About the Artist/Ensemble

The Barter Players company has been creating Theater for Young Audiences (TYA) programming for over thirty years, performing both on tour and at their artistic home at Barter Theatre, one of the longest-running repertory theaters in the country. Comprised of young professional artists from across the country, The Barter Players company is passionate about utilizing theater as a tool for education and social impact, creating performances and experiences that speak to the imaginations of young people through exceptional performances, incredible storytelling, and timeless themes.

As Barter is committed to utilizing theater as a vehicle for education, Virginia learning standards are directly tied into each play and are listed in a free companion study guide, available with additional helpful materials at bartertheatre.com. Free actor talkback sessions and interactive opportunities allow students to interact with the actors and learn more about the art of theater, and, during the Spring Tour, performance workshops for pre-K through college are available to students and teachers immediately following performances. Workshops are adapted to the age level of the students and provide hands-on learning of the same theatrical tools and exercises used by the actors.

Concert/Performance Description

Spring 2025 – The Ugly Duckling
From February through March 2025, The Barter Players will be presenting The Ugly Duckling,
as adapted by Catherine Gray, bringing the timeless tale to life through incredible performances,
captivating storytelling, and a profound message for audiences of all ages.
Company Size: 7 (6 Actors and 1 Stage Manager)

Holiday 2025 – I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas
From November through December 2025, The Barter Players will be presenting the Barter
original musical I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas. Inspired by the song of the same name
Hippopotamus tells a story of pure holiday magic. Centered on Lois Jean, a zookeeper’s
daughter, and Bella, a beloved hippopotamus at the Ypsilanti Zoo, Hippo is full of memorable
characters, catchy songs, and a heartwarming message. Premiering at Barter for the first time in
2023, it was a hit with its audience, with over 9,900 patrons of all ages seeing the play live at
Barter’s Gilliam Stage. The Barter Players cannot wait to bring this story to life for audiences all
across Virginia.
Company Size: 7 (6 Actors and 1 Stage Manager)

Spring 2026 – Alice in Wonderland
In spring 2026, audiences will travel with The Barter Players down the rabbit hole and into a
magical musical adventure. Featuring all the characters you know and love along with new
songs you’ll find yourself humming on the way out of the theater, this fresh adaptation of Alice in
Wonderland will be presented at performance venues of all sizes, with additional opportunities
for engagement both before and after the performances.
Company Size: 7 (6 Actors and 1 Stage Manager)

Technical Requirements

Minimal / Varies with the performance venue

Educational Programs

Performance Workshops for pre-K through college are offered to students and teachers immediately following performances. Barter tour workshops provide hands-on learning of the same theatrical tools and exercises used by the Players. These include the development of acting/speaking skills, vocal productions, sense-memory objectives and storytelling, all with an emphasis on effective collaboration and problem-solving. Exposure to these “insider” theatre skills lets students experience the creativity of building stories with physicality and imagination. Workshops can be further customized to meet teachers’ classroom objectives.