Barter Theatre
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Theatre Logo | |
| Formation | 1933 |
|---|---|
| Type | Theatre group |
| Location |
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Artistic director(s) | Richard Rose |
| Website |
www |
Barter Theatre, located in Abingdon, Virginia, opened on June 10, 1933. It is one of the longest-running professional theatres in the nation.[1] In 1933, when the country was in the middle of the Great Depression, most patrons were not able to pay the full ticket price. Robert Porterfield, founder of the theatre, offered admission by letting the local people pay with food goods, hence the name "Barter". The original ticket price for a play was 40 cents, or the equivalent in goods. In 1946, Barter Theatre was designated as the State Theatre of Virginia. Today, Barter is one of the last year-round professional resident repertory theaters remaining in the United States.
Porterfield served as director until his death in 1971. Rex Partington was selected as the next artistic director, serving from 1972-1992. Since 1992, Richard Rose has served as the Barter Theatre's third artistic director.
Many well-known stars of stage, screen and television have performed early in their careers at Barter, including Gregory Peck, Ernest Borgnine, Patricia Neal, Ned Beatty, Hume Cronyn, Gary Collins, Frances Fisher, Kevin Spacey, Larry Linville, John Glover, Jim Varney, and Wayne Knight. Will Bigham, the 2007 winner of On The Lot, acted at Barter Theatre for several years.
The theatre is located within the Abingdon Historic District. The main theatre has 505 seats,[2] and Barter Stage II has 167.[3]
Remainder of 2016 Season
Peter James' The Perfect Murder Running through November 13
Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes Running through November 12
Chicago The Musical Running Sept 29th through November 12
Winter Wheat Running October 6 through November 12
A Christmas Carol Running November 18 through December 29
Over the River and Through the Woods Running November 22 through December 24
References
External links
Coordinates: 36°42′44″N 81°58′17″W / 36.71226°N 81.97131°W