Our Team

EPIC Leadership and Programs Team

EPIC is comprised of a team of dedicated Arts Administrators, Teaching Artists and Mentors who support our mission and growth year-round. Including the dedicated and passionate individuals listed below.

A headshot of Aubrie, a woman with green eyes and reddish brown curly hair.

Aubrie Therrien (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director

Aubrie is the founder and director of EPIC and is dedicated to furthering inclusion in the arts. She was recognized as New Yorker of the Week for News 1 for her work in the field. She feels lucky to be surrounded by such EPIC people, all the time.

Headshot of Travis, a man with strawberry blond hair is smiling and wearing a green shirt.

Travis Burbee (he/him), Associate Artistic Director

Travis Burbee is the Associate Artistic Director of EPIC Players . He has directed The Little Prince, The Tempest, and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Travis also heads up EPIC’s in-school education classes and performances.

Headshot of Talia, a woman with dyed red hair, is smiling and wearing a royal blue shirt

Talia Eapen (NP), Director of Program Operations

Talia is native New Yorker who has supervised, managed, and trained educators and other organizational staff on inclusion practices. EPIC has cultivated her love of the arts and her passion for public service. She is also a stand-up comedian in NYC.

Headshot of Meggan, a woman with blue wire glasses, short grey hair, and hazel eyes.

Meggan Dodd (she/her), Director of Devised Theatre

Having retired two years ago as a prosecutor, Meggan is actively using her CUNY MA in Applied Theatre to create theatre for social change. She has been a proud member of EPIC Players since its creation. At EPIC, Meggan directs, writes and devises, and has a great time leading the weekly EPIC Plays.

Headshot of Alexander, a person with brown hair, a red bear, and blue eyes.

Alexander Reeves (they/them), Program Assistant

Alexander Reeves has worked as a theatre educator and vocal coach specializing in disability, neurodivergent and trans inclusion Since 2015. A former Disney World cast member, they are currently making magic at EPIC as a musical theatre teaching artist, vocal coach, the program assistant and the co-director of EPIC Jr, a program for neurodivergent teens.

Jamie Rose Hayes (she/her), Access Coordinator

Jamie actively consults in accessibility, inclusion and equity coordination for various organizations and nonprofits throughout NYC. Through her background as an American Sign Language/English interpreter, she found herself becoming an ambassador for advocacy on and off the job. This passion led her to strive for more awareness and education around the various preferences within the disability and diffability communities.

Headshot of Laisha: Smiling with light wavy hair and a pearl headband, Laisha wears a pink shirt over a white top. Her expression is warm and welcoming, with a delicate gold necklace adding a touch of elegance.

Laisha González (she/her/hers), Social Media Associate

Laisha is an experienced social media professional specializing in creating accessible and engaging content since 2021. Laisha’s background in the performing arts enables her to create dynamic and entertaining content. As a legally blind and neurodivergent Latina, Laisha is deeply committed to creating more diverse and inclusive content for disabled communities.

A headshot of Scott, a man with dark brown hair and blue eyes. He is wearing a grey blazer and white shirt.

Scott Evan Davis (he/him), Cabaret Music Director

Scott joined EPIC as our cabaret music director and has become an instant addition to our community! He is a multi - award winning composer/lyricist whose musical Indigo, (featuring Betsy Wolfe, Telly Leung and Sally Mayes and Matt Bogart) recently had its third Broadway workshop. Scott continues to work with EPIC as a vocal coach, director and teaching artist.

EPIC Mentors and Teaching Artists

EPIC mentors and teaching artists are an integral part of our company. EPIC Mentors work within our classes to ensure that every learners, no matter their style, is able to engage in the material we are presenting. Our Teaching Artists are professionals in the field work to create curriculum in the BE EPIC Method, to ensure classes are engaging and inclusive to all of our members.

_RIC2953.jpg

Max Baudisch

 

Alexander Reeves

 
SecondSession-CONFIDANZ-3451.jpg

Dante Jayce

 

Will Ketter

 

Ellie Sondock

 

Gabe Girson

 

Jessica Saul

 

Cameron Walker

 

Sydnee Davis

Miles.jpg

Miles Butler

 

Averil Carr

 

Devan Manning

“As a former teacher for students with disabilities, one of the things that I noticed most about your production was that there was intentionality in your character development. You cast the people first and were thoughtful in using disability so it did not appear as the predominant theme in the production. Any manifestations of disability were presented in a way that accentuated the character instead of distracted. It was also evident that you provided a high quality production and avoided the common tendency to lower the standards simply because . . . there were people with disabilities cast in the show. Congratulations to such a successful production and a refined approach to inclusive theater.”

— EPIC Audience Member

EPIC Board of Directors

  • Kathryn Ivie, Co-Chair

    Kathryn Ivie is the Co-Chair of the EPIC Board. She is a CHRO for nonprofit communities and an avid supporter of neuro-diversity and the arts.

  • Jennie Glazer, Co-Chair

    Jennie is the Chief Operating Officer at Coqual. She believes that music and theater are nourishing to people, and especially in today's divided, disconnected world, it brings us together to appreciate art and wonderfully talented performers.

  • Stacy Nettleton, Secretary

    Stacy Nettleton is a partner in Weil’s Securities Litigation practice group. She is so proud to support and further the work of the EPIC Players.

  • Dr. Daniel Garfinkel

    Dan Garfinkel is a family physician with One Medical Group and a lover of the arts. He often moonlights as the Emcee for EPIC Cabarets.

  • Stephanie Torns

    Stephanie (she/her) is honored to be a board member of EPIC. She is a singer, actor, and Broadway performer. Her Broadway credits include the OBC of Waitress the musical, and the Elphaba standby at Wicked the musical. Stephanie also has her own solo cabaret show that she has performed at 54 Below, Chelsea Table and Stage, and many other venues. When she isn’t performing, she is a Musical Theater teacher at AMDA in NYC. She loves teaching and getting to work with the next generation of performers.

  • Virginia Hoffman

    Virginia is an arts educator, administrator and philanthropist. She has been an EPIC fan and supporter for several years and is excited to further EPIC’s mission by sitting on the Board.

  • Michael Fegan

    Michael is the Chief Technology and Operations Officer at Dime Community Bank and a staunch supporter of arts access for the Autistic Community. His son, Eric, is a musician, performer, and music director with EPIC Players.

  • Talia Eapen

    Talia is an ABA Therapist, comedian, and founding Board member of The EPIC Players and is proud to be a part of this growing and mission focused organization.

  • Aubrie Therrien

    Aubrie is the founder and director of The EPIC Players and is so lucky to be a part of this amazing community of artists.

  • Advisory Board Members

    Scott Evan Davis • Doreen Meyers • Amanda McFee • Robin Carus • Linda Therrien •

  • Board Advisor

    Michael John Carley