Barbara has designed and taught scenery, lighting, costume and properties in academic, professional and community theatres in Baltimore, Minneapolis, Denver and beyond.

She returned to academic theatre in 2004 after 12 years as the co-owner of a custom furniture and cabinetmaking shop; and 6 years as the Properties Director for the Denver Center Theatre Company.

Currently, her woodworking focuses on turning and carving vase forms, and she is a member of the American Association of Woodturners.

She holds an M.F.A in design and technical theatre from the University of Minnesota, a B.A in English from Barnard College, and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.