Jonathan Larson’s theatrical masterpiece, Rent, will be performed in an off-Broadway production featuring a majority-disabled and neurodivergent cast. The show comes as Rent celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026 and will precede a recently announced West End revival coming later this year.

EPIC Players is the non-profit theatre company behind the production, dedicated to creating performance opportunities for disabled and neurodivergent artists and promoting inclusion and accessibility in the performing arts. In addition to staging at least two mainstage shows each year, EPIC Players also creates original productions and cabarets, offers instructional classes, and collaborates with schools to provide educational experiences.

Rent, the four-time Tony award-winning musical, premiered on Broadway exactly 30 years and 1 day ago today, telling the story of a group of struggling artists as they navigate life in New York City during the height of the AIDS epidemic in the US. With more than 5,000 Broadway performances and an incredible legacy inspiring audiences around the world, the musical remains a vital reminder of queer strength and community. 

The production’s diverse cast is set to “reimagine” Rent “through a neurodivergent and disability-centered lens.” EPIC Players’ Rent will offer American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for their show on June 7 and a captioned performance on June 11. ADA seating, assisted listening devices, and access devices will also be available, as well as a relaxed atmosphere designed to accommodate all disabilities.

Previously, EPIC Players has brought other neurodiverse productions to the stage, including a 2024 Spring Awakening retelling featuring an all-disabled cast and a previous Rent staging which was all-deaf and performed exclusively in ASL.

EPIC Players’ production of Rent will run from June 4 to June 14 at the A.R.T./New York Theatres’ the Mezzanine in New York City. More information about Rent can be found on the EPIC Players’ website.