“Addie cares deeply about her students, not just in terms of theater, but who they actually are as people. I have never felt more seen than when I was working with her. She provided a space that was supportive and comfortable for every student. ”
— Grace Phipps, Actor/Director/Playwright
“Through her work with TheatreLAB and her time in Richmond, I have witnessed Addie create and produce philosophically, culturally, and politically-informed works that educate, enlighten, and entertain. In her short time in Richmond, she has earned countless accolades and endless appreciation as someone you want on your team. Among her many attributes, Addie has proven herself time and time again as a thoughtful listener and an unwavering advocate for the Theatre Arts as a platform for sharing ideas, generating change, and bringing an abundance of necessary goodness into the world. I say this not to be trite but to be truthful: Addie Barnhart is indeed One Of A Kind. ”
— Deejay Gray, actor director teaching artist and co-artistic director of The Conciliation Lab
“Addie has been and continues to be, an Admirably Dedicated Delight who is Influential and Encouraging to anyone who is blessed to come into contact with her. She’s the gift that keeps on giving, and it’s an honor to know or work with her!”
— Amar Atkins, Classmate, Castmate, and Friend IG: @amaratkins_
“Addie Barnhart is a gentle warrior. I’ve had the pleasure of being her Assistant Director for my high school production and being taught by her for two years. I can say that she is one of the most daring, compassionate, and driven souls I’ve ever met. She sees the potential in every artist, and charmingly pushes them to evolve their craft. I am inspired often by her perseverance to advocate for artists of color and the youth. Her integrity for the craft is real and unwavering, but more than anything she is a great friend. She has supported me in my artistic endeavors and has cheered me on in moments where I thought I couldn’t continue. She has shown me a love that I will cherish forever, and for that I am eternally grateful for her soul!”
— Nena Nicole, Artist
“Addie (aka AB) is so truthful and specific with her work, not just as an artist but as a person. She always uncovers a layer that I didn’t even think of tapping in to. She caters the art to fit you, the artist, the best way it can. Nothing beats her approach to the art form.”
— Donathan Arnold, Artist
“I have had the pleasure and the privilege of working with Addie in many capacities. She has been my colleague, collaborator, fellow actor, as well as my director, and I would jump at the chance to work with her again. Her work is infused with an infectious passion. As an actor, she possesses a beautiful authenticity while also being able to create delightful, comedic characters. At the same time, she is incredibly present, generous, and supportive with her scene partners. These traits are also evident in her directing where she is encouraging, intuitive, and always seeks to create an environment of respect, trust, and collaboration. I have immense admiration for her as a person and for her talent as a theatre artist. ”
— Maggie McGurn, Actor/Educator
“After meeting Addie in 2015, we have collaborated dozens of times, mostly on Shakespeare-related projects — from co-teaching classes and theatre camps, to writing projects, to theatrical productions. It might simply be because Addie and I have natural, effortless chemistry, but it seems more likely that Addie is the dream collaborator and I just hit the jackpot in getting to work with her so often. Every project we’ve worked on together has been rewarding, engaging, and has helped me grow personally and artistically. Addie manages the impossible balancing act of being 100% engaged and invested while also being flexible, humble, and truly collaborative. In the classroom she speaks passionately but also listens intently, in a rehearsal room she puts the artistic whole before her own ego, and as a writer she is clear, concise, and fascinating. For the last six years she has consistently been the first person I think of when I need help with any kind of project.”
— Mac MacDaniel, Shakespeare educator and artistic director of Elsewhere Shakespeare
“Addie is a generous collaborator, both onstage and off. She is an incredibly expressive communicator and has a remarkable ability to listen to others. She is also a lovely human being who brings her humanity and artistry to everything she does.”
— Sanam Laila Hashemi, Actor | Writer, NYC
“What makes Addie such a fantastic collaborator is her intrinsic empathy and curiosity. She’s able to cultivate a space in which ideas can come to life, walk the room, and be looked on with keen intrigue. She empowers others as a passionate ally and in doing so elevates the caliber of work produced. Addie possesses every quality representative of an indispensable creative.”
— Adam Valentine, Playmakers Repertory Company Member
“Addie Barnhart is perhaps the single most inspiring model I’ve ever worked with. She is comfortable and at-home in front of the camera, always down to go along with a weird or unconventional idea for a shoot, and beautiful to boot. She is creative, confident, and brings a little something extra to every project. I have often referred to Addie as my “muse” and give her a huge chunk of the credit for inspiring my career as a professional photographer.”
— Leah MacDaniel, Professional Photographer, leahMacdaniel.com
“Working with Addie leaves you inspired and energized. After each of our job coaching sessions, I found myself, not only inspired, but ready to take action. She helps you find a clear and concise plan of action then helps you with building the necessary blocks needed, in order to succeed. There is no doubt that Addie is one of the best of the best.”
“Addie Barnhart is my favorite type of director to work with. She comes to the table prepared. Her thoughts are specific but not prescriptive. She can elegantly communicate the text’s emotional and dramaturgical content yet somehow leaves room to cultivate the creative ingenuity of her collaborators where she harnesses the collective ideas into something exciting and theatrical. Its a satisfying process and one I look forward to having again and again.”
— Sotirios Livaditis, Scenic Designer, Illustrator, Advocate for Your Imagination
