EPIC FAQs

How do I join EPIC?

Easily! You can reach out to us on our Contact Page or below to schedule an audition time. For your audition, you’ll need to prepare a short monologue and a short song, and afterward you will participate in a brief interview with one of our staff members. When you reach out to us, feel free to tell us a bit about yourself—we want to get to know you! Where are you from? What do you like to do? What kind of theatre do you enjoy, if any?

Is it really free to be a member? Like, really?

Yes—110% free. Free classes, free access, free opportunities, sometimes even free food. No-cost. Gratis. Without charge. On the house. In fact, it is so free that sometimes we will pay you. Relax—we raise the money so you don’t have to.

If I become a company member, do I have to participate in everything?

Not at all! As alluded to above, EPIC is designed to offer our members an EPIC-style choose-your-own-adventure. That means you can participate as little or as often as you like. Some Players only participate in one class a week, while others only audition for shows, and others still prefer to take on the paid opportunities we offer behind the scenes—i.e. stage management, crew, etc. And you can always consult with EPIC staff about how to go about crafting your EPIC path if you ever need help figuring out how to utilize EPIC’s services and programs to get to where you want to be.

How do you make classes accessible?

EPIC’s innovation stems from our neuro-inclusive teaching techniques and work culture. True to our mission, EPIC creates an environment where artists living with and without developmental disabilities can work and learn together in the same class or production. In our performing arts classes, EPIC's teaching method is adapted to ensure all lessons are accessible to the learner, regardless of ability. Each class has a lead teacher, an assistant teacher, and two EPIC "mentors" who function as adaptive coaches and one-on-one instructors for individuals who may require extra support. Students are always paired together neuro-diversely, to break down stereotypes and to promote a supportive community for all learners.

How do I work for EPIC?

EPIC’s programming is supported by a staff of sixteen dedicated mentors and teaching artists and an administrative team of six which includes our executive artistic director, our director of operations, our associate artistic director, our devising director, our development associate, and our outreach coordinator. EPIC also works with a strong board of seven advocates and professionals, who are passionate about elevating EPIC’s programming and mission throughout New York City.

If you’re interested in joining our team, you can submit your resume and cover letter to info@epicplayersnyc.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

Do I need to have done theatre before in order to join the company?

Not at all. In fact, after your audition, you don’t even have to perform. EPIC allows each member to craft their own EPIC path, along with the help of our EPIC staff. Some Players only participate in one class a week, while others only audition for shows, and others still prefer to take on the paid opportunities we offer behind the scenes—i.e. stage management, crew, etc. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure—EPIC-style, of course.

If I audition for a show, am I guaranteed a role?

Unfortunately, no. While we would love to cast everyone who auditions for our mainstage and cabaret performances, we cannot guarantee that everyone who auditions receive a role. But keep in mind that you can also participate in other ways, such as interviewing to work behind the scenes or volunteering to work front of house for the actual performances!

How many company members do you have?

Currently, EPIC is home to roughly 65+ artists with and without developmental disabilities. That number is always fluctuating as more and more interested people join our company and others go inactive, move away, etc. Especially now with COVID-19, we have many new members joining us virtually who might not have been able to attend before in person!

What performance opportunities and classes do you offer?

EPIC has two mainstage and two cabaret opportunities—both paid—each year. Company members and others can audition for these opportunities, though members will receive priority casting in most cases. We offer our neuro-diverse community over 100 classes per year in performing arts skills, professional development, and social community-building. Class offerings include: arts administration, narrative, music foundations, scene study, musical theatre, puppetry, film acting, film production, and voice and movement. All classes are completely free for our members to experience.

If you’d like more information about past productions, you can visit these pages:

Why was EPIC started?

Everyone loves a good origin story. Over the past several years, there has been a growing and encouraging conversation to pioneer inclusivity for persons living with disabilities to access the arts as an audience member; however, there are few supports that enable this community to participate and be included in the creative process. We are not satisfied with the current statistics that say 94% of the 2% of roles written for people with disabilities are played by neuro-typical, able-bodied actors. EPIC was founded with the mission to change these statistics by offering our members living with developmental disabilities free critical career training, representation, and employment in the arts. 

If you’d like to read more about our mission, background, and values, you can do so here.