OUR HISTORY

Promoting Community through Theater...

Chanticleers Theatre's story began in 1951 when a small group of actors and actresses from the Castro Valley Woman’s Club formed a drama group called the "Castro Valley Little Theatre Group." They started rehearsing in an old, cold chicken coop owned by charter member John Hayes.

A few months later, the drama group held a city-wide contest to choose a new name. Lucille Cochran proposed the name "Chanticleers."

The name "Chanticleer," which refers to the rooster in the medieval tales of Reynaud the Fox, derives from the Old French word “chantecler,” meaning “to sing clear.” At that time, Castro Valley was home to a thriving poultry business, one of the largest in the state. A sign at the west end of Castro Valley Boulevard proclaimed, “Castro Valley, something to crow about.” Our group embraced the name "Chanticleers," which has remained to this day.

In September of 1951, Chanticleers presented its first major production, *The Mystery of the Whispering Bell*. Ticket prices then were just $1.00 for adults and 50 cents for children.

Over the next seven years, Chanticleers presented three productions each year. Since there was no permanent theater or stage, shows were held in various local venues, including Castro Valley Grammar School, A.B. Morris School, Brett Harte School, Cal State University, First Methodist Church, and Castro Valley High School.

In 1958, Chanticleers acquired its first permanent location: The Little Red Palomares School House. Audiences enjoyed productions there for the next 18 years, often selling out in advance. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed the facility in 1976, and the last production in the schoolhouse was *Born Yesterday*.

Fortunately, Chanticleers found a new home in Castro Valley by leasing the original Castro Valley Community Center from H.A.R.D. With the help of many enthusiastic volunteers, the indoor basketball court was transformed into an intimate 100-seat theater.

Today, Chanticleers Theatre is a beloved treasure in Castro Valley, supported by theater lovers from local communities and beyond. Known as “Castro Valley’s Little Theatre in the Park,” Chanticleers is located in Castro Valley Community Park, right across from the new Veterans Memorial.

We are your local neighborhood theater. We aim to build community, by providing our neighbors with a place to get involved with creating and enjoying good storytelling. We aim to teach and inspire, encourage you to think, and, of course, to entertain.