A Deeper Look: Peter Barrett

Omaha Community Playhouse actors are known for having various careers; for many of them, acting is not their main job. Peter Barrett is no exception. A captain in the United States Air Force, it has been over eight years since he last performed on stage. Not letting a tough schedule stop him, he “figured Les Mis would be an excellent opportunity to try and get back into community theatre.”

Peter graduated from the University of Minnesota-Morris with a B.A. in Mathematics as well as a B.A. in Theatre Arts. He then went on to grad school at the American Military University, graduating with an M.S. in Space Studies with a concentration in Planetary Science.

Peter is happily married to his wonderful wife, Jennifer, with one daughter, Lydia. He says he likes to catch up on video game playing when he has the chance, but enjoys spending any free time possible with Lydia.

Peter really first began acting as a kid, occasionally putting on plays in a neighbor’s back yard, as kids often do. He said he truly started acting, though, in high school for his junior and senior year drama class performances. Peter’s favorite show to perform was his senior year theatre project in college. “I got to produce, direct, lead and perform in an improv comedy show with some of the funniest people I went to college with.”

When asked why he wanted to audition, Peter said he mainly just wanted to audition for a show to get back into community theatre and be on a stage. His sense of balance, accomplishment and commitment is what led him to OCP and will make his performance one to remember.

You can see Peter Barrett in his role as Claquesous at the Omaha Community Playhouse’s Les Misérables, running Sept. 20-Oct. 27, 2013; Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults and $24 for students. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call (402) 553-0800 or click here.

Story by Shannon Kern