A seasoned actor and dedicated teaching artist, Barbara has worked extensively in New York City and Connecticut. With a passion for performance, Barbara has graced countless small and regional theaters while imparting her craft to aspiring talents from ages four to one hundred.

 

Her journey into the world of professional theater began at Fordham University at Lincoln Center, where she immersed herself in one of the nation's most distinguished BA Theatre programs. Barbara's talent shone brightly as she took the stage in seven Mainstage productions and a multitude of studio performances. While at Fordham, she had the unique opportunity to study with icons of the industry, including Anne Bogart, Jerzy Grotowski, Edward Albee, Spalding Gray, Melia Bensussen, Mandy Patinkin, and Kathryn Grody.

 

Directly after Fordham, Barbara was chosen to be part of the inaugural class of The Actors Studio Drama School at The New School (now at PACE), where she earned an MFA in acting. There she studied with world renowned acting teachers Elizabeth Kemp, Geraldine Baron, Estelle Parsons, and Ellen Burstyn. Barbara has since worked professionally in theatre, film, TV, commercial and print work.

 

A native of the North Fork of Long Island, Barbara called Manhattan home for over a decade before moving to Connecticut. There, alongside her husband and playwright, Peter Sonenstein, they raised their two children on the CT shoreline.

 

Barbara is passionate about the transformative role that theatre plays in our lives. She has served on the board of two local non-profit theater companies and volunteered on the programming committee of the Guilford Performing Arts Festival (2018-2021).

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When she has free time, you will find her walking her dog Chloe on the shore, reading a good book, learning Spanish, playing the NYT Spelling Bee, practicing wellness and attending live theatre.