Chapman and his parents talk about his experience of joining theatre workshops at Chickenshed Theatre and preparing for a performance. The workshops are part of NCB's Living Assessments project.
Chapman standing outside Chickenshed Theatre
Chapman has been thrilled to be part of this programme. As a 14-year-old blind and autistic pianist, he faces many challenges, but the NCB / Chickenshed workshops have provided a supportive and inspiring environment for him to explore his creativity.
Through these workshops, Chapman has had the opportunity to collaborate with other young people, which has been incredibly beneficial for him. The facilitators have been amazing, always encouraging and patient, helping him to express himself through performance art and music. This experience has not only enhanced his creativity but also boosted his confidence and social skills.
One of the most memorable moments for Chapman was working on his monologue. The process of developing this piece allowed him to delve into new aspects of storytelling and performance, areas he hadn't explored before. He enjoyed every moment of it, from the initial brainstorming sessions to the rehearsals, and he is really looking forward to the final performance in February.
Due to visual barriers, Chapman couldn’t dance with the group, but he enjoys the beat, the rhythm, and the action surrounding him. It’s an amazing experience for him, and he particularly loves helping count the beat for the dancing group. Even after rehearsal finished, he kept counting "22345678… 32345678… 42345678…" for the rest of the day.
We are extremely grateful to the National Children Bureau and Chickenshed Theatre for providing such an inclusive platform. It’s been heart warming to see how these workshops have contributed to Chapman's personal growth and artistic development.
Thank you for having Chapman in this programme. We hope it inspires other young people to explore their creativity and embrace the performing arts.
Chapman & Parents
Find out more about Living Assessments and sign up for this autumn's workshops.