History:

Chanticleers Theatre's story begins way back in 1948, 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 belonging to charter member, John Hayes.

After three years, in 1951, the drama group held a city wide contest to select a new name for themselves. The name 'Chanticleers', submitted by one Lucille Cochran, was selected as the winner.

Also, at the time, Castro Valley was home to a thriving poultry business, one of the largest in the state. In fact, there was a sign at the west end of Castro Valley Boulevard proclaiming, "Castro Valley, something to crow about." So the drama group adopted the name "Chanticleers", which has been kept to this day.

Today Chanticleers Theatre is a beloved Castro Valley treasure, supported by theatre lovers from local communities and beyond. Known as "Castro Valley's Little Theatre in the Park", Chanticleers is located in the Castro Valley Community Park (see map) right across from the new Veteran's Memorial, adjacent to the children's playground.