RLROUSE Directory & Informational Resources
Home     Add URL     Edit Listing     Infoblog     Picture of the Day     Privacy Policy     Advertise     About us     Write for us     Contact us     Sitemap

 

The Barter Theatre

Abingdon, Virginia

 
History of the Barter Theatre

The depression was hard on Robert Porterfield, a young, unemployed actor from southwest Virginia. Seeking a way to get food while looking for work, in 1933 he took over an old movie theatre in the small town of Abingdon, Va. Porterfield offered admission to live stage performances in exchange for food items. A sack of potatoes, a half-bushel of apples, whatever produce the local folk had available for "barter" in exchange for a ticket would suffice. This practice of bartering for admission to plays gave the Barter Theatre its name.


A grand tradition

In 1946, the Barter Theatre was designated the State Theatre of Virginia.  It was the first entity to receive such a form of official recognition that is now in practice nationwide. The Barter was also a founding member of the League of Resident Theatres, a national association of professional theatres. Having celebrated her 65th birthday in 1998, the Barter Theatre is now the longest-running professional equity theatre in the entire United States.


Barter Alumni

Over the years many famous actors and actresses would initiate their acting careers at the Barter Theatre. These include Ernest Borgnine, Gregory Peck, Hume Cronyn, Ned Beatty, Patricia Neal, Gary Collins and Larry Linville to name just a few.

Today, the Barter accepts cash only (in its various forms) as payment for admission. But the stately theatre retains all of the historic charm exhibited during Porterfield's reign. Most performances play to a packed house and Barter Theatre tickets are a hot commodity for visitors from all over the world.

We invite you to visit our lovely and historic town of Abingdon. And while you're here, be sure to take in a play at the Barter Theatre. It's an experience you're guaranteed to remember always!
 

Barter Theatre

Directions to the Barter Theatre

The Barter Theatre is located at 133 West Main Street, Abingdon, Va. If coming north on I-81, take exit 17 and turn left onto Cummings Street (go under the bridge). If coming south on I-81, turn right onto Cummings Street and proceed to the 2nd traffic light. Turn right onto Main Street. The Barter Theatre will be on your left (across the street from the Martha Washington Inn).

Map to Abingdon, Va


Related Resources:

Home     Add URL     Infoblog     Privacy Policy     Advertise     About us     Write for us     Report a broken link     Contact us     Sitemap
 
Copyright 2003-2017 RLROUSE.COM

RLROUSE.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program
designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.