.chickenshednyc.org
Instagram: ✨ Magical moments on stage! Chickenshed NYC’s inclusive cast of 95 shines in A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Musical. Celebrating diversity and creativity this holiday season. Dec 12-14 @14streety. Get tickets now! link in bio #ChickenshedNYC
LinkedIn: Chickenshed NYC is proud to present its groundbreaking production, A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Musical, in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Featuring 95 young performers from across NYC, this inclusive show exemplifies our mission to empower through theatre. Join us December 12-14.
X / Twitter: Holiday theatre magic! Chickenshed NYC’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Musical with 95 inclusive young performers. Dec 12-14 at 14Y Theatre. Tickets: www.chickenshednyc.org #InclusiveTheatre #ShakespeareNYC
BlueSky: Excited for Chickenshed NYC’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Musical! Largest inclusive cast ever, blending Shakespeare with original score. Dec 12-14. Info: www.chickenshednyc.org