named programs · 7 · from sources
What they call their work
Acting Foundations
In-person class at Brooklyn Arts Exchange covering voice, movement, character development, and scene study, ending in a showcase
EPIC Plays
Hybrid in-person and virtual class exploring audition prep, voice and movement, and play club, culminating in a mini showcase
EPIC Sings: Musical Theatre Rep
Virtual class focused on learning songs across genres, vocal technique, and building a repertoire book with individualized feedback
Improv
In-person improv class teaching fundamentals of improvisation, character work, and scene-building, preparing participants for EPIC’s Improv Troupe
Musical Masterclass
Virtual masterclass featuring Broadway professionals who provide feedback on performances and share industry experiences
Personal Narrative: Revolutions & Revelations
In-person class guiding artists to develop monologues and spoken word pieces based on lived experience, preparing for the Underground production
Stage Combat
In-person class teaching safety techniques, storytelling through movement, and choreography of dramatic fight scenes
activities · 8 groups
What they do
-
Art Programs for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities 2 activities
- Offers free performing arts education and professional development classesProvides over 100 free annual classes in acting, singing, stage combat, musical theater, personal narrative development, and career skills for neurodiverse individuals. Classes are offered in person and virtually, including specialized courses like musical repertoire building and virtual masterclasses with Broadway professionals.
- Partners with schools and organizations to deliver inclusive arts programmingProvides remote and in-person neuroinclusive theater programs to schools and community partners, focusing on social-emotional skill building, student narrative development, and co-taught original musical theater performances.
-
-
New Play Development Programs 1 activity
- Creates original devised theater and spoken word showsDevelops and presents original works annually through programs like EPIC Plays, a devised theatrical production based on themes important to performers, and "The EPIC Underground," an annual spoken word and stand-up variety show co-created with the ensemble.
-
-
Youth Theater Arts Education 1 activity
- Delivers after-school performing arts programming for teensOperates a year-round after-school program for teens from September through June, featuring weekly rehearsals, mentorship, resume support, free headshots, and a final large-scale performance at an Off-Broadway theater.
-
-
Live Music Performances & Concerts 1 activity
- Hosts annual neuro-inclusive cabaret performancesProduces two paid cabaret performances annually at prominent NYC venues including Joe’s Pub at The Public and The Clark Theater at Lincoln Center, showcasing the musical talents of neurodiverse artists. Past events include Dream Roles Cabaret, Y2Kabaret, and Miscast Cabaret.
-
-
Autism & Neurodiversity Education Workshops 1 activity
- Offers neuro-inclusive training for organizationsProvides Neuro-Inclusive Training programs to companies and institutions to support the development of inclusive work environments for neurodiverse individuals.
-
-
Professional Theatrical Production 1 activity
- Produces professional neurodiverse theatrical productionsProduces at least two mainstage theater productions annually in New York City venues, featuring neurodiverse performers and paying all cast and crew. These include original devised works and full-scale musicals presented at Off-Broadway theaters such as ART/NY.
-
-
Autism Awareness and Acceptance Initiatives 1 activity
- Promotes neurodiverse inclusion through public advocacyAdvances awareness and inclusion of neurodiverse individuals in the arts and society by delivering presentations and participating in panels on related topics.
-
-
Theatrical Casting and Audition Programs 1 activity
- Provides paid performance opportunities and career supportOffers two paid mainstage and two paid cabaret performance opportunities annually, along with casting assistance, teaching opportunities, professional headshots, resumes, and career coaching to company members.
-
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$754K
Contributions & grants$574K76%
Program service revenue$177K24%
Investment income$3K0%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$977K
Program expenses76%
Admin / overhead14%
Fundraising10%
Salaries & benefits$449K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$427K
Cash$267K
Investments$0
Liabilities$59K
Net assets$368K
Liquid reserves3.3 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -31.4%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUBRIE THERRIEN | MEMBER/EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR | 20 | $69K |
| TALIA EAPEN | MEMBER/DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS | 10 | $62K |
board members · 8
- CHRISTOPHER BOYATT — TREASURER
- DR DANIEL GARFINKEL — MEMBER
- JENNIFER GLAZER — CO-CHAIR
- KATHRYN IVIE — CO-CHAIR
- MICHAEL FEGAN — MEMBER
- STACY NETTLETON — SECRETARY
- STEPHANIE TORNS — MEMBER
- VIRGINIA HOFFMAN — MEMBER
relationships · 41
Who they work with
- 54 Below Partner — Venue partner hosting EPIC Players performances
- A.R.T./NY Partner — Hosts annual devised theater performances at its South Oxford Space in Brooklyn.
- A.R.T./New York Partner — Hosted EPIC Players' productions
- AHA NY Partner — Engaged in speaking presentations on neurodiverse inclusion in the arts.
- AHRC NYC Partner — Collaborates on neuro-inclusive arts programming.
- ART/NY Partner — Hosts EPIC Jr.'s culminating performances at its Off-Broadway theater.
- Actors Equity Association Partner — Engaged in speaking presentations on neurodiverse inclusion in the arts.
- Alexander Reeves Partner — Teaching artist leading multiple EPIC classes including Musical Theatre Repertoire and EPIC Sings.
- Amanda McFee Partner — Advisory Board member supporting EPIC Players.
- Broadway professionals Partner — Guest artists from Broadway who participate in EPIC's musical masterclass series to share experiences and provide performance feedback.
- Brooklyn Autism Center Partner — Collaborates on neuro-inclusive arts programming.
- California One Partner — Engaged in speaking presentations on neurodiverse inclusion in the arts.
- Carly Hayes Partner — Lead instructor for improv classes at EPIC Players.
- Doreen Meyers Partner — Advisory Board member supporting EPIC Players.
- Downtown Brooklyn Alliance Partner — Engaged in speaking presentations on neurodiverse inclusion in the arts.
- HBO Headquarters Partner — Venue partner that has hosted EPIC Players cabarets
- HERE Arts Center Partner — Hosted EPIC Players' productions
- Horizons Partner — Collaborates on neuro-inclusive arts programming.
- Joe’s Pub Partner — Venue partner for the annual "The EPIC Underground" spoken word show.
- Joe’s Pub at The Public Partner — Hosts EPIC Players’ neuro-diverse cabaret performances.
- Joe’s Pub at The Public Partner — Venue partner hosting multiple EPIC Players cabarets
- Linda Therrien Partner — Advisory Board member supporting EPIC Players.
- NYC Public Schools Partner — Collaborates on neuro-inclusive arts programming in schools.
- NYSE Partner — Engaged in speaking presentations on neurodiverse inclusion in the arts.
- New York City Department of Education Partner — Partners with NYC public schools to bring EPIC arts programming into classrooms and auxiliary programs.
- New York Transit Museum Partner — Engaged in speaking presentations on neurodiverse inclusion in the arts.
- Producers Association of America Partner — Engaged in speaking presentations on neurodiverse inclusion in the arts.
- Robin Carus Partner — Advisory Board member supporting EPIC Players.
- Scott Evan Davis Partner — Teaching artist, vocal coach, director, and cabaret music director at EPIC Players; also serves on the Advisory Board.
- Scott Evan Davis Partner — Vocal coach, director, and teaching artist at EPIC Players who leads musical masterclasses with Broadway guests.
+ 11 more
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Adaptive, Co-Designed Pedagogy (BE EPIC Method)methodology: BE_EPIC_methodBy using the BE EPIC method—co-developed by artists, educators, and neuropsychologists—we deliver individualized, neuroinclusive arts education, because adaptive instruction rooted in interdisciplinary collaboration ensures equitable access and meaningful engagement for neurodivergent learners.
- High-Expectations Inclusion Modelmethodology: high-expectations_inclusionBy maintaining rigorous artistic standards while fully including neurodiverse performers, we challenge stereotypes and prove that inclusion and excellence are mutually reinforcing, because high expectations foster growth, respect, and professional legitimacy.
- Neuroinclusive Theatre as Empowermentmethodology: neuroinclusive_theatreBy centering neurodiverse talent in professional theatre production, we elevate underrepresented voices and create transformative opportunities, because representation fosters inspiration, agency, and social change.
- Player-Centered Narrative Developmentmethodology: player-centered_storytellingBy grounding performances and training in the personal stories of neurodivergent artists, we build authentic expression and artistic ownership, because personal narrative fosters empowerment, communication, and identity affirmation.
- Structural Accommodation via 'Invisible Ramps'methodology: invisible_rampsBy designing cultural and structural accommodations—'invisible ramps'—in training and performance environments, we enable equitable participation for neurodiverse individuals, because accessibility is not about lowering barriers alone but about proactively creating inclusive systems that value diverse ways of being.