Writing Style 3

“We work using an inclusive creative process which means everyone is welcome, and everyone is valued”

(http://www.chickenshed.org.uk/about/main)

Chickenshed Theatre Company was founded in 1974 by Mary Ward and Jo Collins with the vision of creating a theatre company that would be accessible and available to anyone with a passion to perform, 35 years later this can still be seen in every aspect of their work. They would describe their method of theatre as inclusive theatre, an ethos that aims to make every aspect of the workshopping, rehearsals, production and performance accessible to all, be it performer or audience member.

This vision can be seen today within Chickensheds workshops, education programs and regular performances and shows, both onsite and at outside locations. It runs workshops either as a regular commitment or as one off events, for children, adults or schools/companies. These aim to include everyone who is interested regardless what their situation might be, as long as there is an interest, anyone is welcome. As the Chickenshed website states “These workshops are all underpinned by our inclusive creative process which harnesses the creativity of each individual, and magnifies it, to make theatre that belongs to everyone.” At present Chickenshed has over “600 amazing children and young people” involved in workshops, as members, on a regular basis. Anyone can become a member however the waiting list has over 2000 names of potential members all waiting to become a part of this unique setup.

In terms of education Chickenshed was the first centre, and remains the front runner, to teach inclusive performing arts. Like the workshops it is open to anyone who shows interest in the arts and is willing to do what it takes to develop and progress. Not only does it provide the chance for youngsters to learn about the world of performing arts it also provides nationally recognised and accredited qualifications such as courses at BTEC, foundation degree and MA level. As well as working in workshops, both active and written based, students also take part in performances alongside company members.

Chickensheds values and visions can best be seen through its performances. In its current production of Pinocchio, an adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s original story from “The Adventures of Pinocchio”, it combines drama, dance and music, sign language, audio description and captioning to create an inclusive experience for both audience and cast. The ethos of inclusion can be seen in the 600+ cast, which is split into 4 rotas that perform 15 shows each throughout the run and is lead by a group of core cast who participate in all 60 shows. This allows all of the members of Chickenshed’s children, youth workshops and its students to partake in the show if they so please, without the story or quality being compromised. The involvement of sign language in the show not only allows deaf cast members to follow cues on stage, it also does not exclude certain audience member from being able to watch the performance.

So with this in mind can Chickenshed’s vision of “everyone is welcome, everyone is valued” still be seen to be working today. I feel that their latest production of Pinocchio not only shows this but also shows the potential the company has to further this vision in the future.