Chickenshed is a theatre for absolutely everyone. For over fifty years we have been creating bold and beautiful work, driven by our limitless belief in each other and our mission to make the world a place where everyone can flourish. Whether on stage, or within the community, we use the transformative power of performing arts to spark change, foster inclusion, and build stronger, more connected communities.
Through our performances, education courses, outreach projects, and youth mentoring, we engage over 15,000 young people each year, empowering them to find their voices, overcome adversity, and connect with others across generations and backgrounds.
We work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, many of whom face challenges such as disadvantage or additional support needs. Our approach to inclusion has earned us recognition from various respected institutions, and it remains at the heart of all our initiatives.
Performance
We create theatre that changes lives.
Our work is brave and beautiful, using the stage to tell stories, share experiences and inspire change. We create original productions for children, families and adults, drawing inspiration from our community and the world around us.
Education
We lift each other up.
We take performing arts training beyond the ordinary, bringing together young people from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities to learn creatively alongside one another. More than 200 students join our BTEC, Foundation Degree and BA courses each year, collaborating to create powerful productions performed in our outstanding Rayne Theatre.
Participation
We are a community of everyone.
Everyone who comes through our door changes us in some way. Through weekly workshops for children, young people and adults, we provide a safe and creative space where people can build confidence, discover their talents, perform, or simply be part of something joyful.
Outreach
We show what the world can be.
Through projects and workshops in schools, youth centres, young offender institutions and community settings, we engage, educate and challenge expectations, demonstrating the power of creativity to connect people and transform lives.
Youth Mentoring
We succeed together.
We provide young people with access to training and practical work experience across a wide range of theatre skills. We nurture talent, build confidence and equip the next generation with the tools they need to thrive, fostering a limitless belief in themselves and each other.
