Director

Morris Clayton Barrier holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dramatic Arts from North Carolina Central University and is a native of Durham. Since 2023, he has been an active educator at Carnage Middle School, where he also coaches various athletic teams. 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.

At his previous schools, Mr. Barrier was involved in the musical theater productions, helping out as the assistant director and choreographer. He also helped with dance performances, student works, and various internal school events. Additionally, he provided guidance to student groups.  

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 through the American Red Cross. He’s also a group fitness instructor through the American Council on Exercise (specializing in barre and Pilates) and a 200-hour RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) through Yoga Alliance. 

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