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

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.