Barter Theatre

Artistic Excellence B arter Theatre continues to develop talent and new works through its Young Playwrights Festival which engages high school students, College Playwrights Festival, and Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights which celebrates the region’s culture.

D esignated the State Theatre of Virginia in 1946, Barter Theatre is the oldest year-round full-time professional repertory theatre in the nation. Each year, Barter Theatre presents over 20 productions; employs over 300 full- time, part-time, seasonal, and freelance personnel; and has a total economic impact of over $34 million on the region’s economy. The State Theatre of Virginia

Barter’s Legacy T he concept of exchanging “Ham for Hamlet” was an overnight success and Barter Theatre established a reputation for providing performances of the highest artistic quality. Today, at least three performances a year celebrate Barter’s heritage by accepting donations of canned goods as the price of admission, with over 5,000 pounds donated annually to an area food bank.

Ned Beatty

Frances Fisher

Hume Cronyn

Patricia Neal

Gregory Peck

Elizabeth Wilson

Ernest Borgnine

Barter’s rich history toward developing talent and artistry has truly resulted in a unique training ground for actors.