Director

Morris Clayton Barrier holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dramatic Arts from North Carolina Central University and is a native of Durham, North Carolina. Since 2023, he has been an active educator at Carnage Middle School, where he also coaches Boys' Track and Field and choreographes the Spring musical. Additionally, Mr. Barrier is a member of the National Dance Educators Organization (NDEO) and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Mr. Barrier has graced the stage in many popular musicals, including The Wiz, The Phantom of the Opera, A Woman Called Truth, Once on the Island, Of Mules and Men, Fame, Luyala, Highway 1 USA, and Down in the Valley. In addition to his on-stage performances, he’s also worked behind the scenes as a stage manager for shows like Bye Bye Blackbird, Hayti Lived Before, and Your Handsome Captain. Before joining Carnage, he served the NCCU Dance Group and takes great pride in creating over 50 individual choreographic works for them, including ‘The Escape’, ‘Muse’, ‘Connection’, ‘Whodunnit?’, and ‘Dream Deferred’. Mr. Barrier has also lent his expertise to theatre administration at the Carolina Theater of Durham and North Carolina Central University.

During his tenure at previous institutions, Mr. Barrier contributed significantly to musical theater productions as both a choreographer and assistant director. His work extended to overseeing dance performances and student-led projects, alongside supporting a variety of internal school functions. Furthermore, he acted as an advisor for several student organizations.

In addition to his roles at Carnage, Mr. Barrier has been pursuing further education in health, physical education, and dance. He is certified in CPR/First Aid/AED and group fitness instruction. He is a 200-hour RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) and loves teaching Pilates. 

Mr. Barrier is a yoga, Pilates and barre instructor in the Triangle area. When he’s not teaching, he enjoys listening to music for his choreography, relaxing with his Apple products, and learning new things through YouTube and podcasts.