{"id":167320,"date":"2026-03-18T15:42:39","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T15:42:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/167320\/"},"modified":"2026-03-18T15:42:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T15:42:39","slug":"queens-native-directs-epic-neurodiverse-showcase-at-popular-nyc-venue-qns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/167320\/","title":{"rendered":"Queens native directs EPIC neurodiverse showcase at popular NYC venue \u2013 QNS"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t Search our comprehensive guide to things to do in Queens<\/a> for more local events \u2014 or submit your own<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Building an inclusive society means embracing diversity and removing barriers \u2014 so opportunities are accessible to everyone \u2014 while enabling all individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities. It\u2019s all about inclusive workplaces, accessible education and, for creative neurodiverse and disabled artists, it also means boldly expressing who you are through the arts.<\/p>\n

EPIC Players is back at popular Joe\u2019s Pub in Manhattan. If you\u2019d like to experience a truly unique show that fully embraces and celebrates inclusivity and creativity, get your tickets to the premiere of \u201cThe EPIC Originals: Revolutions and Revelations,\u201d showcasing original songs, along with spoken word, personal narrative, stand-up and poetry.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Y2K Cabaret at Joe\u2019s Pub, Ethan Jones, Robert Ariza, TALIA. Photo by Zui Gomez<\/p>\n

On Sunday, March 22, you and your friends can enjoy an evening of dynamic, original performances, created and presented by EPIC Players\u2019 neurodivergent and disabled artists, with two performances at 4 and 7 p.m. [Doors open one hour before the show, at 3 and 6 p.m.,
respectively]. Tickets are $65\/$30 (inclusive of the advance phone\/web service fee; door price). Visit EPIC Players: EPIC Originals<\/a> for tickets and more information.<\/p>\n

With honesty, humor and fearless storytelling, these talented players will share an intimate glimpse into their personal revolutions and revelations with the audience \u2014 through artistic self-expression, rooted in the performers\u2019 lived experiences.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Cameron Walker and TALIA at EPIC Dream Roles Cabaret at Joe\u2019s Pub. Photo by Zui Gomez<\/p>\n

After EPIC\u2019s Executive Artistic Director Aubrie Therrien founded the organization in 2016, she created EPIC Players, New York City\u2019s leading neurodivergent theater company, which offers paid opportunities in the arts for their players\/members. They also offer free classes, career support and a community of like-minded people, where individuals can safely learn and experiment.<\/p>\n

\u201cPresenting original work by EPIC Players, as we mark our 10th anniversary, feels incredibly full-circle,\u201d said Therrien. \u201cOver the last decade, we\u2019ve worked to create a space where neurodivergent artists can take creative risks, tell their own stories and be seen as the artists they are. This showcase is joyful, exciting and deeply EPIC; it\u2019s our Players claiming the stage in their own voices.\u201d<\/p>\n

Based in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, EPIC (Empower, Perform, Include, Create) brings increased inclusion in the arts and breaks down social stigmas surrounding neurodiverse communities. They perform throughout NYC and each year, EPIC produces two neuro-inclusive cabarets on NYC stages to highlight its community\u2019s musical talents. Past cabarets have taken place at Joe\u2019s Pub at The Public, 54 Below, The Clark Theater and The Penthouse at Lincoln Center, HBO Headquarters, The Triad, and The Duplex (Manhattan cabarets).<\/p>\n

Celebrating a decade of championing inclusion, artistic excellence, and authentic representation in the performing arts<\/p>\n

\u201cRevolutions and Revelations\u201d is directed by Queens native and comedian Talia Eapen, who is an EPIC board member \u2014 with music direction by multi-award-winning composer and lyricist Scott Evan Davis.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t miss the EPIC Revolution! You get this one night to experience original songs, poems, raps and personal stories you have never heard before. It is a night to learn who the players truly are and connect on a level that might not be as visibly transparent during a main stage show when our performers play a character on stage,\u201d Eapen noted.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Lexi Spindel and TALIA at EPIC Underground At Joe\u2019s Pub. Photo by Zui Gomez<\/p>\n

The busy comedian and activist has been advocating for a respectful, equitable and collaborative environment, where these individuals can thrive without barriers, and has spent nearly a decade building inclusive artistic spaces in Queens and across NYC. She also worked for nine years as an ABA therapist, supervising and training educators on inclusive practices. (Applied Behavior Analysis is an evidence-based treatment that helps children with autism and related developmental conditions to develop communication, social and life skills through personalized interventions). Now, she applies her background in media and communications to expand professional opportunities for neurodivergent artists through EPIC, in Queens and beyond.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter starting on the EPIC board, I began attending their weekly classes. I couldn\u2019t get enough! What drew me and kept me coming back was the company\u2019s alignment with my desire to support performers by meeting them at their current level and helping them become performance-ready in a supportive environment,\u201d Eapen told QNS<\/a>, adding, \u201cOur performers enjoy doing what they love, being paid for their
time and talent and being part of an inclusive community. I definitely do!\u201d<\/p>\n

EPIC members are aged 18 and over. The EPIC Jr. program is a FREE, weekly after-school program for teens. Applicants can visit epicplayersnyc.org<\/a> and join their waitlist to audition for the 2027 season; EPIC auditions are held once a year.<\/p>\n

Eapen, who was born in Flushing<\/a> and grew up in Woodside<\/a>, said that she found her way back there as an adult. Known as TALIA in the comedy world, she also wanted to share a bit about her side hustle and told QNS: \u201cThe arts and stand-up is where I thrive and heal. I have performed in spaces all around Queens, from Sunnyside\u2019s<\/a> Cool Beans<\/a> to Astoria\u2019s<\/a> Q.E.D.<\/a>, and Long Island City\u2019s<\/a> former Creek and Cave.
Currently, I\u2019m a regular at Sissy McGinty\u2019s<\/a> in Astoria.\u201d<\/p>\n

On another note, Eapen told QNS that EPIC had just made an appearance at P.S. 177Q<\/a> for their D75 IDEA week in Fresh Meadows<\/a>, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the law. Performers Jordan Boyatt, Conor Tague, Hunter Hollingsworth and Natalie Kaiser performed a \u201cRENT\u201d sing-along for an auditorium filled with excited students. [D75 IDEA refers to NYC\u2019s District 75, which focuses on providing specialized instructional support for students with significant challenges. The district emphasizes the Science of Reading Framework to cultivate foundational literacy skills and offers various programs, including work-based learning and hands-on experiences, to equip students with real-world skills].<\/p>\n

QNS: So, what is the show\u2019s message to your audience?<\/p>\n

\u201cThe world is challenging for our community, more than ever. They are currently underserved, and they are under attack. It is important that our performers get to speak their truth and see a room full of people, who are there to hear the stories of the disabled and neurodiverse artists,\u201d Eapen shared.<\/p>\n

Celebrating each voice that comes up on stage, EPIC Players invite audiences into an authentic and creative space, where every voice matters.\n<\/p>\n

Both shows will be ASL-interpreted. To access ASL seats, please enter promo code EPICASL to select options. Please contact Joe\u2019s Pub<\/a> box office directly for any other audience access accommodations.<\/p>\n

There is a two-drink or one-food item minimum per person during every show at Joe\u2019s Pub.\n<\/p>\n

Instagram: instagram.com\/epicplayersnyc<\/a>.<\/p>\n