Young Audiences

Where there's children, there's creativity.

The Barter Players

The Barter Players are a group of professional theatre artists who perform for young audiences at the theatre April through December and in schools during their January through March East Coast Tour. The troupe presents high energy and original productions that capture the imagination, intelligence and sophistication of today's youth while providing the best in the classic literature and beloved story adaptation. The Barter Players have been acclaimed nationwide as one of the finest theatres for young people anywhere. In the grand tradition of Barter Theatre, The Barter Players perform with a unique combination of education and entertainment, plus the commitment to bring world-class theatre to young people of all ages and backgrounds.

Find out about...

• The Barter Players at the theatre.
• The Barter Players on tour.

The Barter Players Sponsors

• Alpha Natural Resources, Lead Sponsor
  • Berry Home Centers, Inc.
  • Dr. Timothy E. Collins, Pediatric Dentistry
  • V. Blake McKinney, Attorney at Law
  • Grundy National Bank

 

 

The Barter Players in Abingdon

I Can Be Anything: The Musical Legend of the Simple Machines
A brand new musical by Mike Ostroski
April 2-May 2
Explore the fascinating world of simple machines as Brad the Inclined Plane and his friends discover the lever, wheel & axle, pulley, wedge and screw as well as the limitless power of teamwork. A musical adventure guaranteed to keep your students singing and learning long after the curtain falls!

Abe
Written by Catherine Gray
May 5-May 23
A boat ride down the Mississippi, a wrestling match to gain respect, a fierce political battle and the strange dream that haunts him – these are just a few of the exciting moments in Abraham Lincoln's life. Abe is the story of a boy born into poverty who rose above his circumstances to become the 16th President of the United States.

Jack and the Beanstalk
Written by Derek Davidson
June 2-June 27
Extra! Extra! Read all about it. Jack climbs the beanstalk! Jack saves the day! What happens when a reporter, the goose, the harp and even the giant get in on the telling of the story? A fresh new look at the most fun Jack-tale ever!

Rapunzel
Written by Catherine Bush
July 1-July 18
A beautiful maiden with long golden hair is locked up in a tower by an angry witch. Come see how Rapunzel, with the help of a handsome prince, escapes the tower to find love, happiness and a home to call her own.

A Year With Frog and Toad
Based on the Newberry and Caldecott Honor
Frog and Toad books of Arnold Lobel

Music by Robert Reale
Book and lyrics by Willie Reale
July 21-August 8
Frog and Toad are nothing alike. Yet, they're best, BEST friends. Toad's a worrywart; Frog's not. But, oh, what good times they have trying to keep sleds on the ground, kites in the air and themselves from overeating cookies. It’s the Broadway hit brought to Barter just for you!

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Adapted from Mark Twain’s beloved novel by Mike Ostroski
September 29-November 21
Whether it's fishing with Huckleberry Finn, convincing his friends to
whitewash Aunt Polly's fence, or falling in love with Becky Thatcher, nobody
loves life more than the irascible Tom Sawyer. Then Tom stumbles upon a
deadly secret- a secret that takes him on the greatest adventure of all.
Enjoy the magic of Mark Twain in this American classic.

Frosty
Written by Catherine Bush
December 1- December 19
When a magic hat is placed on his head, Frosty comes to life! But this snowman must return the hat to its rightful owner in order for a young boy to understand the true meaning of Christmas. Join us for the most magical Christmas story of them all!

 

More Information

Study Guides - All of our productions are built to go hand-in-hand with your school’s SOL or TCAP curriculum. Please call for information on study packets with SOL and TCAP listings for each show, as well as information on our award-winning online educational game.

Click to see more on our other educational tools
(e) Learning Game
Performances
Hands-on Experiences
Talkbacks
Tours

For more information on The Barter Players, contact Katy Brown, Director of Barter Players, at 276-619-3327. For tickets contact Barter's Box Office at (276) 628-3991. For Group Information, contact Group Sales at (276) 619-5406 or groupsalesrep@bartertheatre.com.

Meet the Barter Players

The Barter Players are a group of young actors from all over the country who are dedicated to growing as artists by bringing the best and bravest theatre to the young people of this region.

 

J. Casey Barrett	Bryan Pridgen	Julie Schroll
Carrie Smith	Emelie Thompson	Nathan Whitmer

Artistic Director

Katy Brown (Artistic Director of The Barter Players; Associate Director of Barter Theatre) is pleased to be in her tenth year here at Barter. Her favorite directing credits include Don’t Cry for Me, Margaret Mitchell; Hamlet; The Last Five Years; A Thousand Cranes; Scott Momaday’s Children of the Sun; Green Gables: The Musical; A Walk in the Woods; The Quiltmaker; Holiday Memories; and Tuck Everlasting which is currently touring the Southeast. During her time here, she has worked as a teacher, choreographer, dramaturge, and administrator, and is the head of casting for Barter Theatre. Katy is grateful for all the different jobs she has the opportunity to learn and do each year, particularly in her duties as the Artistic Director of the Barter Players – a wonderful group of actors whose growth and dedication never cease to make her proud.