Bare Theatre is the Triangle's longest-running vagabond theater company. Formed in 2001 by Carmen-Maria Mandley, Bare produces high-energy, minimalist productions of Shakespeare and other classics as well as new works. The company's stated goal is to give audiences a clear, articulate and passionate experience of theater with little other than a room, audience, the actors, and the text. Since 2005, the company has produced full seasons and performed in Durham, Raleigh, Cary and Holly Springs. Bare Theatre has produced more plays by William Shakespeare than any other company in The Triangle during that time. Specific areas of focus are commedia dell'arte and stage clowning, high tragedy, and stage combat.

Bare is currently under the direction of Artistic Director Heather J. Strickland, an accomplished veteran of theater in the Triangle and certified member of the Society of American Fight Directors, and Managing Director G. Todd Buker, a long-time theater producer and internationally recognized electronic musician (under the name "PROXY").  As a non-profit company, Bare Theatre aims to educate actors and audience alike. Bare's annual summer Rogue Company is a free conservatory for area students between the ages of 12-22 to learn about acting and theater production in a professional environment with adult guest actors.