Neuro-Diverse Theater Group, EPIC Players, Presents 'Little Shop of Horrors'

This theater troupe helps give actors with special needs the tools they need to succeed.

By Community News - Manhattan May 20, 2019

EPIC is working with the Department of Education and has invited District 75 (the special needs NYC school district) to come to its June 5 show. The entire theater will be specifically cater to NYC school students with special needs. This could be a fun way to introduce students to an opportunity they might want to pursue after they graduate.

EPIC Players is a nonprofit theater group in New York that provides opportunities—both on stage and behind the scenes—for adults with autism and others with developmental disabilities. It’s important to stress that this is not a therapy group. Epic players undergo a rigorous audition process, identify as professional actors, and are now finding success competing for roles with neuro-typical actors. Many of these players were told they would never speak - now they are performing in front of hundreds of people.

These individuals, recognizing that they are different but not less, are increasingly advocating for themselves. Performers with autism are questioning why neuro-typical actors should play neuro-diverse characters.

There are several EPIC players theater events upcoming, most notably a production of Little Shop of Horrors on June 5-16 at The Sheen Center for Thought and Culture located at 18 Bleecker St., Greenwich Village.

EPIC Players is a nonprofit, neuro-inclusive theater company of actors, directors, designers, educators, and technicians. The company is dedicated to creating professional performing arts opportunities and supportive social communities through the arts for persons living with developmental disabilities. Through neuro-inclusive mainstage productions, musical cabarets, original showcases, skills- based classes, and career resources, it breaks down social stigmas surrounding neuro-diverse communities, increases employment opportunities, and pioneers inclusion in the arts. Company membership is by audition only.

EPIC Players
1201 Broadway, Suite 904
917-318-2161