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Cat Pilker, Assistant Director, Co. ACat (she/her) is a junior at McDaniel college and is so excited to be working with Barrier-Free! She is a theatre arts major and spends her free time hiking and Hammocking with her puppy ! At McDaniel she works in the theatre stage managing and sound designing! Over the summer she moved to DC to stage manage and it changed her outlook and helped her find what she wanted to do with her life! She had the wonderful opportunity to be a participant in the Disney college program in the spring 2024 term! Theatre has changed her life in so many ways and given her something to work towards, she is excited to share that inspiration theatre gives her with others!
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Assistant Theater Director – Inclusive Theater Company (1099 Contract)
Barrier-Free | Westminster, MD
Part-Time Position | Stipend: $1,600–$1,750 for approx 70 hour commitment (paid in three installments)
About Barrier-Free
Barrier-Free is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing inclusive theater, expressive arts, and social programming for neurodivergent adults. We create original, collaborative productions that celebrate creativity, foster community, and empower our actors to shine.
Position Overview
Barrier-Free is seeking an Assistant Director to join our inclusive theater companies for the upcoming 2025–2026 season. This role supports all aspects of the production process, from rehearsals to final performances, and works closely with neurodivergent adult actors, staff, and interns.
This is a 1099 contractor position, paid via three stipends over the course of the season.
Schedule
Season begins: September 8 & 10, 2025
Weekly Rehearsals:
Tech Rehearsals: March 16, 17, 18, 19, 2026
Performances: March 20, 21, & 22, 2026
Strike: Immediately following final performance on March 22
Applicants may work with either Company A, Company B, or both companies depending on assignment and availability.
Key Responsibilities
· Attend all rehearsals, tech rehearsals, production meetings, performances, cast party, and strike.
· Record blocking and actor notes in the script.
· Memorize lines and blocking for actors in your assigned scene group.
· Lead warm-ups as requested by the Director.
· Collaborate closely with staff, interns, and actors.
· Participate fully in class activities alongside actors.
· Maintain clear, consistent communication with the Director and team.
· Support prop collection and management.
· Support actors with disabilities and assist in managing behaviors.
· Prioritize the safety, health, and well-being of all participants.
· Complete incident reports if/when necessary.
Qualifications
· Experience in theater directing, choreography, or stage management.
· Experience working with neurodivergent adults and/or individuals with disabilities strongly preferred.
· Strong organizational, communication, and collaborative skills.
· Reliable, creative, and adaptable.
· Commitment to full-season participation.
Compensation
· $1,600–$1,750 total stipend, paid in three installments over the season. Approximately a 70-hour full season commitment.
To Apply
Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to [email protected] ATTN: Lauren Burr, Executive Director with “Assistant Director Application” in the subject line.
Barrier-Free | Westminster, MD
Part-Time Position | Stipend: $1,600–$1,750 for approx 70 hour commitment (paid in three installments)
About Barrier-Free
Barrier-Free is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing inclusive theater, expressive arts, and social programming for neurodivergent adults. We create original, collaborative productions that celebrate creativity, foster community, and empower our actors to shine.
Position Overview
Barrier-Free is seeking an Assistant Director to join our inclusive theater companies for the upcoming 2025–2026 season. This role supports all aspects of the production process, from rehearsals to final performances, and works closely with neurodivergent adult actors, staff, and interns.
This is a 1099 contractor position, paid via three stipends over the course of the season.
Schedule
Season begins: September 8 & 10, 2025
Weekly Rehearsals:
- Company A: Mondays, 7:00 – 8:30 PM (followed by staff processing until 9:00 PM)
- Company B: Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 PM (followed by staff processing until 9:00 PM)
Tech Rehearsals: March 16, 17, 18, 19, 2026
Performances: March 20, 21, & 22, 2026
Strike: Immediately following final performance on March 22
Applicants may work with either Company A, Company B, or both companies depending on assignment and availability.
Key Responsibilities
· Attend all rehearsals, tech rehearsals, production meetings, performances, cast party, and strike.
· Record blocking and actor notes in the script.
· Memorize lines and blocking for actors in your assigned scene group.
· Lead warm-ups as requested by the Director.
· Collaborate closely with staff, interns, and actors.
· Participate fully in class activities alongside actors.
· Maintain clear, consistent communication with the Director and team.
· Support prop collection and management.
· Support actors with disabilities and assist in managing behaviors.
· Prioritize the safety, health, and well-being of all participants.
· Complete incident reports if/when necessary.
Qualifications
· Experience in theater directing, choreography, or stage management.
· Experience working with neurodivergent adults and/or individuals with disabilities strongly preferred.
· Strong organizational, communication, and collaborative skills.
· Reliable, creative, and adaptable.
· Commitment to full-season participation.
Compensation
· $1,600–$1,750 total stipend, paid in three installments over the season. Approximately a 70-hour full season commitment.
To Apply
Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to [email protected] ATTN: Lauren Burr, Executive Director with “Assistant Director Application” in the subject line.
It’s an exciting time of year at Barrier-Free as prepare for our upcoming Inclusive Theater performances and kick off our most anticipated direct donation campaign of the year – “The Purple Bucket Campaign!” Each March, we rally our amazing community to support our mission of inclusion by attending our theater performances and supporting our campaign!
The name of the campaign pays homage to the early days of Barrier-Free, a time when we didn’t even have a cash box to our name. Instead, a simple purple plastic bucket served as our makeshift register, collecting change for patrons as they purchased their show tickets. Despite the growth and changes since those days, our unwavering commitment to inclusion continues to stand strong.
The name of the campaign pays homage to the early days of Barrier-Free, a time when we didn’t even have a cash box to our name. Instead, a simple purple plastic bucket served as our makeshift register, collecting change for patrons as they purchased their show tickets. Despite the growth and changes since those days, our unwavering commitment to inclusion continues to stand strong.
Rosemary Pearson- Fountas (she/her) is proud to be a Barrier-Free peer mentor and self-advocate. Rosemary joined Barrier-Free's Theater Companies in September of 2020 on Zoom. Her enthusiasm, leadership, and mentorship skills shone through and she quickly became involved in all of Barrier-Free's classes and programs. Rosemary demonstrated strong leadership skills when volunteering as a participant speaker during Barrier-Free Open Houses. In June of 2021, Barrier-Free expanded to open The Life Skills & Social Studio and Rosemary brought her joyful personality to Barrier-Free's daily programming.
When not at Barrier-Free, Rosemary loves seeing Broadway shows, eating sushi, and spending time with her family, boyfriend, and friends. She is a fierce advocate for the disability community and always willing to help out a person in need. She loves having a "second home" and family at Barrier-Free!
When not at Barrier-Free, Rosemary loves seeing Broadway shows, eating sushi, and spending time with her family, boyfriend, and friends. She is a fierce advocate for the disability community and always willing to help out a person in need. She loves having a "second home" and family at Barrier-Free!
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Rosemary Pearson-Fountas, Peer Mentor |
"Awesome experience for Marcel! As a Mom I believe that this is the best group in Maryland for our Special-need Adults like Marcel."
- Karen Blanchard, mother of Marcel, a Barrier-Free participant
Barrier-Free began with a desire to do and be better for our community. A desire to provide high-quality programming for adults with disabilities - built on the values of respect, transparency, and equity. A desire to take the inclusive theater model to a new level of excellence. A desire for change.
After years spent working for a variety of disability organizations in Maryland, Britt and Lauren noticed common "loose" threads in the inter-workings of these organizations. Threads that caused unraveling and discord, making it harder to carry out the intended work, mission, and programming originally promised.
In 2017, Britt and Lauren decided to be agents for change and independently founded Barrier-Free. Using their wealth of experience, established relationships, and a hint of luck, they were able to successfully establish two Inclusive Theater Companies where individuals with varying abilities could come together to create, express, and achieve.
It wasn't always easy, and those present in the early days of Barrier-Free may recall having their ticket-sale change being made out of a plastic purple bucket. Yet, actors and families came back season-after-season, believing in the joy and quality of the programming, and often, bringing friends into the Barrier-Free family.
Two years later, in 2019, Barrier-Free underwent a "makeover" with it's incorporation into an official 501(c)(3) non-profit. Together Britt & Lauren revamped their website & social media presence, expanded their programming, fostered new community partnerships, onboarded new staff, and so much more. Barrier-Free finally began to look and feel like the premiere organization it had always been.
In 2021, Barrier-Free opened the doors to The Life Skills & Social Studio, a space for daily skill-based programming for neurodiverse adults. Located in the heart of Downtown Historic Sykesville, location was of paramount importance to ensure our participants were an integral, visible part of the community.
The Life Skills & Social Studio has allowed Barrier-Free to welcome over 50 new participants from 8 different counties across Maryland, expanding our reach and impact. The Studio has become a safe space where participants are encouraged to take risks that allow neurodivergent adults create, express, and achieve to their fullest potential.
For every person who has yearned to make an impact in their community. For every person who has longed for a truly inclusive environment. For every person who has seen the potential in an organization but felt helpless to make a change. For every person who has a desire to do and be better...
This is the place for you.
Welcome.*
After years spent working for a variety of disability organizations in Maryland, Britt and Lauren noticed common "loose" threads in the inter-workings of these organizations. Threads that caused unraveling and discord, making it harder to carry out the intended work, mission, and programming originally promised.
In 2017, Britt and Lauren decided to be agents for change and independently founded Barrier-Free. Using their wealth of experience, established relationships, and a hint of luck, they were able to successfully establish two Inclusive Theater Companies where individuals with varying abilities could come together to create, express, and achieve.
It wasn't always easy, and those present in the early days of Barrier-Free may recall having their ticket-sale change being made out of a plastic purple bucket. Yet, actors and families came back season-after-season, believing in the joy and quality of the programming, and often, bringing friends into the Barrier-Free family.
Two years later, in 2019, Barrier-Free underwent a "makeover" with it's incorporation into an official 501(c)(3) non-profit. Together Britt & Lauren revamped their website & social media presence, expanded their programming, fostered new community partnerships, onboarded new staff, and so much more. Barrier-Free finally began to look and feel like the premiere organization it had always been.
In 2021, Barrier-Free opened the doors to The Life Skills & Social Studio, a space for daily skill-based programming for neurodiverse adults. Located in the heart of Downtown Historic Sykesville, location was of paramount importance to ensure our participants were an integral, visible part of the community.
The Life Skills & Social Studio has allowed Barrier-Free to welcome over 50 new participants from 8 different counties across Maryland, expanding our reach and impact. The Studio has become a safe space where participants are encouraged to take risks that allow neurodivergent adults create, express, and achieve to their fullest potential.
For every person who has yearned to make an impact in their community. For every person who has longed for a truly inclusive environment. For every person who has seen the potential in an organization but felt helpless to make a change. For every person who has a desire to do and be better...
This is the place for you.
Welcome.*
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Emma Shipley Gribben, Assistant Director, Co. A & BEmma (she/her) is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) with a passion for using the performing arts to target and improve communication skills. She earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Deaf Studies in 2017 and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2019 both from Towson University. She is currently a Maryland state licensed clinician and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in speech-language pathology from the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association. Emma works full-time for Carroll County Public Schools at the high school level and part-time at SPEECH PATHways in Westminster. MD.
Emma is a self-described “theater nerd” and has participated in over 20 productions in the last ten years. She has worked with Special Olympics Maryland to pilot their first performing arts program titled “Plunge into Improv!”. She has also established a budding improvisational theater program for the special education students in the high school where she works in collaboration with the school’s drama teacher. Emma believes each individual has something unique to communicate to the world. If “all the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players,” what better place to hone our skills than through performance? Emma is so excited to be a part of the Barrier-Free team! |
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"This is my daughter Tanika’s 2nd season with Barrier-Free Theatre. I am truly amazed at the difference this program makes in her life. She has an intellectual disability and has difficulty participating in many activities. Since she began Barrier Free it’s like a whole new world was opened for her. Socially she has progressed in amazing ways. Britt and Lauren have made it possible for our young people to shine in their own special ways. As a parent I can not begin to thank them for what they have done for our young adults. Also, I have been given the honor of participating with then in this year’s performance. It’s and incredible experience, one that has helped me understand the reason our young people love this program with such passion." |
Giving Tuesday occurs the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It is touted as a "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world."
This year, consider making a donation to Barrier-Free to support our mission of inclusivity.
You can also support Barrier-Free by hosting a personal Giving Tuesday Facebook Fundraiser! PLAN AHEAD - On Tuesday, November 30 Facebook will be matching the first $8 million in donations made via their social network!
This year, consider making a donation to Barrier-Free to support our mission of inclusivity.
You can also support Barrier-Free by hosting a personal Giving Tuesday Facebook Fundraiser! PLAN AHEAD - On Tuesday, November 30 Facebook will be matching the first $8 million in donations made via their social network!
Our Roots
Sally BaileyThe Barrier-Free Theatre Model was founded by Sally Bailey, RDT/BCT, MSW, MFA, & Professor at Kansas State University, and is used with extensive training and permission.
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Barrier- Free Theatre: Including Everyone in Theater Arts available for purchase via Amazon.
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The purpose of the Barrier-Free's Studio is to further expand on our mission by using integrated arts to facilitate social opportunities and life skills development.
Details:
- Adults (18+) with intellectual/developmental disabilities & autism
- Thursdays 6:30 - 7:30 pm
- March 4 - 25 (4 weeks)
- Tuition: $30
- Class held via Zoom
- Teaching Artist: Emma Shipley
- Assistant Teaching Artist: Michael Eaton
Marcel Hickman is a Barrier-Free actor who made his theatrical debut during our Fall 2020 season.
He recently moved to Baltimore, MD and now participates in our theater companies, expressive arts classes, and social groups.
Marcel was kind enough to take the time to sit down for an Actor Spotlight and share his experiences with Barrier-Free!
View Marcel's Actor Spotlight on our blog.
He recently moved to Baltimore, MD and now participates in our theater companies, expressive arts classes, and social groups.
Marcel was kind enough to take the time to sit down for an Actor Spotlight and share his experiences with Barrier-Free!
View Marcel's Actor Spotlight on our blog.
How to Apply
With the subject line, “____________ Position”, email your cover letter detailing your qualifications along with your resume to [email protected].
OR
Apply via Barrier-Free's Indeed job postings.
If you have questions regarding the application process, or the position, please email [email protected].
OR
Apply via Barrier-Free's Indeed job postings.
If you have questions regarding the application process, or the position, please email [email protected].
Don't see a job that fits?
Still interested in working for Barrier-Free but don't see a job opening that fits your qualifications?
Email your cover letter and resume best outlining your qualifications to [email protected] to see if there is an opportunity that may work for you.
We will keep your resume on-hand for future job openings.
Email your cover letter and resume best outlining your qualifications to [email protected] to see if there is an opportunity that may work for you.
We will keep your resume on-hand for future job openings.
Donate
