In 1974 Mary Ward and Jo Collins began their company using a humble old chicken shed as their premises. The two women shared a basic belief that the performing arts should be open and available to all. It was this guiding principle which drove the company forward and enabled it to embrace participants and performers from all walks of life.
Over the years Chicken Shed has developed a creative process which has a central commitment to inspiring the creativity of individual members and the group. Chicken Shed encourages and acknowledges the contribution of every participant and this inclusiveness is a central tenet of its approach to its performance projects. Chicken Shed’s philosophy ensures the active creative participation of those who would usually be at risk of exclusion through factors of health, social inequity or cultural difference. By instilling a sense of personal responsibility in their members Chicken Shed is able to develop a keen sense of community and creative ownership along within their renowned artistic achievements.
