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In downtown [[Abingdon, Virginia]], Barter Theatre pairs a live performance with a long-running local story: it opened in 1933, when founder Robert Porterfield invited audiences to barter food and goods for admission. Today, visitors can choose from performances at two Main Street venues, Gilliam Stage and Barter’s Smith Theatre. Check the theatre’s current schedule and visitor information before you go. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://bartertheatre.com/about/
|title=About Us
|website=Barter Theatre
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://bartertheatre.com/barter-guide/
|title=Your Guide to Everything Barter Theatre
|website=Barter Theatre
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

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== What to expect ==
Barter is a professional resident repertory theatre: its company presents different productions across the season. The theatre’s two performance spaces are Gilliam Stage, the larger venue, and Smith Theatre, across Main Street. When choosing a performance, check the listing carefully so you know which theatre to attend. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://bartertheatre.com/barter-guide/
|title=Your Guide to Everything Barter Theatre
|website=Barter Theatre
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

The historic name comes from the theatre’s Depression-era beginnings. Porterfield opened Barter in 1933 and accepted food, livestock, and other goods in exchange for admission; in 1946, it was designated the State Theatre of Virginia. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://bartertheatre.com/about/
|title=About Us
|website=Barter Theatre
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

== Plan your visit ==
Barter Theatre’s Gilliam Stage is at 127 West Main Street, and Barter’s Smith Theatre is at 110 West Main Street in Abingdon. The theatre recommends arriving with time to park and get settled; its FAQ says doors open 30 minutes before a performance. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://bartertheatre.com/directions-and-parking/
|title=Directions and Parking
|website=Barter Theatre
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://bartertheatre.com/faq/
|title=Frequently Asked Questions
|website=Barter Theatre
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

The theatre lists parking in its lot near the two venues, as well as street parking nearby. Parking arrangements and availability can vary, so check the theatre’s directions page before setting out. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://bartertheatre.com/directions-and-parking/
|title=Directions and Parking
|website=Barter Theatre
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

== Tickets, age guidance, and accessibility ==
Review the current performance schedule for dates, ticket prices, content advisories, and any show-specific guidance. Barter’s FAQ says age policies vary by production: children under five are not admitted to most productions, while some family-friendly shows and Barter Players performances have different rules. Confirm the policy for the show you plan to see. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://bartertheatre.com/faq/
|title=Frequently Asked Questions
|website=Barter Theatre
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

Barter lists wheelchair-accessible seating, hearing loops at both theatres, and open-captioned performances on selected dates. Its FAQ notes there is no elevator to balcony seating. Contact the box office ahead of time to discuss seating or other access needs and confirm arrangements for your performance. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://bartertheatre.com/faq/
|title=Frequently Asked Questions
|website=Barter Theatre
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

== Make an Abingdon outing ==
The theatre sits on downtown Abingdon’s Main Street, making it easy to pair a performance with a meal or a stroll around town. Barter’s visit page points visitors toward local dining, shopping, and area activities; check those businesses’ own information for current hours and availability. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://bartertheatre.com/visit/
|title=Plan Your Visit
|website=Barter Theatre
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

For wider trip planning, explore [[Abingdon, Virginia]] and the region’s [[Southwest Virginia]] destinations.

== Contact ==
For ticket questions and assistance planning a visit, Barter lists its box office number as 276-628-3991 and email as barterinfo@bartertheatre.com. Current box office hours are posted on the theatre’s contact page; confirm them before calling or visiting. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://bartertheatre.com/contact/
|title=Contact
|website=Barter Theatre
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

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== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://bartertheatre.com/ Official Barter Theatre website]
* [https://bartertheatre.com/visit/ Barter Theatre visitor information]
* [https://bartertheatre.com/directions-and-parking/ Directions and parking]
* [https://bartertheatre.com/faq/ Frequently asked questions]
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[[Category:Virginia guides]]

Barter Theatre - Revision history

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