Barter Theatre - , Abingdon, Virginia
Posted by: 
macleod1
N 36° 42.640 W 081° 58.488
17S E 412937 N 4063219
During the Depression, Robert Porterfield, an enterprising young actor, returned to his native Southwest Virginia with an extraordinary proposition: Bartering produce from the farms and gardens of the region to gain admission to see a play.
Waymark Code: WM39W4
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 03/02/2008
Views: 83
The actors performing at the building were distracted not only by the occasional squealing pig or clucking hen, but noise from the town jail, which was located directly beneath the stage. The jail space was later used as a holding area for dogs suspected of rabies. It was eventually converted into dressing rooms for Barter actors.
To the surprise of many, all the seats for the first show were filled. The concept of trading "ham for Hamlet" caught on quickly. At the end of the first season, the Barter Company cleared $4.35 in cash, two barrels of jelly, and a collective weight gain of over 300 pounds.
Today, at least one performance a year celebrates the Barter heritage by accepting donations for an area food bank as the price of admission.
Theater Name: Barter Theatre
Country: USA
Address:
127 West Main Stree
Abington, Va USA
24212
Web Site: [Web Link]
Venue: Private Theater
Type of Productions:
Peter Pan 02/05/2008 - 04/13/2008 - is now playing.This theater seems to have plays of every genre, for every taste.
Restored Building: yes
Stage Type: Thrust
Date of Construction: Not listed
Architect/Designer: Not listed
Seating Capacity: Not Listed
Special Productions/Events/Festivals: Not listed
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