Read Our Newsletters | EDITION 13
November 2024 Newsletter 🍁🍂
THE TOYMAKER'S CHILD
This original musical comes to us from the stages of Chickenshed in London where it sold out dozens of performances last holiday season. Adapted for New York audiences this summer by our Artistic Director Cyndi and two youth leaders, Nora and Mili and two members of the London team: Ash and Sophie – The Toymaker's Child will surely be a holiday hit with your family.
In The Toymaker’s Child, young Sadie and PIN—a lifelike, AI doll—embark on a thrilling adventure through New York City after PIN escapes in search of human emotions. Together, they encounter quirky characters and uncover a dark secret on Leisure Island. Meanwhile, the Toymaker regrets creating PIN, fearing he's lost his daughter to technology. In a heartwarming finale, we discover that it is love and sacrifice that make us truly human. (Any similarity to the story of Pinocchio is not your imagination!)
Tickets are selling quickly - buy yours here for December 13, 14 or 15.
OLIVIA
Meet Olivia - a bubbly six-year-old who loves Furbies - especially her rainbow one. Olivia attends The Earth School, a choice her parents made because its progressive mission aligns with their lifestyle. Lucky Olivia arrives to school each morning on her dad's bicycle - what a way to start the day. Olivia loves the whole Chickenshed experience but enjoys the acting in particular. Her favorite workshop game is when everyone takes turns acting out an emoji face and the others must guess what it is (she likes ‘Silly’) She liked the game so much, she introduced it to her extended family on a holiday in Brazil. They loved it too. Olivia attends the Tuesday CP1 group that is part of the after-school program at the 14th Street Y and as a result now participates in other Y activities such as swimming, art and cooking. Olivia's mom, Tatiana, has met other parents there and is truly grateful to be part a new community. Tatiana noted how loose and happy Olivia and the other kids are after a Chickenshed workshop. It makes her smile to see the difference it makes in her daughter's life. We hope it will continue to make a difference for years to come!
MICHAEL
Michael is Chickenshed's Front of House Assistant Manager. He can be seen each Saturday morning checking in Adventurers and handing out the backpacks for the show. His favorite Adventures from The Shed show is the Great British Bake-Off because of all the ingredients! Michael came to Chickenshed two years ago through a work experience program run by Jobpath. Now, we wouldn't know what to do without him. Aside from his check-in duties, Michael runs the Saturday morning coffee lounge and has recently become an important part of the photography team. Michael has a busy week doing clerical work for his sister's production company and attending his job club meetings. He likes to sing and play guitar as well as play with his cats, Isis and Thunder. He is also an expert on NY transportation systems if you ever need advice. Michael loves working with Elliot, Elaine and Cyndi. He says that at Chickenshed, he is always treated fairly, given responsibility and respected. Chickenshed isn't just a group of friends, it is family. He says it gives him a happy heart. Michael gives us a happy heart too! Chickenshed is grateful for all that Michael gives. Thank you!
COMMUNITY BUILDING
On the eve of the election, a group of Chickenshed parents came together to get to know one another and learn more about Chickenshed. It was a delightful evening, hosted by Jay, a board member and parent of CP4 player. He opened his home for people to share how Chickenshed has made a difference in their family's lives and to talk about the need to connect Chickenshed to the wider New York Community. Thank you to those who came - we hope you feel a deeper bond with the Chickenshed family.
CLOSING THE GAP
Like all non-profits Chickenshed relies heavily on the generosity of donors to fund its work. Our goal to "close the gap" between monies raised and monies still needed in 2024 is $25,000. Please consider any of the following to help us reach our goal:
- Buy an item for our production of The Toymaker's Child from our Wishlist
- Donate any amount using our website platform at Chickenshednyc.org
- Send a check to Chickenshed NYC at 1441 Broadway, 5th Floor, NY, NY 10018
- Email Elliot about alternative and in-kind gifts
We are very grateful for any support - it all adds up to success!
November 2024 Newsletter 🍁🍂
THE TOYMAKER'S CHILD
This original musical comes to us from the stages of Chickenshed in London where it sold out dozens of performances last holiday season. Adapted for New York audiences this summer by our Artistic Director Cyndi and two youth leaders, Nora and Mili and two members of the London team: Ash and Sophie – The Toymaker's Child will surely be a holiday hit with your family.
In The Toymaker’s Child, young Sadie and PIN—a lifelike, AI doll—embark on a thrilling adventure through New York City after PIN escapes in search of human emotions. Together, they encounter quirky characters and uncover a dark secret on Leisure Island. Meanwhile, the Toymaker regrets creating PIN, fearing he's lost his daughter to technology. In a heartwarming finale, we discover that it is love and sacrifice that make us truly human. (Any similarity to the story of Pinocchio is not your imagination!)
Tickets are selling quickly - buy yours here for December 13, 14 or 15.
OLIVIA
Meet Olivia - a bubbly six-year-old who loves Furbies - especially her rainbow one. Olivia attends The Earth School, a choice her parents made because its progressive mission aligns with their lifestyle. Lucky Olivia arrives to school each morning on her dad's bicycle - what a way to start the day. Olivia loves the whole Chickenshed experience but enjoys the acting in particular. Her favorite workshop game is when everyone takes turns acting out an emoji face and the others must guess what it is (she likes ‘Silly’) She liked the game so much, she introduced it to her extended family on a holiday in Brazil. They loved it too. Olivia attends the Tuesday CP1 group that is part of the after-school program at the 14th Street Y and as a result now participates in other Y activities such as swimming, art and cooking. Olivia's mom, Tatiana, has met other parents there and is truly grateful to be part a new community. Tatiana noted how loose and happy Olivia and the other kids are after a Chickenshed workshop. It makes her smile to see the difference it makes in her daughter's life. We hope it will continue to make a difference for years to come!
MICHAEL
Michael is Chickenshed's Front of House Assistant Manager. He can be seen each Saturday morning checking in Adventurers and handing out the backpacks for the show. His favorite Adventures from The Shed show is the Great British Bake-Off because of all the ingredients! Michael came to Chickenshed two years ago through a work experience program run by Jobpath. Now, we wouldn't know what to do without him. Aside from his check-in duties, Michael runs the Saturday morning coffee lounge and has recently become an important part of the photography team. Michael has a busy week doing clerical work for his sister's production company and attending his job club meetings. He likes to sing and play guitar as well as play with his cats, Isis and Thunder. He is also an expert on NY transportation systems if you ever need advice. Michael loves working with Elliot, Elaine and Cyndi. He says that at Chickenshed, he is always treated fairly, given responsibility and respected. Chickenshed isn't just a group of friends, it is family. He says it gives him a happy heart. Michael gives us a happy heart too! Chickenshed is grateful for all that Michael gives. Thank you!
COMMUNITY BUILDING
On the eve of the election, a group of Chickenshed parents came together to get to know one another and learn more about Chickenshed. It was a delightful evening, hosted by Jay, a board member and parent of CP4 player. He opened his home for people to share how Chickenshed has made a difference in their family's lives and to talk about the need to connect Chickenshed to the wider New York Community. Thank you to those who came - we hope you feel a deeper bond with the Chickenshed family.
CLOSING THE GAP
Like all non-profits Chickenshed relies heavily on the generosity of donors to fund its work. Our goal to "close the gap" between monies raised and monies still needed in 2024 is $25,000. Please consider any of the following to help us reach our goal:
- Buy an item for our production of The Toymaker's Child from our Wishlist
- Donate any amount using our website platform at Chickenshednyc.org
- Send a check to Chickenshed NYC at 1441 Broadway, 5th Floor, NY, NY 10018
- Email Elliot about alternative and in-kind gifts
We are very grateful for any support - it all adds up to success!