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AUGUSTA — In the shadows of the Barn Theatre's back stage Kevin White silently mouths the words along with the cast of "Nunsense — The Mega Musical." "It never gets old," said White, 20, whose grandparents used to take him to the Barn during his visits to their Gull Lake home. He always hoped to work at the theater, and as a first-year apprentice, or Barnie, he's now learning from the actors he grew up watching. "It's a little surreal working with people like Penelope (Alex Ragotzy) and Scott (Burkell)," he said of the Barn's veteran actors. White is one of 27 college students and recent graduates who have come from across the nation to work at the Barn this summer. If they survive living on little sleep and meager salaries, they'll join the ranks of Jennifer Garner, Tom Wopat, Lauren Graham, Marin Mazzie and Stephen Lynch, who paid their dues at the Barn. "They (former Barnies) are everywhere," said Barn co-owner Ragotzy. "They're definitely people with casting power and they know the quality of the person because of where they've been." Barnies sell tickets, direct parking, build sets, clean the grounds, fill starring roles and stay long after the curtain closes to sing and serve nachos at the cabaret show. "They help us run the place," Ragotzy said. "We couldn't do it without them." CASTING CALLWorking at the Barn is a two-way street — the Barnies provide the theater with a larger cast and a crew to do necessary operational chores. In return, Barnies gain experience and earn points toward joining the Actor's Equity Association, a New York-based labor union representing more than 45,000 actors and stage managers. About 450 theaters across the country offer Equity membership candidate programs. The Barn has Michigan's oldest resident summer stock program. Recruitment begins in January, when the Barn sends out program bulletins to about 300 colleges. Potential participants then apply by attending a regional audition or e-mailing or sending in audition tapes. Applicants must have completed at least one year of college, majoring in a theater or music-related field. "They have to want to be performers," Ragotzy said. "If they're only considering theater, this isn't the place for them." PAYING DUESRagotzy and husband Brendan, son of Barn founders Jack and Betty Ragotzy, saw more than 400 applicants this year. Those called back are not guaranteed performance roles and are warned of the theater's rigor. "It's a status thing," said Emily Smith, a first-year Equity member who spent three years as a Barn apprentice. "It shows you've been through the trenches and earned the right to work as an actor." Apprentices earn one point for each week in an EMC program, with a maximum of 50 weeks. Hardworking apprentices are invited to return the next year until they turn professional, Ragotzy said. Jeff Baker, a senior at Grand Valley State University, is back for his second year at the Barn. In addition to performing, he manages the bar. "Your stamina is tested most," he said. "When you hear what's required of you, it sounds like a lot. But it's a lot harder when you actually get here." But Baker, 22, and other apprentices say the Barn's reputation for turning out successful actors makes it an enticing draw. "It's a lot easier at other theaters, but the names of who's been here is wildly in our favor," said Ragotzy, a California native who also began as a Barnie about 20 years ago. From the fans that bring them flowers, to becoming part of the Barn's vast network, the benefits overshadow the exhaustive hours when it's all over, Baker said. "It's the people here and the whole experience," he said. "We're all in this together." Lori Holcomb can be reached at 966-0675 or lholcomb@battlecr.gannett.com. Originally published July 15, 2007 Don't miss the video
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