EPIC Players, New York’s leading neuro-diverse theatre company, is now accepting applications to audition for EPIC Junior, a program created for students ages 12-17 with developmental disabilities. During the free six-month program, beginning on January 18th, 2023, students will learn the ins and outs of being a performer, access mentorships in the arts, and work towards building a performance to be staged Off-Broadway in June. Students also will receive free headshots and resume building.
Since its founding in 2016, EPIC Players has been dedicated to creating professional performing arts opportunities and supportive social communities in the arts for actors with developmental disabilities, while getting rave reviews for its productions.
“EPIC Junior is a fantastic opportunity to share the work that EPIC Players does and opportunities with a new generation of young artists with developmental disabilities,” said Aubrie Therrien, Executive and Artistic Director of EPIC Players. “These talented students will have a space and supportive space to express themselves while learning skills such as time management, team work, and empathy, as well as building self-confidence.”
Auditions will take place on Tuesday, December 6th from 4:00 – 6:00pm and Sunday, December 11th from 11:00am – 3:00pm in Brooklyn. Students who wish to audition are asked to prepare a monologue and a song of between 30 seconds and 1 minute in length. Memorization is highly encouraged, but not required. To sign up for auditions, click here. EPIC Players will notify applicants about their time slots after December 1st.
Meanwhile, EPIC Playes will present Molière’s Tartuffe, one of the greatest comedies of the classic period, on its mainstage, at the Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theater at A.R.T./NY from Thursday, December 1st through Sunday, December 11th.
First performed in 1664, Tartuffe is one of Molière’s most revered plays. The satiric masterpiece tells the tale of a religious imposter who, through deceit, sneaks his way into a wealthy family. The story is full of intrigue, romance, comedy, mistaken identities and forbidden love. The cast features EPIC Players’ members Gideon Pianko as Tartuffe, Danielle Stank as Elmire, and Gerad Riley as Orgon. Other EPIC Players in the show include Gabe Girson, Joshua Cartagena, Ellie Sondock, Rachel Barcellona, Breana Baron, Samantha Elisofon, Elijah Goring, Harrison Gottfried, Ari Sloan, and Max Tunney.
For this production, director Travis Burbee and assistant director Meggan Dodd have set the proceedings of this dark comedy in the roaring 1920s. Moving the story into the Jazz Age gives the story a contemporary perspective as Madame Pernelle, her son Orgon, and everyone else in the house debate the merits and shortcomings of the divisive Tartuffe. “Tartuffe is a venerable classic and EPIC is excited to be bringing a modern tone to this important theatrical milestone,” said Burbee, who is also the associate artistic director of EPIC.
Tickets start at $35 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased at the on-site box office, which will be open one hour prior to each performance; however, online reservations are highly encouraged as ticket availability is limited. Tickets can be purchased online here. For more information and group sales inquiries please email: info@epicplayersnyc.org
All audience members are required to show proof of vaccination to attend the in-person performance and mask-wearing is encouraged. EPIC is an inclusive theater company and welcomes all theater patrons to enjoy our productions. In order to make our shows more accessible to individuals with disabilities and members of the neurodiverse community and their families, we offer the following accommodations, services, and policies:
ADA Seating: Wheelchair and companion seating are reserved for the exclusive use of patrons with disabilities and their guests who require the features of the seat. The accessible seat locations offer wheelchair accommodation for guests who need to remain in their wheelchairs or who would like to transfer, have no steps for guests with mobility disabilities, and are easy to access from the theater entrance.
Assisted Listening Devices will be provided for patrons upon request.
Sensory guides, noise-canceling headphones, quiet zones, and touch tours are provided for any patron who would benefit from these services.
A relaxed atmosphere will be adopted at all performances to allow patrons with developmental disabilities to talk and vocalize as they wish, as well as leave and re-enter the seating area as needed.
For more information on the A.R.T./New York Theatres including directions and accessibility information, please visit www.art-newyork.org/your-visit.
