Unfortunately, Barter Theatre isn't able to hire at this time due to COVID-19. Please check back in the upcoming months for updates.
Barter Theatre is not currently holding any auditions. Check back here for details as they are available.
Local Auditions
Barter Theatre holds local auditions in early December each year. We ask for 2 contrasting monologues and part of a song, and we also hold dance/movement auditions. This is the earliest audition we hold for the next season, so it is an excellent time to be seen for the most roles.
Regional Auditions
We also audition in New York early each year through Paul Russell Casting. We attend UPTAs in Memphis in February each year, and we alternate years in other area cities.
Youth Auditions
For actors under 18 years of age, we hold local youth auditions for youth roles. If you’d like to be on our youth audition list to hear about those calls, please email bartercastingasst@bartertheatre.com
What does it mean to be a Barter Player?
Barter Players are some of the finest young actors from across the country who come to Barter Theatre to further their training. We audition over a thousand actors each year for 6 year round positions, and we seek young artists who are committed to growth, who have strong enough skills to step into major roles, and who believe in theatre as a service to others. The Players are the acting apprentices at the theatre. They perform in at least 10 plays during their contract, but usually closer to 12 or 14. Barter Players perform for young audiences in their own shows, and also perform in Barter’s AEA shows in roles small and large. We use the same depth of acting tools on Hamlet and Charlotte’s Web. Because we believe in all theatre artists having an understanding and respect for all parts of theatre, all Barter Players will work backstage of at least one show during their time here, but the bulk of a Players’ experience here is in rehearsal and performances. Rehearsals have a master class feel, as we are constantly working together on each person’s strengths and weaknesses. If you enjoy learning with an ensemble of artists who care about theatre as much as you do, if you are excited to see how far you can push yourself as a theatre artist, if you work best when you are juggling lots of projects, if you don’t mind sweeping a stage before you act on it, if you believe that theatre can change a child’s life for the better, and if you want to see how much you can learn, you might be a Barter Player.
We audition at Barter in early December each year and attend UPTA’s in Memphis in February. For more information on the program, contact Barrett Guyton at barterplayers@bartertheatre.com
This video is from Revel for Explore Theatre: A Backstage Pass by Michael M. O’Hara, Elizabeth A. Osborne, and Judith A. Sebesta.
Volunteer
Barter depends on its amazing group of volunteers! Our volunteers are essential to what we do here at Barter. There are many ways to help support Barter with your time.
Front of House Volunteers
Ushers assist patrons, take tickets, answer questions, sell concessions and ensure the safety and comfort of all of our guests. If you’ve ever seen a show here at Barter, you’ve interacted with some of our wonderful volunteers! For more information about ushering, contact Kenny Davis, House Manager volunteer@bartertheatre.com.
Intern with Barter
If you are interested in an internship with Barter Theatre, please send a resume and cover letter to the appropriate department.
Acting Apprenticeships and The Barter Players
Katy Brown at barterplayers@bartertheatre.com
Technical Internships
Camille Davis at dirofproduction@bartertheatre.com
Marketing Internships
Dan McNeillie at dirofmarketing@bartertheatre.com
Advancement Internships
Jackie Johnson at advancementmgr@bartertheatre.com
Guidelines for the Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights (AFPP)
AFPP usually takes place in July and August, and play submissions are accepted through March. The next AFPP deadline will be in March 2018. Click here for more information on the AFPP.
Plays may be emailed to apfestival@bartertheatre.com
Or mailed to:
Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights
Barter Theatre
P.O. Box 867
Abingdon, VA, 24212-0867
Guidelines for Barter’s Shaping of America Initiative
America began as an idea. Who are we? Where did we come from? How did we get there? “The Shaping of America:” The stories you won’t find in history books. What’s your idea? Submit a proposal for Barter Theatre’s “Shaping of America” Series. Existing full-length scripts are not accepted.
Submissions may be emailed to shapingofamerica@bartertheatre.com
Or mailed to:
Shaping of America
Barter Theatre
P.O. Box 867
Abingdon, VA 24212-0867
Guidelines for other play submissions
Barter also accepts new play proposals that do not fit in to either of the above programs. Please note: Barter does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Barter does not generally produce one-act plays nor plays with extremely urban themes. Barter does produce plays for Young Audiences, whether one-acts or full length. Plays with an Appalachian theme or by an Appalachian playwright are encouraged to submit via Barter Theatre’s Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights. To submit your play for consideration, please use the following guidelines.
Submissions may be emailed to dramaturge@bartertheatre.com
Or mailed to:
Dramatuge
Barter Theatre
P.O. Box 867
Abingdon, VA 24212-0867
