Chickenshed NYC at 14Y
Chickenshed NYC is New York City’s home for original theatre that prepares young people to build a more inclusive, collaborative, and kind future, whether it’s on stage, backstage, or in the boardroom.
Through a methodology founded on the belief that when everyone is included everyone can flourish, Chickenshed NYC’s no-audition theatrical programming offers participants the opportunity to build confidence and engage in community while honing their performance skills. With the inclusion of science in the fabric of our program, we show that art and science are not only compatible fields but can and do enhance each other.
Our core offerings at 14Y include:
- Adventures – Interactive musical performances for children ages 2–5 and their grown-ups. Packed with puppetry, music, movement, storytelling, and a little theatre magic, every Adventure invites children to step into the action with their own prop backpack and help bring the story to life.
- My Little Adventure – Imagine. Explore. Play. A playful first step into theatre for children ages 3–5, where little ones turn big ideas into adventures through songs, stories, movement, puppetry, and make-believe.
- Players – Create. Rehearse. Perform. Led by a dedicated team of theatre professionals, Players empowers young people to discover their creativity, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships. Through theatre-making, participants gain confidence, collaborate with others, and become part of an inclusive community where every voice matters.
- Labs – Build. Practice. Grow. As part of their Players 2, 3, or 4 membership, participants gain exclusive access to our Lab programs in dance, vocal, acting, and tap. Led by experienced theatre professionals, these specialist workshops deepen technique, build confidence, and help young performers take the next step in their artistic journey.
Adventures
Musical Performances for Children 2-5 and Their Grown-ups
Adventures are lively, interactive musical performances designed especially for young children ages 2–5 and their grown-ups. Each 45-minute show combines singing, dancing, puppetry, storytelling, and a little theatre magic to spark imagination and encourage active participation.
Every performance takes audiences on a new adventure. Equipped with their own backpacks of props, children become part of the story—helping characters solve problems, sharing ideas, and bringing the adventure to life through play.
Led by our team of dynamic performers, Adventures provide a joyful first introduction to theatre in an inclusive, sensory-friendly environment where creativity, curiosity, and connection take center stage.
My Little Adventure (MLA) | Inclusive Theatre Preschool Program for Ages 3-5
My Little Adventure is a playful first step into theatre-making, where young children turn big ideas into adventures through songs, stories, movement, puppetry, and imaginative play.
Led by experienced theatre practitioners, each session invites children to explore a themed world, create characters, solve problems, and bring stories to life together. Along the way, they build confidence, creativity, communication skills, and friendships within a nurturing and inclusive environment.
Designed specifically for preschool-aged children, sessions are paced to support developing attention spans while encouraging curiosity, self-expression, and collaboration.
Rather than committing to a full year, families can choose from a series of themed programs throughout the year, each running for approximately four weeks. Children are welcome to join a single theme or continue their journey across multiple adventures. Families are invited to a ‘Sharing of Work’ periodically throughout the year, offering a chance to celebrate and experience their children’s creativity firsthand.
My Little Adventure Registration
Players | No Audition Inclusive Theatre Workshop & Performance Programs
P1: Ages 5-7
Young performers are introduced to theatre through playful workshops that build confidence, creativity, and collaboration. Through singing, movement, storytelling, and imaginative play, children explore the building blocks of performance in a warm and inclusive environment.
P2: Ages 7-10 | P3: Ages 10-13 | P4: Ages 13-18+
Players create, rehearse, and perform original theatre while developing confidence, creativity, collaboration, and leadership skills. Through theatre-making activities, participants explore their ideas, tell stories that matter to them, and work together as part of an inclusive ensemble.
Guided by theatre professionals and supported by peer mentors, Players take part in two mainstage productions each year—one scripted and one devised—celebrating individuality while fostering a strong sense of community, shared creative ownership, and belonging.
Players Registration
14Y Members receive a 14% discount on program registration.
Labs
Build. Practice. Grow.
As part of their Players 2, 3, or 4 membership, participants gain exclusive access to our skill-based Lab programs in Dance, Vocal, Acting, and Tap. Led by experienced theatre professionals, these focused workshops deepen technique, build confidence, and support each young performer’s artistic growth.
- Dance Lab – Build technique, strength, and confidence through movement. Explore a range of styles including contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, and more.
- Vocal Lab – Develop healthy vocal technique, musicianship, and stage presence. Sing across a variety of styles and discover how storytelling comes alive through song.
- Acting Lab – Create bold, believable characters through improvisation, scene work, and storytelling. Build confidence, spontaneity, and expressive performance skills.
- Tap Lab (Beginner) – Make music with your feet. Learn the fundamentals of tap through rhythm, games, and movement in a fun and supportive environment. No experience necessary—just curiosity. Tap shoes required.