Abingdon in Washington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Barter Theatre
Theatre on a Grand Scale
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 6, 2022
1. Barter Theatre Marker
This building was erected in 1831.
The Barter Theatre was founded by Robert Porterfield during the Depression of 1932.
The original idea of the Barter Theatre was to bring together the hungry actor and the farmer with a supply of produce.
Barter Foundation Incorporated serves as a non-profit educational and cultural experiment for the purpose of giving the people of Virginia and its many guests and tourists an opportunity to observe some of the works of the Worlds most distinguished playwrights performed by competent artists.
The Barter Theatre pledges itself to combat the evils that would destroy the culture and enlightenment of the world by giving the best of its strength and devotion to the cause of truth, beauty and spiritual nourishment of the human soul.
Our purpose is
to dedicate our work to the betterment of the human spirit, and to the enrichment of the human soul through laughter, tears or a smile
to challenge the thoughts of intelligent people, and to reflect honest society through experiences that are both familiar and new to us
to add insight to the hidden, and to bring depth to the obvious, through images and visual stimulation using the best of contemporary theatrical devices
And, ultimately,
to touch the hearts, to challenge the minds,
this page online
1993
Richard Rose
Artistic Director
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1831.
Location. 36° 42.641′ N, 81° 58.499′ W. Marker is in Abingdon, Virginia, in Washington County. It is on West Main Street (U.S. 11) just west of Goodman Aly (Partington Place), on the right when traveling west. Located to the right of the front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 127 West Main Street, Abingdon VA 24210, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Tri-Cities Area, in Southwest Virginia, and in the Blue Ridge Highlands. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: William Rodefer House (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Barter Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Martha Washington College (within shouting distance of this marker); Stonewall Jackson Female Institute (within shouting distance of this marker); Governor John B. Floyd (within shouting distance of this marker); The Crooked Road / Abingdon (within shouting distance of this marker); History of Barter Stage II (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Abingdon (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abingdon.
Regarding Barter Theatre.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 6, 2022
2. Barter Theatre Marker (panel 2)
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Barter Theatre
Also see . . .
1. Barter Theatre.
It is the longest-running professional Equity theatre in the United States. In 1933, when the United States was in the middle of the Great Depression, many people could not afford to pay for theater tickets, and many actors had trouble finding employment. Beginning with "some twenty of his fellow actors", Robert Porterfield, founder of the theatre, offered admission by letting the local people pay with food goods, hence the name "Barter". He said, "With vegetables that you cannot sell you can buy a good laugh." The original ticket price for a play was 30 cents, or the equivalent in goods.(Submitted on November 9, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. It's the Most Famous Stage in Virginia.
The theatre became a launching pad for famous alumni like Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal, Ernest Borgnine, Hume Cronyn, Kevin Spacey and other entertainment giants. The rich history of Barter Theatre is reflected in its beautiful Gilliam Stage, with its classic proscenium stage, opulent furnishings and renovated lobby with gift shop. Across the street(Submitted on November 9, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)at the Smith Stage, patrons can experience a more intimate space that is home to edgier new works, as well as the Barter Players children's theatre.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 6, 20223. National Register of Historic Places
3. Abingdon Historic District.
The earliest theatrical event known to occur here was a production of the Virginian on January 14, 1876. In 1890, the Sons of Temperance transferred the building's title to the Town of Abingdon, to be used as a town hall for the benefit of the citizenry. It opened as a theater on June 10, 1933. It is one of the longest-running professional theaters in the nation.(Submitted on November 9, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 6, 2022
4. Barter Theatre Entrance and Markers
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 6, 2022
5. Barter Theatre
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 6, 2022
6. Barter Theatre
Credits. This page was last revised on March 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 467 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 9, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
