ETSU Theatre alumnae and students shine at Barter Theatre
Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia, a cornerstone of regional performing arts since its founding in 1933, continues to be a hub for local talent, including ETSU students and graduates.
Kailey Kyle, a 2023 ETSU graduate, has been a Barter Player since her internship at the renowned theater. For her, Barter Theatre has been a lifelong dream.
“I grew up attending Barter Player shows, and having a job here is surreal,” Kyle said. Since joining Barter, she has worked in over 20 productions, embodying her passion for theater that began during her childhood.
Another ETSU alumna, Natasha Carpenter, followed her passion for theater, but her path was less direct. After teaching for nine years, seven of which were spent in China, Carpenter decided to pursue a second degree in theater at ETSU, driven by a need to follow her true calling.
“During the pandemic, I sat down and I was like, if I’m not going to teach, what am I going to do?” Carpenter shared. “It was a natural choice to get my second degree.”
Carpenter was offered an internship at Barter Theatre in 2023 and later secured a full-time position just days before graduating from ETSU.
Current theatre and dance student Christina Ward has also made her mark at Barter, particularly with her costume design work. Ward was selected for a summer internship at Barter Theatre, where she helped build costumes for various productions, including work on the iconic Snow White dress.
“The first-ever costume I wore as a child was a Snow White dress, and now I’ve had the chance to make one for Barter,” Ward said. “It was a full-circle moment.”
ETSU’s Theatre and Dance Department, known for its dedication to fostering student success, has been instrumental in connecting students like Kyle, Carpenter and Ward with opportunities at Barter Theatre. The department’s curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience, and local theaters provide students with the chance to work in professional settings before they graduate.
Barter Theatre, the nation’s longest-running professional repertory theater, has been a cultural beacon for the region for over 90 years. Barter has a rich history of making theater accessible to all. It provides a platform for local artists by producing world-class theater that entertains, engages and connects artists and audiences. This also gives ETSU students invaluable access to professional opportunities that allow them to build their careers locally.
Students and alumni continue to shine by bridging education with real-world experience, offering a bright future for the performing arts in the Appalachian Mountains and beyond.
Carpenter, reflecting on her journey, expressed gratitude for the life-changing encouragement she received: "They never said my dreams weren't possible. They just helped me find ways to achieve them."