Opportunities with Barter Theatre

Organizational Overview

Barter Theatre is a repertory company of resident artists dedicated to serving others by creating world-class theater in the heart of Appalachia with an operating budget of $6M. Barter’s vision is to maintain a sustainable model of producing world-class theater that entertains, engages, and connects artists and audience, while reflecting the inherently Appalachian values of hard work, generosity, service, and story. Barter produces musicals, classic plays, and new work March-December including the nationally renowned initiatives Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights and Black Stories Black Voices. 

PRODUCTION

COSTUME SHOP MANAGER

Barter Theatre seeks a Costume Shop Manager to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of costume production for a high-volume, rotating repertory season of approximately 13 main season productions, and advising on 8 Barter Players productions. Serving as department head for a ten member team in the Costume Shop and in Wardrobe, the Costume Shop Manager manages all costume and wardrobe personnel, including in-house costume designers, and oversees all costume and wardrobe operations in alignment with artistic intent, production schedules, and approved budgets. In collaboration with Directors, the Artistic team, and Production Management, this position is responsible for guiding costume design execution while balancing constraints, priorities, and overlapping production schedules. The Costume Shop Manager oversees staffing, scheduling, and comprehensive budget management for materials, labor, and equipment; serves as the primary liaison between the Costume Shop, Wardrobe, and Stage Management; and is accountable for maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient operation while providing hands-on leadership and training as needed.

DRESSER

Barter Theatre seeks a Dresser to be a part of the wardrobe team for our summer rep. The Dresser works with the Wardrobe Supervisor and other dressers to assist the actors with dressing and quick changes, to clean and maintain all costumes and costume pieces, and to safeguard the integrity of the costume design throughout the run of each production. Contract dates are May18-August 8, 2026.

STAGE CARPENTER (SMITH)

Barter Theatre seeks a Stage Carpenter to be a part of the backstage crew in Barter Theatre’s Smith Theatre. The Smith Stage Carpenter reports to the technical director and leads the rep crew in changing over the scenery from one show to another. This is a seven-week seasonal contract lasting from 7/6/26 – 8/23/26.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commitment

Equal employment opportunity and an inclusive and representative staff are fundamental at Barter Theater. Our employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/preference, political position, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law.