About Chicken Road
Our Story
The Chicken Road journey began in 2012 with a simple question that has puzzled philosophers for generations: "Why did the chicken cross the road?" What started as an inside joke between theater students Marcus Featherstone and Emily Cluckerson became the inspiration for what would eventually grow into the country's premier immersive role-play and costume party production company.
The pair hosted their first event—an impromptu costume party in Marcus's backyard where every guest had to dress as some interpretation of a chicken crossing a road—and the overwhelming response from their friends sparked an idea. What if they could create entire worlds around this simple premise, where guests could step into character and experience stories rather than just watching them?
From those humble beginnings, Chicken Road has grown into a team of over 30 full-time creatives and a network of 100+ contractors who bring our immersive experiences to life. We've expanded from backyard gatherings to elaborate productions in custom-designed venues that transport participants to fantastical realms, noir mysteries, sci-fi adventures, and historical periods—all with our signature chicken-themed twist that keeps our events accessible, humorous, and endlessly engaging.
Today, Chicken Road hosts more than 50 unique experiences annually across multiple cities, welcoming over 25,000 guests who come to cross the road with us into worlds of imagination and adventure. Our philosophy remains the same: everyone has a story to tell, and sometimes all you need is the right costume and the courage to cross to the other side.
Our Mission & Values
At Chicken Road, we believe in the transformative power of play. Our mission is to create immersive experiences that allow people to step outside their everyday lives, embrace creativity, and connect with others through shared stories and adventures.
Core Values
- Accessibility: We design our experiences to welcome participants of all backgrounds, ages, and comfort levels. From shy observers to enthusiastic performers, everyone finds a place in our stories.
- Creativity Without Limits: We embrace the absurd, the unexpected, and the imaginative. By combining the familiar (chickens) with the extraordinary (noir detectives, space explorers, medieval knights), we create unique experiences that surprise and delight.
- Craftsmanship: We approach every aspect of our events—from costume design to set building to narrative structure—with meticulous attention to detail and professional standards.
- Community: We foster genuine connections between participants, creating spaces where strangers become collaborators and friends through shared experiences.
- Joy: Above all, we believe in the importance of joy, laughter, and play as essential components of a well-lived life. Our events prioritize fun while still creating meaningful experiences.
Leadership Team
Meet the creative minds behind Chicken Road's immersive experiences.
Emily Cluckerson
Founder & Creative Director
With a background in immersive theater and a Master's in Fine Arts, Emily brings the vision to Chicken Road. Her innovative approach to storytelling has redefined how audiences interact with narrative experiences. Emily oversees all creative development and ensures each event maintains the perfect balance of accessibility, adventure, and our signature humor.
Marcus Featherstone
Co-Founder & Production Designer
Marcus transforms concepts into physical spaces that transport guests to other worlds. With his background in theatrical design and architecture, he leads our production team in creating environments that are both beautiful and functional for interactive storytelling. Marcus is particularly known for his innovative use of materials and ability to work magic with limited budgets.
Zara Henshaw
Performance Director
A classically trained actor with improvisational expertise, Zara leads our performance team, training actors in the delicate art of interactive theater. She develops character frameworks that allow performers to stay true to the narrative while engaging authentically with participants. Her workshops on character development have become legendary among immersive theater practitioners.
Raj Patel
Business Development & Operations
Bringing structure to creative chaos, Raj ensures Chicken Road runs smoothly behind the scenes. With an MBA and background in event management, he handles everything from venue relationships to legal compliance to strategic growth. Raj joined the team in 2016 after experiencing a Chicken Road event that he describes as "the moment I realized business and art could create magic together."
Our Achievements
Over the years, Chicken Road has established itself as a pioneer in immersive entertainment.
-
1
Industry Recognition
Winner of the "Most Innovative Live Experience" at the Immersive Entertainment Awards three years running (2020-2022). Our "Cosmic Chicken" space adventure was featured in Time Magazine's "10 Most Creative Experiences in America."
-
2
Community Impact
Our "Chickens With Cause" initiative has raised over $500,000 for arts education in underserved communities. We've partnered with 15 schools to bring immersive storytelling workshops to students, reaching more than 3,000 young people annually.
-
3
Growth & Innovation
Expanded from a single venue to three permanent locations and five touring productions. Developed proprietary technology for interactive storytelling that combines physical sets with digital enhancements, creating hybrid experiences that have been licensed to entertainment companies worldwide.
-
4
Customer Satisfaction
Maintained a 96% satisfaction rating across all events, with 73% of attendees returning for multiple experiences. Our "Egg Club" membership program has grown to over 5,000 active members who get early access to new events and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
-
5
Sustainability Initiatives
Pioneered sustainable practices in immersive entertainment, with 85% of our set materials being recycled or repurposed. Our "Green Feather" certification program has set industry standards for environmentally responsible event production.
What People Say
Don't just take our word for it – hear from those who've crossed the road with us.
"I've attended immersive events all over the country, and nothing compares to Chicken Road. The attention to detail in their 'Noir Nights' experience was extraordinary—from the costumes to the interactive mysteries that had me fully engaged for hours. I genuinely forgot I was playing a character; I became Detective Cluckshaw!"
"As a corporate event planner, I've hired many entertainment companies, but Chicken Road stands out. They created a customized medieval chicken-themed experience for our team-building retreat that perfectly balanced fun with genuine connection-building. Months later, my colleagues are still referencing inside jokes from the event!"
"I brought my 10-year-old daughter to the 'Enchanted Coop' family event, unsure if it would engage both of us. Not only did we have an incredible time together, but watching her confidence grow throughout the experience was priceless. The staff expertly guided her into the role-play at her comfort level, and by the end, my shy girl was leading other kids on a quest!"
Experience Highlights
A glimpse into the magical worlds we create at Chicken Road.
Ready to Cross the Road With Us?
Whether you're looking to attend one of our public events, book a private experience, or explore partnership opportunities, we'd love to hear from you. The only thing better than reading about Chicken Road is experiencing it for yourself!