Gratitude 2023

Your Love for Barter Theatre Has Made an IMPACT , and we are grateful...

At Barter Theatre , we understand that every detail contributes to creating a masterpiece. Each department plays an essential role that sets the stage for our audience to experience the transformative power of live theat re . We are grateful for the immense talent, creativity, and passion that our teams bring to their work.

Footloose (2023)

“Because of you, our donors, I am able to make a home here in Abingdon and write plays full time for Barter. I am especially proud of the almost 30 plays I have written for the Barter Players, who serve our young audience and inspire their imagination. None of this would be possible without you.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” - Catherine Bush (Resident Playwright)

Skeleton Crew (2023)

As we celebrate these unique talents, we are humbled by the commitment from you, our donors, that allows their artistry to come to life. You are, in large part, responsible for the magic that’s onstage, the educational programs, and the inclusive community that is Barter Theatre. Barter would not exist without our generous benefactors... YOU!

Greg Ow e ns (Master Carpenter)

“Your generosity has allowed me to dream the biggest dreams when designing scenery for Barter’s theaters!” - Derek Smith (Resident Scenic Designer)

Set Design & Build Brings Imagination to Reality Behind the scenes , our set builders and carpenters work diligently to bring the set designs to life. With their exceptional craftsmanship and technical expertise, they transform raw materials into breathtaking sets that serve as the backdrop for the tapestry of stories our audience experiences. Their dedication and precision guarantee an authentic alignment of the physical environment with the artistic vision.

Murder on The Orient Express (2022)

Props Enhance the Narrative

Props add depth and authenticity to the theatrical experience, creating a tangible connection between the audience and the story. Our adept prop artisans meticulously research, source, and create a vast array of objects that enhance the narrative and bring audiences deeper into the world of the play. Their attention to detail brings realism to each performance.

Megan Pressley (Assistant Props Master)

Helen Stratakes (Prop Master)

“Props thanks you for lots: a shop and help with Covid; you are tops with us!” -Helen Stratakes (Prop Master), Megan Pressley (Assistant Props Master), Catherine Clark (Props Artisan)

“Thank you so much for your generosity, support and faith in Barter Theatre. Knowing that we bring art and culture to our patrons makes me feel alive! The best way to help our community grow together is to help them experience empathy, joy, laughter, and tears with their fellow man, and we are only able to do this with amazing support from our donors! You are wonderful!” - Lee Martin (a Resident Costume Designer)

Lee Martin ( a Resident Costume Designer)

Costumes Weave the Characters into Reality

In the world of theater , costumes hold the power to transport audiences to different eras, evoke emotions, and bring characters to life. Our skilled costume designers, stitchers, and wardrobe team tirelessly craft intricate garments that capture the essence of each character. Their exactness, artistic flair, and expertise in historical accuracy make certain that every costume becomes an integral part of the stories on our stages.

Front of House Welcomes Audiences with Southern Hospitality The Front-of-House team plays a vital role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our audiences. From the attentive box office staff to the friendly ushers who guide patrons to their seats, their smiles and consideration allow every visitor to feel valued and cared for. Their dedication helps you know that Barter is your theater.

Nikki Goodman (Associate Director of Sales and Services)

“Thank you so much for your generous donation to the place I’m so passionate about. Your generosity and kindness are sincerely appreciated and will go a long way to helping us create 90 more years of world-class theatre!” -Kenny Davis ( Sales and Services Manager )

Kenny Davis ( Sales and Services Manager)

Amber F i orini (Director of Marketing and Sales )

“My career, serving others and the arts, is made possible by your help.” -Amber Fiorini (Director of Marketing and Sales )

Administration Supports the

Tapestry of Stories Behind the scenes , our administrative team works diligently to support the operations and growth of Barter Theatre. From managing finances to coordinating schedules, marketing, and fundraising efforts, they provide the necessary infrastructure so that our stories continue to delight our audiences. Their commitment to excellence and passion for the arts fuel the success of Barter Theatre.

Nicholas Piper (Associate D ire ctor- New Play Development & Director of Barter’s Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights) Katy Brown (Producing Artistic Director)

Barrett Guyton (Associate Director of Barter Theatre & Artistic Director of The Barter Players)

Your contributions form the foundation upon which Barter Theatre is built. On behalf of everyone at Barter Theatre, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for being an indispensable part of our Tapestry of Stories.

Sister Act (2018)

FROM OUR FAMILY

Because of your love and support for Barter, thousands of people come from around the region and the world to share theater and to remember what it is to be human. Barter’s 90 year legacy has brought the highest levels of art, economic impact, community building, experiences for young people, and new Appalachian work; it is YOUR legacy. Thank you for making this work possible every day.

Thanks to Barter’s many donors, it has survived for 90 years which has allowed me to be a part of its history for the last 29. - Karen Rowe

Thank you for your generous contributions. They have significantly impacted the Barter in more ways than you could imagine. Thank you! - Becky Bussey

FROM OUR FAMILY

Thank you so much for your support and appreciation. Because of you, Barter has thrived for the past 90 years! Your continued generosity provides all of us with a safe home to practice our art and grow as artists and humans. Your funding allows people from all walks of life to experience live theatre as it can only be experienced at Barter Theatre. - Alice Sullivan

With your generosity, we are able to bring live theatre to young people across our region that would otherwise not have access. You enrich these young folks’ lives in such a meaningful way! -Sarah Van Deusen

Your generosity and belief in our mission have profoundly impacted our ability to bring the arts to life, and we are immensely grateful for

all that you do. - Shari Jennell

Thanks to donors like you, Barter was able to cover employees' health premiums during the pandemic. You are literally lifesavers, thank you! - Jennifer Watson

Thank you, donors, for helping show the world that live theatre is valuable and essential to the hearts and minds of our community! - Hannah Ingram

Because of your donations and my opportunities here at the Barter, I get to live out an impossible dual set of dreams: I get to raise a strong, stable, loving family in a supportive and creative community while I also get to satisfy my dream of living a fruitful, ambitious, and artistic life. Thank you! - Justin Lewis

Thanks to your generous donations, we are able to provide theatre for young audiences here in Abingdon and all across the U.S.! The impact of this work cannot be understated and it’s thanks to YOU! - Abby Kohake

Here at Barter Theatre, the unwavering generosity of heart, spirit, and treasure is inspiring! There is a true sense of relationship and family across the region. I am eternally grateful for what each of you do to support all that Barter Theatre does in service to the community and throughout Appalachia. - Jackie Blevins FROM OUR FAMILY

To our remarkable donors, thank you so much! I am constantly in awe of your generosity in our programming and initiatives at Barter Theatre. We really couldn’t do what we love to do without your support. I want to give a special shout-out to the amazing donors of BSBV! I thank you, and our community thanks you. - Terrance Jackson

Donors like you are what make storytelling possible, and a good story is what unites us as people. Thanks to you, dreams come true every day around here; including mine. - Timothy Johnson

We cannot appreciate your generosity enough, dear friends. Because of your support, we are able to create art that builds empathy & love within our community and beyond- things that the entire world needs more of. Thank you thank you thank you! - Zoë Velling

Thank you for helping tens of thousands of young people across our region see live theatre. Your impact is substantial and many would never get the opportunity if it were not for you. Thank you!! - Barrett Guyton

Without your invaluable contributions, our theatre would not thrive, and we are truly grateful for your belief in the power of the arts to inspire and enrich

our community! .- Rick Hamm

Your unwavering support and belief in our mission fuel our efforts to bring the transformative power of the arts to our community. We are deeply thankful for your impact on enriching lives through the arts. We couldn’t do it without you. - Rebecca Mashburn

Barter Theatre is YOUR Theatre

127 W. Main St. Abingdon, VA 24210

www.BarterTheatre.com