Barter Theatre

Barter Theatre is a professional theatre company located in Abingdon, Virginia, founded in 1933 by Robert Porterfield. The theatre is known for its unique history, having started as a way to barter goods for tickets during the Great Depression. It has since become a renowned institution, hosting productions featuring actors such as Ernest Borgnine, Patricia Neal, and Gregory Peck. The theatre has also been recognized for its contributions to the American theatre scene, with support from organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

● History

The Barter Theatre was founded by Robert Porterfield, a University of Virginia graduate, who wanted to create a theatre company that would allow people to trade goods for tickets. This concept was inspired by the Great Depression and the need for alternative forms of currency. The theatre's early years were marked by performances featuring actors like Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy, who went on to become prominent figures in the American theatre scene. The theatre also hosted productions directed by notable directors like Elia Kazan and Lee Strasberg, who were influenced by the Group Theatre movement. Over the years, the Barter Theatre has been supported by organizations like the Ford Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, which have contributed to its growth and development.

● Productions

The Barter Theatre has produced a wide range of plays and musicals, including works by William Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, and Arthur Miller. The theatre has also hosted productions of Broadway shows like Oklahoma! and The Sound of Music, which have featured actors like Richard Chamberlain and Julie Andrews. The theatre's productions have been recognized for their high quality, with awards from organizations like the American Theatre Wing and the Drama Desk Awards. The Barter Theatre has also collaborated with other theatre companies, like the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the Guthrie Theater, to produce new and innovative works. The theatre's productions have been influenced by the works of Bertolt Brecht and Konstantin Stanislavski, who are known for their contributions to theatre theory and acting technique.

● Venue

The Barter Theatre is located in Abingdon, Virginia, in a historic building that was originally a Knoxville, Tennessee-based vaudeville theatre. The theatre has a seating capacity of over 500 and features a proscenium arch stage. The venue has undergone several renovations, including a major restoration project in the 1990s, which was supported by organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Virginia Historic Preservation Society. The theatre is also home to the Barter Theatre Studio Series, which features productions in a smaller, more intimate setting. The venue has hosted performances by musicians like Doc Watson and Ralph Stanley, who are known for their contributions to bluegrass music and Appalachian music.

● Notable_alumni

The Barter Theatre has been a launching pad for the careers of many notable actors, including Ernest Borgnine, who went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Marty. Other notable alumni include Patricia Neal, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Hud, and Gregory Peck, who was nominated for several Academy Awards throughout his career. The theatre has also been a training ground for actors like Ned Beatty and Gary Collins, who have gone on to have successful careers in film and television. The theatre's alumni have been recognized for their contributions to the American film industry and have been honored with awards from organizations like the Screen Actors Guild and the American Film Institute.

● Awards_and_recognition

The Barter Theatre has received numerous awards and recognition for its contributions to the American theatre scene. The theatre has been recognized by organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which have provided funding and support for its productions. The theatre has also been awarded the Governor's Award for the Arts and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts' Arts in Education Award. The theatre's productions have been nominated for several Drama Desk Awards and have won awards from organizations like the American Theatre Wing and the Theatre Communications Group. The theatre has also been recognized for its contributions to the Appalachian Region, with awards from organizations like the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Appalachian Studies Association. Category:Theatres in the United States