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 OPENINGS | ADMINISTRATION OPENINGS

PRODUCTION

ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Barter Theatre seeks an Assistant Technical Director to be a part of our 2025 season. The Assistant Technical Director’s primary responsibilities are to work in conjunction with the Technical Director to develop methods for the accurate construction of scenery. The ATD will work to ensure efficient, accurate, and safe scenic production practices are utilized and implemented. The ATD shall be responsible for creating working drawings and will be required to assist with show builds in the shop whenever possible.

RESIDENT LIGHTING DESIGNER / HEAD ELECTRICIAN

The Resident Lighting Designer / Head Electrician is the manager for the lighting department and reports to the Director of Production. This individual will design lighting for 6-8 productions annually and coordinate all lighting and electrical needs and budgets for the 19 productions on the Gilliam and Smith stages while managing two stage electricians.

RESIDENT SOUND DESIGNER

The Resident Sound Designer reports to the Director of Production. This individual will Design for 10-13 productions annually and coordinate all audio needs for the Gilliam and Smith stages in collaboration with Barter’s Audio Visual Supervisor.

WIG & MAKEUP SUPERVISOR

Barter Theatre seeks an experienced Wig & Makeup Supervisor to be a part of the Barter costume shop. The Wig & Makeup Supervisor reports to the Costume Shop Manager, working collaboratively with the Costume Designer and the costume shop/wardrobe teams to produce a cohesive costume vision for each production. Employment dates are August 26 – November 23, 2025. Further employment opportunities available through December 2025.

COSTUME ARTISAN

Barter Theatre seeks a Costume Artisan to be a part of our costume shop team for the 2025 summer rep construction period. The costume artisan will collaborate with other costume artisans and designers to fulfill the artistic vision for Barter’s summer productions of Thurgood, Frozen, A Few Good Men, and Mountain Mamas. Contract dates are March 31 – May 25, 2025.

GILLIAM STAGE CARPENTER

Barter Theatre seeks a Gilliam Stage Carpenter to be a part of our 2025 season. The Stage Carpenter’s primary responsibilities are maintaining the integrity of the scenery once in performances and changing over the scenery (“repping”) between shows. This employee is responsible for leading this process in an efficient and safe manner. If needed, this employee works in conjunction with stage management to help run the show. When no shows are in performance and/or the above responsibilities are not required of the Stage Carpenter, the employee will work in the scene shop.

SCENIC CARPENTER

Barter Theatre seeks a Scenic Carpenter to be a part of our 2025 season. The Scenic Carpenter is responsible for the safe construction, installation, and removal of scenery as directed by the Technical Director, Assistant Technical Director, and Shop Foreman. This employee will work as part of a team of carpenters to develop and construct that scenery in an accurate manner in accordance with working drawings and designer plates.

SCENIC ARTIST

Barter Theatre seeks an Scenic Artist to be a part of our 2025 season. The Scenic Artist is responsible for assisting the Charge Artist in completing the painting and finishing effects of scenery. The Scenic Artist assists the Charge Artist with painting and sculpting sets/scenes, as well as completing other duties as assigned by the Charge Artist or Technical Director.

STAGEHAND

Barter Theatre seeks a Stagehand to be a part of our 2025 season. The Stagehand’s primary responsibilities are maintaining the integrity of the scenery once in performances and changing over the scenery (“repping”) between shows. This employee is responsible for working with the Stage Carpenter to conduct this process in an efficient and safe manner. If needed, this employee works in conjunction with stage management to help run the show. When no shows are in performance and/or the above responsibilities are not required of the Stagehand, the employee will work in the scene shop.

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT(S)

Barter Theatre seeks (Production Assistants) to be a part of the stage management team of 8 working on our 13 show season. Production Assistants will work closely with the AEA Stage Management staff during rehearsals and performances. They will be called upon to fill different run crew roles and also be involved in the changeover of sets between shows. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership, be willing to learn, able to work well with others, and have stage management skills. This is a full time position involving six days of work per week and includes work at night, and on weekends. Able to Lift 40lbs.

ADMINISTRATION

DIRECTOR OF INITIATIVES AND OUTREACH

Barter Theatre seeks Director of Initiatives and Outreach to be a steadfast champion of new and existing program initiatives. This Senior Staff position is an integral part of developing relationships, embracing the diversity of the Appalachian experience, and fostering connection between Barter and the region.

MARKETING AND ADVANCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE

Barter Theatre seeks a Marketing and Advancement Communications Associate to be the lead copywriter and interdepartmental project manager for the Marketing/Advancement departments. The ideal candidate will be an organized, focused self-starter with excellent written and oral communication skills.

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.