Zach Barr

Hello! This is Zach (they/them) – I'm a multidisciplinary theatre artist. I’m primarily a playwright and director, but since moving to Chicago in 2017, I’ve also worked as a stage manager, script reader, audition facilitator, copy writer, theatre critic, publicity organizer, and live-tweeter for various companies in the city. And I plan to do more.

I currently serve as Literary Manager at Red Theater, and previously was on the teams for Refracted Theatre Company (Artistic Associate, 2024-26) and Sideshow Theatre Company (Literary Associate, 2017-2021). I’ve completed Residencies at Three Brothers Theatre (Enduring Jest, 2024) and Filament Theatre (Poets in the Ring, 2024), and was previously a member of the PlayGround Chicago writers pool (2023-25). Additionally, I have run the video essay channel And Now They Sing since 2019.

I graduated from Northwestern University in June 2017 with a B.A. in Theatre and Department Honors in Directing. Recent projects include: dramaturgy for City Lit’s workshop of Gaby Labotka’s Rare Wolves; my plays Quinlyn Can Paint and The Pilon receiving world premieres in Chicago; and directing Cats for Studio East, in Kirkland, WA.

Originally from Redmond, WA. With love to Adam, Maura, Madeline, Keenan, & Noah.