Ezra Barnes is a multi-talented individual who has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry as an actor, producer, director, and teacher. His impressive Off-Broadway credits include the critically acclaimed New York premiere of Fraser Grace's Breakfast With Mugabe, which earned a nomination for Best New Play from the Off-Broadway Alliance and was praised by the New York Times and Time Out as a critic's pick.
In addition to his work on Breakfast With Mugabe, Ezra has also appeared in a range of other Off-Broadway productions, including To Kill a Mockingbird at the Queens Theater, In White America and Cool Blues at the New Federal Theatre, The English Bride at 59e59, Far and Wide at the Mint, Richard II at the Pearl Theatre, and The Miser at Brave New World.
Regionally, Ezra has performed at a variety of prestigious theaters, including the McCarter Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse, Pioneer Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse, Denver Center, Philadelphia Festival Theatre for New Plays, Pennsylvania Shakespeare, Quantum Theatre, and Bristol Riverside Theatre, among others.
In addition to his work on stage, Ezra has also appeared on television in a range of shows, including The Blacklist, Blue Bloods, Law & Order, SVU, Bored to Death, As The World Turns, and Royal Pains. His film credits include Noah, Joshua, Once More With Feeling, Stereotypically You, and Kid Witness.
Ezra's passion for Shakespeare is evident in his work as the Founding Artistic Director of Connecticut's Shakespeare on the Sound, a position he held for 13 seasons. During his tenure, he directed numerous productions, including The Merchant of Venice, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, and As You Like It, and played the roles of Prospero, Leontes, and Benedick.
Ezra is also the co-founder and Festival Producer of Westerly, Rhode Island's Shakespeare in the Park festival, which is presented by the Colonial Theatre.
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Ezra is also dedicated to teaching and has been running the Young Actors Workshop Brooklyn since 2003. This program introduces children aged 8-18 to the joys of theater and provides them with the opportunity to develop their skills and confidence.
Ezra has also taught at Saint Ann's School and the Harvey Milk School, and has given master classes at universities and colleges. He holds a degree from Amherst College and the National Theatre Conservatory.
