What is Inclusive Theatre?

Chickenshed is based on a belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included.

Creative activities and self-expression can so often seem off-limits to many people – and this includes within the world of theatre. We want to break down the barriers between people, and create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. We bring people together who would otherwise never meet, never get to know each other.

At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can – and we recognise that everyone will both give and require support. Everyone can give support and everyone can receive support as they need it.

At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, because everyone is included. And together everyone can create something remarkable - whether there is an audience to see it or not.

And because this is not how the world usually works, you might not know that you are seeing ‘everyone’ – because you might not be used to seeing it. Our aim is that if you come into a workshop, a lesson or watch one of our large-scale performances, then you will feel welcome, and recognise someone just like you in the room or on the stage.

This sense of the power of inclusion is behind everything we do at Chickenshed. By creating our own unique and inclusive environment, and incredible theatre that challenges and inspires, we aim to help create a more inclusive society.

We know that when everyone is included, amazing things happen.

What is inclusion?

Latest

IT
Elemental Chi Gung - 8 week course

Chi Gung (Qi Gong) - a series of workshops for health, vitality and relaxation.
Elemental Chi Gung - Pay As You Go

Chi Gung (Qi Gong) - a series of workshops for health, vitality and relaxation.
BA performance at Chickenshed - Part One

Chickenshed's BA students have spent the past few months devising productions that address important social issues and are putting on a performance at Chickenshed.

Shine

An immersive psychological thriller from Hippana Theatre Company.
The Space Between Us Programme
Summer Nights

Chickenshed’s Summer Nights sessions is an exploration of story-telling through physical theatre, movement, dance and vocal work. For ages 11-14.
Crime of the Century

Crime of the Century is a hard-hitting, raw piece of theatre which explores the issues surrounding gang violence.
We Are Chickenshed

Chickenshed is an amazing organisation, which for 45 years has been built upon the stories of the thousands and thousands of people who count themselves part of our community. These short films shine a light on just a few of these individuals, and serve to highlight how Chickenshed stands for one unique proposition – that we can all choose to create a better world where everyone is welcome and everyone is included.
Kettlebells to Music

A fun weight training class for men and women. All ages and abilities welcome, trial class free.
The Weekend Itch

Chickenshed practitioners are inviting young people to spend the afternoon creating and exploring original work, through a series of theatre workshop activities and games in our unique and inclusive environment. For ages 12-17.
(L)able
Elephant
Stig of the Dump

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Blank Page for Spektrix redirect Bounce Avoidance
Checkout
How to Find Us

The theatre is located approximately 10 minutes walk from Cockfosters Underground Station and 12 minutes from Oakwood Underground Station. Both stations are on the Piccadilly line.
Theatre Changing Lives

We champion difference through inclusion, to enrich lives and transform our world.
Study at Chickenshed

For the past 40 years we have been leading the way in inclusive performance and our students are right at the heart of our work. Find out what makes our students and learning environment so unique.
Take Part

Courage, magic, honesty, passion, emotion and truth. These are all the things that make our members, participants and performers so wonderfully unique.
My Account
Level 3 Training

The BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts is a two year full time course, nationally recognised as an equivalent to three A-levels (Level 3). Over the course of two years you will have the opportunity to explore dance, drama and musical theatre through a series of units and gain practical experience of inclusive theatre practice.
Young Creators

Theatre relies on the skills and creativity of many people from the beginning of an idea to the final bows and our Young Creators Programme and Trainee Scheme provide vocational training and hands-on experience for young people looking to discover more.
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