Employment Opportunities at Barter Theatre

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Current Available Positions

Master Electrician

Barter Theatre (founded 1933) – a full-time, year-round AEA LORT resident repertory company located in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia, is seeking a full-time Master Electrician for a year-round contract. Lighting design opportunities are available. Barter is the State Theatre of Virginia and is committed to excellence and growth.

Job responsibilities include the supervision of two staff electricians, as well as participation in hang, focus, and special effects preparation. Responsibilities of the department include: all stage electrics set up and maintenance; set up and maintenance of fog, haze, pyrotechnic, and other special effects and insuring compliance with Equity guidelines for safety. Additionally, the master electrician serves as the technical liaison and contact for special events performed in Barter spaces, but not produced by Barter Theatre. Applicants should have the ability to organize, lead, and collaborate. Experience with intelligent lighting equipment is a plus. The ideal candidate will possess strong rigging skills and creative problem solving capabilities. The ideal candidate must possess the ability to work and interact well with a diverse group of people; must have a “can-do” attitude with flexibility.

Historic Barter Theatre offers a wide variety of productions including world premieres, developing new works, musicals, and classics in two newly renovated theatre spaces. We value a collaborative work environment. The company performs 20+ shows in two spaces from February to December.

Competitive Salary; Benefits include paid vacation, health insurance and 401K plan. Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and references to Diana Haynes, Human Resource Director, Barter Theatre, PO Box 867, Abingdon, VA 24212. Email: hrdirector@bartertheatre.com. Barter Theatre is an equal opportunity employer.

Technical Director

Barter Theatre (founded 1933) – a full-time, year-round LORT – AEA resident repertory company located in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia, is currently collecting resumes for a full-time, year-round Technical Director. Responsibilities include: the construction, installation, and strike of all scenic elements in two spaces—a 507 seat proscenium theatre, and a 167 seat thrust stage; supervise a staff of 4 carpenters, 2 scenic artists, and 1 or more interns; communicate and coordinate with other department heads to effectively and safely implement strikes/changeovers; attend production meetings. Must have excellent organizational and communication skills; be able to create and work within a budget; motivate and manage staff; excellent carpentry skills; creative problem solver. The ideal candidate will have a degree in technical theatre as well as previous experience as a TD or ATD.

Historic Barter Theatre, The State Theatre of Virginia, offers 20+ productions per year in repertory including world premieres, new works, musicals, and classics. We value a collaborative work environment.

Competitive Salary; Benefits include paid vacations, health insurance and 401K plan. Qualified applicants should email a cover letter, resume and references to Diana Haynes, Human Resource Director. E-mail: hrdirector@bartertheatre.com. Job start date: January, 2010. Barter Theatre is an equal opportunity employer.

 

Assistant Master Electrician

Barter Theatre (founded 1933) – a full-time, year-round AEA LORT resident repertory company located in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia, is seeking a full-time Assistant Master Electrician for a year-round contract. Barter is the State Theatre of Virginia and is committed to excellence and growth.

The AME is responsible for the operations and maintenance of Barter’s Main Stage electrical systems, to operate light board for all main stage shows, and to assist the Master Electrician with operation of the Electrics Department. The AME may be asked to work outside events that occur at Barter Theatre as well. Design opportunities are available. Ideal candidates must have a degree in theatre (with lighting emphasis) or equivalent professional experience. Applicants should have the ability to organize, lead, and collaborate. Experience with intelligent lighting equipment is a plus. The ideal candidate will possess strong rigging skills and creative problem solving capabilities. The ideal candidate must possess the ability to work and interact well with a diverse group of people; must have a “can-do” attitude with flexibility.

Historic Barter Theatre offers a wide variety of productions including world premieres, developing new works, musicals, and classics in two newly renovated theatre spaces. We value a collaborative work environment. The company performs 20+ shows in two spaces from February to December.

Competitive Salary; Benefits include paid vacation, health insurance and 401K plan. Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and references to Diana Haynes, Human Resource Director, Barter Theatre, PO Box 867, Abingdon, VA 24212. Email: hrdirector@bartertheatre.com, for further information. Barter Theatre is an equal opportunity employer.

 

The Barter Players Stage Manager

Barter Theatre (founded 1933) – a full-time, year-round AEA LORT resident repertory company located in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia, is seeking a Stage Manager for The Barter Players for a year-round contract. Barter is the State Theatre of Virginia and is committed to excellence and growth.

The BPSM’s duties include, but are not limited to: production stage managing 7 children’s productions on Barter’s Stages, daily scheduling and company management for The Barter Players, running of all Player Co. rehearsals and performances, correspondence between departments, PA duties on Barter Main Stage productions and working directly for AEA stage management. Knowledge of basic stage management required. Calling skills, previous experience and good problem solving skills a plus. Start date is negotiatble between Jan 1 and March 15, 2010. Contract lasts until Dec 31, 2010.

Historic Barter Theatre offers a wide variety of productions including world premieres, developing new works, musicals, and classics in two newly-renovated theatre spaces. We value a collaborative work environment. The company performs 20+ shows in two spaces from February to December.

The pay is $250- $350 per week, plus housing and health insurance; Benefits include paid vacation and 401K plan. Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and references to Katy Brown, Associate Director of Barter Theatre, PO Box 867, Abingdon, VA 24212. Email: barterplayers@bartertheatre.com. Barter Theatre is an equal opportunity employer.

 

Apprenticeships and Internships

For information on internships and apprenticeships, you may contact:
Acting • Katy Brown • barterplayers@bartertheatre.com
Technical • Cheri Prough DeVol • resdesign@bartertheatre.com
Administration • Diana Haynes • hrdirector@bartertheatre.com
Marketing • Peter Yonka • dirofmarketing@bartertheatre.com
Development • Mary Anne Holbrook • dirofdevelopment@bartertheatre.com

Volunteers

Theatre Volunteers

Those wishing to volunteer their time to Barter's Ushering Service or Gift Shop, please contact Barter's House Manager, Tom Childress, at giftshop@bartertheatre.com or 276/619-5407.

The Barter Players

Barter's theatre for young audiences needs help with anything and everything—house management, technical projects, set construction, making costumes, town criers, and more. For more information and to volunteer contact Katy Brown at barterplayers@bartertheatre.com or 276/619-3327.

Marketing

Volunteers are needed to help with data entry, surveys, brochure distribution, general office work and errands. Work when your schedule allows. Earn complimentary tickets for volunteering. Contact Barter's Director of Marketing, Peter Yonka, at dirofmarketing@bartertheatre.com or 276/619-3342.

Development

Volunteers are needed to help with projects relative to fundraising. Help in research, data entry, filing, and general office activity. Great opportunity to learn about behind the scenes at Barter. Earn complimentary tickets for your volunteered time. Contact Barter's Director of Development, Mary Anne Holbrook, at dirofdevelopment@bartertheatre.com or 276/619-3303.

Upcoming Auditions

Local Auditions

BARTER THEATRE ANNOUNCING LOCAL AUDITIONS FOR ITS 2010 SEASON ON DEC. 6TH AND 7TH, 2009

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING VERY CAREFULLY:

WHEN AND WHERE
Sun. Dec. 6th 10am –12:30pm Acting and singing auditions
12:30pm-2pm dance call for morning auditioners
2pm-4:30pm Acting and singing auditions
4:30pm-6:30pm dance call for afternoon auditioners
6:30pm-9:30pm- Player interviews

Mon. Dec. 7th 10:00am -12:30pm Acting and singing auditions
12:30pm-2pm dance call for morning auditioners
2pm-4:30pm Acting and singing auditions
4:30pm-6:30pm dance call for afternoon auditioners
6:30pm-9:30pm Player interviews

The acting and singing auditions will take place at Barter Stage II which is across the street from the Barter Theatre on Main Street in Abingdon, VA: exit 17 on Interstate 81.
The movement and dance auditions will take place at The Barter Education Building (directions will be made available at Barter Stage II on the day of the auditions).

ACTING AND SINGING AUDITIONS
We would like to see either one or two monologues no more than ninety seconds each. If you will be doing two monologues please make sure that they contrast in some way. PLEASE REMEMBER: ABSOLUTELY NO MONOLOGUES LONGER THAN NINETY SECONDS.

If you sing, we would like to hear one verse and one chorus of a song, or, sixteen bars of a song. Occasionally we ask for additional, contrasting songs so we suggest you come prepared for that possibility. Accompanist will be provided. No recorded accompaniment or a cappella singing. You must bring your own sheet music with full piano accompaniment part - no lead sheets or vocal only sheet music. All music should be written in key in which you plan to sing it. No on site transposing.

Please bring three copies of your picture and resume.

MOVEMENT/DANCE AUDITIONS
We encourage anyone interested in our Resident Company, Player Company, or any musical to attend the movement/dance auditions, even if you do not consider yourself to be a dancer.

Meet at the Barter Education Building at the appropriate time for your movement/dance auditions. Directions to the Education Building are available at Barter Stage II. The movement/dance audition site will be open half an hour before the scheduled audition time on each day for warm-up and changing. Please be prepared to stay through the entire movement/dance audition time. Please wear shoes and clothing appropriate for a dance audition.

The movement/dance auditions will be broken down into two levels:
Choreographed movement/dance: EVERYONE ATTENDING THE DANCE AUDITIONS WILL DO THIS COMBINATION after which we will ask the more experienced dancers to stay and learn a second combination
Dance combination for dancers, including Actor/Singers who also consider themselves dancers. . Only those requested to do the second combination will learn it.

If you are a dancer who plans to attend the movement/dance auditions but do not plan to attend the acting/singing auditions, that is OK, but please inform the audition monitor.

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION DESCRIBES WHAT WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR IN THESE AUDITIONS

****We will not be looking for any actors (male or female) under the age of 18 at these auditions UNLESS YOU ARE A MEMBER OF ACTOR’S EQUITY ASSOCIATION. We will be auditioning AEA girls for the roles of ANNIE, YOUNG VI, etc. at this audition. If you are not a female Actor’s Equity Association member and you are under 18 you will be auditioned at a different time.

Barter Theatre encourages and supports non-traditional and minority casting; we highly encourage actors of color and diverse races to audition.

If you are not available for the 2010 season, we prefer that you wait until our December 2010 auditions to be seen.

WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR:

** Year-round, Resident Company Members: Most members of our resident company sing and move, at least at a minimal level, but it is not a requirement; For these auditions, we highly encourage you to sing and attend the movement auditions in addition to acting if you are interested in becoming a member of the resident company. Late 20s to early 60s; Male and female; AEA and EMC candidates.

** AEA local and non-local jobbers: Various individual roles for a single show or a single repertory.

** Non-AEA local and non-local jobbers: Various individual roles for a single show or single repertory.

** AEA and Non-AEA actors for a series of six readings and staged productions during the Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights.

** The Barter Players: Non-AEA; College graduates or equivalent experience; Pay, insurance, and housing provided; Year-round; Brochures available.

** Apprentice Company: Non-AEA; College undergraduates or equivalent experience; No pay but housing is provided; Summer only; Brochures available.

** Possible replacements and understudies for the 2010 season.

AEA Actors will be given priority in scheduling requests for audition slots, and any AEA member who arrives for an audition without having signed up will be seen as soon as possible.

BARTER’S 2010 SEASON  - Roles will be posted on Saturday, October 24.
All titles and dates are subject to change due to availability of rights and licenses.

We are seeking the roles that are listed below each title.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND as adapted by Richard Rose
February 4- April 17

-Alice- 20’s female, shorter than 5’5”, physically adept and child-like

DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE by Sarah Ruhl
February 12- April 9

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett
February 19- April 5

-Anne Frank- 13, female
-Otto Frank- Anne’s father, 40’s
-Mr. Dan Van Daan- portly and/or tall, late 40’s
-Edith Frank- Anne’s mother, 40’s
-Margot Frank -18 years old, Anne’s sister
-Mr. Kraler- Store owner, 30’s+
-Mr. Dussel- 50’s+, male

CHAPS! By Jahnna Beecham and Malcolm Hillgartner
February 26- April 5

ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE conceived and written by Ted Swindley
April 23-May 23

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE by Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Albom
April 13- August 21

REVOLUTIONS by Richard Alfieri
May 13- August 7

ANNIE book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin
May 28-August 15

-Annie: We are seeking AEA Annie’s for this production.

BLUE SKY BOYS a poignant comedy by Deborah Brevoort
June 10-August 15

VIOLET
June 18-August 1

-Young Vi: 12/13, strong high belt, strong acting skills
-Woman Knitting, Landlady, Gospel Soloist: African American, female 20’s-50’s, strong gospel voice
-Woman with Fan, Music Hall Singer, Mabel: African American, female 20’s-50’s, strong gospel voice

SOUTHERN EXPOSURE by Kelley Kingston-Strayer
June 26-August 14

FOREVER PLAID – Stuart Ross & Various Composers
Dates: Opens September 17 , plays through April 2011

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett
ON NATIONAL TOUR
Dates: Mid-September to Mid-November

-Anne Frank- 13, female
-Otto Frank- Anne’s father, 40’s
-Mr. Dan Van Daan- portly and/or tall, late 40’s
-Edith Frank- Anne’s mother, 40’s
-Margot Frank -18 years old, Anne’s sister
-Mr. Kraler- Store owner, 30’s+
-Mr. Dussel- 50’s+, male

THE FULL MONTY Book by Terrence McNally, Music & Lyrics by David
September 17-November 13
-Georgie Bukatinsky- female, 20’s-30’s, mezzo, belt, tough
-Noah (Horse) T. Simmons- African American male, 60’s+, retired mill worker, strong sing, good mover/dancer
-Susan Hershey- Female, 20’s 30’s, mezzo
-Joanie Lish- African American female, 20’s-30’s, strong belt

SHERLOCK HOLMES & THE CASE OF THE JERSEY LILY by K.J. Forgette
October 1-November 13

-Professor Moriarty- Male, 40’s+, the evil nemesis of Sherlock Holmes, strong language skills

WHERE TROUBLE SLEEPS by Catherine Bush
September 23-November 13

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE adapted by Richard Rose
November 19 - December 26

A TUNA CHRISTMAS
November 23-December 19

 

PRODUCTION AND REHEARSAL DATES AND TIMES
The performance dates of our 2010 season can be found above and more information about each show can be found at our website. Brochures are also available at the audition site. Rehearsals for most plays begin approximately six – eight weeks before they open. Most actors will participate in two productions during the same repertory.

THE BARTER PLAYERS AND THE BARTER THEATRE APPRENTICE PROGRAM
If you are interested in becoming a member of The Barter Players (Barter’s non-AEA company) or Apprentice Company we require that you act, sing and attend the movement/dance auditions, even if you do not consider yourself a mover/dancer or singer. Please be prepared for a group meeting and interview with Katy Brown, the Director of the Barter Players and Apprentice Program following the evening dance call only. Persons who do not remain for the meeting after the evening dance call cannot be considered for these positions. All interested are invited to the meeting; interviews will be held at Barter’s discretion with those auditionees chosen. See above for a brief description of the Player Company and Apprentice Company. (Brochures describing the Player Company and the Apprentice Program will be available at the audition site. More information is also available by emailing barterplayers@bartertheater.com.)

Once you have read the above information very carefully, sign up for an audition slot by calling 276-619-5405. At that number you will be asked to leave a message with your name, number, email, the exact time and day you would like to audition, whether or not you will be attending the movement/dance auditions. Please be prepared with this information, and leave it slowly and clearly. You should expect a confirmation email within a week. If you do not receive a confirmation email within a week, please try again. There may have been a problem understanding your message.

Thank you, and we hope to see you at the auditions!

 

General Casting Information.

Barter holds auditions in New York each year through Paul Russell Casting
and is in attendance at UPTA in Memphis every February. Depending on the
year and the roles we are seeking, we may also be at auditions in Washington
DC, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Asheville, and area universities.

To submit your headshot and resume to Barter Theatre, please mail to:
Katy Brown
Head of Casting
Barter Theatre
PO Box 867
Abingdon, VA 24212

Questions about casting can be addressed to Katy Brown at
barterplayers@bartertheatre.com. We request that questions be sent via email
rather than telephone.