Chanticleers Theatre

The Chanticleers Community Theatre started when a small group of thespians started rehearsals in an old and cold chicken coop belonging to John Hayes, one of the group's members. While trying to think of a name, they decided that it only seemed natural for them to be called Chanticleers, an old french euphemism to roosters. In 1952, Chanticleers incorporated as a nonprofit organization and, starting in 1958, performaces were held in the Palomares schoolhouse until it was burned down in 1976. The group found a new home in Castro Valley by leasing the old Castro Valley Community Center from H.A.R.D. The indoor basketball court was transformed into a 100-seat theatre by volunteers to meet the needs of Chanticleers and its audiences.