Barta Heiner

Barta Lee Heiner is a distinguished actress, director, and educator, currently serving as the head of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) acting program at Brigham Young University (BYU) since 1993. Her commitment to excellence in teaching was recognized when she received the Maeser Teaching Award from BYU in 1992.

Heiner holds a bachelor's degree in speech and drama from BYU and furthered her education with a master's in acting from the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. She refined her craft at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Studio and under the guidance of Estelle Harmon in Los Angeles. Professionally, she has graced the stage at the Denver Centre Theatre and has contributed her talents as a teacher and director at the National Theatre Conservatory.

With an impressive portfolio of over 100 acting roles and more than 40 directorial projects, Heiner has made a significant impact in the field. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she has appeared in several films that resonate with the church community, including her role as Mary Whitmer in *The Fourth Witness* and performances in *The Testaments: Of One Fold and One Shepherd*, *17 Miracles*, *Brigham City*, *The Prodigal*, and *The Cokeville Miracle*.

Beyond her performances, Heiner directs productions at BYU and various other venues, including the Castle Amphitheater and the Covey Center. She played key roles in the Hill Cumorah Pageant in the late 1980s and is known for her expertise as an acting coach, contributing to films such as *Emma Smith, My Story*. Additionally, she has been involved in the student-led film project *Diantha’s Crossing*, inspired by her ancestor, Mormon pioneer Diantha Farr Clayton. An adjudicator for the American College Theatre Festival, Heiner is also a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actor’s Equity Association.