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Robert Porterfield established the Barter Theatre in 1933, a period marked by significant economic hardship.
Answer: False
Explanation: The founding of the Barter Theatre in 1933 occurred during the Great Depression, not the preceding Roaring Twenties, reflecting the economic challenges of that era.
In 1939, *Life* magazine described the Barter Theatre's concept as a sensible and conventional approach to theatre during the Depression.
Answer: False
Explanation: In a 1939 article, *Life* magazine characterized the Barter Theatre's unique approach as 'the craziest idea in the history of the U.S. theater,' highlighting its unconventional nature.
What historical period directly influenced the founding concept of the Barter Theatre?
Answer: The Great Depression
Explanation: The founding concept of the Barter Theatre was a direct response to the severe economic challenges and widespread financial hardship experienced during the Great Depression.
Who is credited as the founder of the Barter Theatre?
Answer: Robert Porterfield
Explanation: Robert Porterfield is recognized as the visionary founder of the Barter Theatre, establishing it in 1933.
According to *Life* magazine in 1939, how was the Barter Theatre's concept characterized?
Answer: The craziest idea in the history of the U.S. theater
Explanation: In a 1939 article, *Life* magazine characterized the Barter Theatre's unique approach as 'the craziest idea in the history of the U.S. theater,' highlighting its unconventional nature.
The nomenclature 'Barter Theatre' derives from its historical practice of accepting only monetary currency for admission.
Answer: False
Explanation: The theatre's name originates from its innovative practice of accepting farm goods and other items in exchange for tickets, a direct response to the economic conditions of the Great Depression, rather than exclusively monetary currency.
The original admission price for a Barter Theatre performance was 50 cents or an equivalent value in goods.
Answer: False
Explanation: The original ticket price was 30 cents or the equivalent value in goods, reflecting the theatre's unique barter system.
Actors at the Barter Theatre were solely responsible for their acting performances and had no other duties within the theatre's operations.
Answer: False
Explanation: Actors at the Barter Theatre were actively involved in various operational aspects beyond acting, including scenery, props, directing, and assisting at the Barter Inn.
The Barter Theatre's first production was the well-known Shakespearean play *Hamlet*.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Barter Theatre's inaugural production was the play *After Tomorrow* by John Golden, not *Hamlet*.
For its first production, the audience paid admission using only vegetables and fruits.
Answer: False
Explanation: While vegetables and fruits were part of the payment, the audience also brought other goods, including cakes and poultry, for admission to the first production.
What was the primary method of payment for admission during the Barter Theatre's initial concept?
Answer: Bartering farm goods and produce
Explanation: The foundational concept of the Barter Theatre involved patrons paying for admission through the exchange of goods and produce, reflecting the economic realities of the Great Depression.
Which of the following was NOT among the items brought by the audience for the Barter Theatre's first production?
Answer: Gold coins
Explanation: The audience brought various goods such as cakes, fruit, vegetables, and poultry for admission. Gold coins were not mentioned as a form of payment.
What was the original ticket price equivalent in goods during the Barter Theatre's founding?
Answer: 30 cents or equivalent goods
Explanation: During the Barter Theatre's founding, the original ticket price was established at 30 cents, with the option for patrons to pay an equivalent value in goods.
The Barter Theatre's initial performances were held in a modern, purpose-built theatre structure constructed specifically for the troupe.
Answer: False
Explanation: Initially, the Barter Theatre's plays were performed in the Abingdon Opera House, not a purpose-built structure.
The Barter Theatre moved to the campus of the former Stonewall Jackson College for Women in 1945.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Barter Theatre relocated its operations to the campus of the former Stonewall Jackson College for Women in 1935.
A significant renovation in 1996 increased the stage depth and added new technical systems, but did not alter the seating capacity.
Answer: False
Explanation: A significant aspect of the $1.7 million renovation in 1996 was the substantial increase in stage depth, extending it from 28 to 60 feet, alongside upgrades to technical systems and seating, including extending the balcony.
The current Barter Theatre building was originally constructed as a bank in the early 19th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: The building currently housing the Barter Theatre was originally constructed in 1833 as the Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church.
The Barter Theatre is located within the Abingdon Historic District.
Answer: True
Explanation: Being located within the Abingdon Historic District places the Barter Theatre within a historically preserved area, highlighting its integration with the local heritage and architecture.
The main performance space, the Gilliam Stage, has a seating capacity of approximately 167 people.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Gilliam Stage, the main performance space, has a seating capacity of 505. The Smith Theatre (Barter Stage II) has a capacity of 167 seats.
Novelist James Hilton purchased land near the Barter Theatre in 1950 to develop it into a new performance venue.
Answer: False
Explanation: Novelist James Hilton acquired several acres adjacent to the Barter Theatre in 1950 with the specific intention of preserving the view from the Barter Inn, preventing potential commercial development.
The interior fittings used in the 1953 renovation of the Barter Theatre were sourced from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.
Answer: False
Explanation: The interior fittings utilized in the 1953 renovation of the Barter Theatre were originally sourced from the Empire Theatre in New York City.
The seats installed in the 1953 renovation were later replaced with seats from the closed Majestic Theatre in Richmond, Virginia.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following their replacement, the seats installed during the 1953 renovation were subsequently utilized in the Jefferson Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia, after that venue closed.
The Barter Theatre is recognized as the second-oldest theatrical building in the United States.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Barter Theatre building holds historical significance as it is recognized as the second-oldest theatrical building currently in use in the United States.
Where did the Barter Theatre troupe initially reside when they first began performing?
Answer: The Martha Washington Inn
Explanation: Initially, the Barter Theatre troupe resided at the Martha Washington Inn while their performances were held in the Abingdon Opera House.
In what year did the Barter Theatre move its operations to the campus of the former Stonewall Jackson College for Women?
Answer: 1935
Explanation: The Barter Theatre relocated its operations to the campus of the former Stonewall Jackson College for Women in 1935.
Which of the following was a key improvement made during the $1.7 million renovation in 1996?
Answer: Increase of stage depth from 28 to 60 feet
Explanation: A significant aspect of the $1.7 million renovation in 1996 was the substantial increase in stage depth, extending it from 28 to 60 feet, alongside upgrades to technical systems and seating.
What was the original purpose of the building that now houses the Barter Theatre?
Answer: A Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church
Explanation: The building currently housing the Barter Theatre was originally constructed in 1833 as the Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church.
What is the seating capacity of the Smith Theatre, also known as Barter Stage II?
Answer: 167 seats
Explanation: Barter Stage II, designated as the Smith Theatre, has a seating capacity of 167 individuals.
Why did novelist James Hilton purchase land near the Barter Theatre in 1950?
Answer: To prevent commercial development and protect the view from the Barter Inn
Explanation: Novelist James Hilton acquired several acres adjacent to the Barter Theatre in 1950 with the specific intention of preserving the view from the Barter Inn, preventing potential commercial development.
The interior fittings used in the 1953 renovation of the Barter Theatre were originally from which famous New York theatre?
Answer: The Empire Theatre
Explanation: The interior fittings utilized in the 1953 renovation of the Barter Theatre were originally sourced from the Empire Theatre in New York City.
The Barter Theatre building is historically significant because it is recognized as:
Answer: The second-oldest theatrical building in the United States
Explanation: The Barter Theatre building holds historical significance as it is recognized as the second-oldest theatrical building currently in use in the United States.
How many seats are located in the balcony of the Gilliam Stage?
Answer: 216
Explanation: The balcony of the Gilliam Stage accommodates 216 seats.
What happened to the seats installed during the 1953 renovation after they were replaced?
Answer: They were replaced with seats sourced from the Jefferson Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia.
Explanation: Following their replacement, the seats installed during the 1953 renovation were subsequently utilized in the Jefferson Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia, after that venue closed.
The Barter Theatre, situated in Abingdon, Virginia, holds the distinction of being the oldest professional Equity theatre in the United States.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Barter Theatre is recognized as the longest-running professional Equity theatre in the United States, not necessarily the oldest.
The Barter Theatre's ability to thrive after its founder's death marked it as the first regional theatre to achieve this milestone.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Barter Theatre's sustained success and continued operation following its founder's death marked it as the first regional theatre to achieve this significant milestone of enduring leadership transition.
Prominent actors like Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks launched their careers at the Barter Theatre.
Answer: False
Explanation: While many notable actors have performed at the Barter Theatre early in their careers, Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks are not listed among them in the provided source material. Kevin Spacey is mentioned.
The Barter Theatre was designated as the State Theatre of Virginia in 1946.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Barter Theatre was officially designated as the State Theatre of Virginia in the year 1946.
The Barter Theatre received the prestigious Tony Award for Best Regional Theatre in 1948.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1948, the Barter Theatre received national recognition through the prestigious Tony Regional Theatre Award.
The Barter Theatre won the Virginia Chamber of Commerce's 'Small Business of the Year' award in 2008.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2008, the Barter Theatre received The Torchbearer Award from the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, recognized as the Overall State Winner for Small Companies. In 2006, it received the 'Business of the Year Award' for the Tri-Cities region.
The Barter Theatre Award, established in 1939, recognized the most promising new playwrights.
Answer: False
Explanation: Established in 1939, the Barter Theatre Award was originally instituted to recognize the outstanding performance by an American player, not new playwrights.
Laurette Taylor and Dorothy Stickney were the first two recipients of the Barter Theatre Award.
Answer: True
Explanation: The first recipient of the Barter Theatre Award in 1939 was Laurette Taylor, followed by Dorothy Stickney in 1940, making them the first two recipients.
Recipients of the Barter Theatre Award received a monetary prize and a lifetime acting contract.
Answer: False
Explanation: Recipients of the Barter Theatre Award received an acre of mountain land near Abingdon, a Virginia ham, and the privilege of selecting two actors to perform with the theatre company, not a monetary prize or lifetime contract.
In 1940, Dorothy Stickney gifted her Barter Theatre Award land deed to Laurette Taylor.
Answer: False
Explanation: In a notable gesture in 1940, Laurette Taylor transferred the deed to her awarded acre of mountain land to Dorothy Stickney, the recipient of the Barter Theatre Award that year.
The Barter Theatre troupe traveled to New York City in 1939 to perform at the prestigious Broadway Theatre.
Answer: False
Explanation: In September 1939, the Barter Theatre troupe presented three plays at the Heckscher Theater in New York City, not the Broadway Theatre.
Which of the following actors is mentioned in the source as having launched their early career at the Barter Theatre?
Answer: Kevin Spacey
Explanation: The Barter Theatre has been a launching ground for numerous actors, including Kevin Spacey, who performed early in his career on its stages.
In what year was the Barter Theatre designated as the State Theatre of Virginia?
Answer: 1946
Explanation: The Barter Theatre was officially designated as the State Theatre of Virginia in the year 1946.
The Barter Theatre received a significant national award in 1948. What was this award?
Answer: The Tony Regional Theatre Award
Explanation: In 1948, the Barter Theatre received national recognition through the prestigious Tony Regional Theatre Award.
What was the original purpose of the Barter Theatre Award when it was established in 1939?
Answer: To recognize the outstanding performance by an American player
Explanation: Established in 1939, the Barter Theatre Award was originally instituted to recognize the outstanding performance by an American player.
Which of the following was part of the prize package for recipients of the Barter Theatre Award?
Answer: An acre of mountain land near Abingdon
Explanation: Recipients of the Barter Theatre Award received an acre of mountain land near Abingdon, a Virginia ham, and the privilege of selecting two actors to perform with the theatre company.
What unique event involving Laurette Taylor and Dorothy Stickney is mentioned regarding the Barter Theatre Award?
Answer: Taylor transferred her awarded land deed to Stickney.
Explanation: In a notable gesture in 1940, Laurette Taylor transferred the deed to her awarded acre of mountain land to Dorothy Stickney, the recipient of the Barter Theatre Award that year.
The Barter Theatre troupe performed in New York City in 1939. Which theatre hosted their performances?
Answer: The Heckscher Theater
Explanation: In September 1939, the Barter Theatre troupe presented three plays at the Heckscher Theater in New York City.
What was the specific purpose of the Barter Theatre's outreach effort in New York City in September 1939?
Answer: To perform three specific plays at the Heckscher Theater.
Explanation: The Barter Theatre troupe's outreach effort in New York City in September 1939 involved performing three specific plays at the Heckscher Theater.
The Barter Theatre received the 'Business of the Year Award' for which region in 2006?
Answer: The Tri-Cities, Virginia/Tennessee region
Explanation: In 2006, the Barter Theatre was honored with the 'Business of the Year Award' for the Tri-Cities, Virginia/Tennessee region.
The Barter Theatre's survival and thriving after its founder's death was a notable achievement because it was:
Answer: The first regional theatre to successfully endure and thrive after its founder's death.
Explanation: The Barter Theatre's sustained success and continued operation following its founder's death marked it as the first regional theatre to achieve this significant milestone of enduring leadership transition.
Robert Porterfield was succeeded as artistic director by his son, who continued the theatre's legacy for over two decades.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following Robert Porterfield's tenure, Rex Partington succeeded him as the artistic director, serving from 1972 to 1992. Porterfield did not have a son who took over the directorship.
Katy Brown is the first woman to serve as the artistic director of the Barter Theatre.
Answer: True
Explanation: Katy Brown assumed the role of the fourth artistic director in 2019, marking the first time a woman has held this position.
Starting in 2020, the Barter Theatre used its main stage for drive-in style performances projected onto screens.
Answer: False
Explanation: Beginning in 2020, the Barter Theatre utilized the Moonlite Theatre for its drive-in style performances, projecting them onto a screen for audiences viewing from their cars.
Indoor performances at the Gilliam Stage resumed in September 2021, following safety protocols.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indoor performances at the Gilliam Stage resumed in September 2021, with safety protocols in place to protect actors, staff, crew, and audiences during the ongoing pandemic.
Who succeeded Robert Porterfield as the artistic director of the Barter Theatre?
Answer: Rex Partington
Explanation: Following Robert Porterfield's tenure, Rex Partington succeeded him as the artistic director of the Barter Theatre, serving from 1972 to 1992.
What innovative staging method did the Barter Theatre employ starting in 2020?
Answer: Staging plays on a physical stage projected onto a screen for audiences in cars
Explanation: Beginning in 2020, the Barter Theatre implemented an innovative drive-in style staging method, projecting performances onto a screen for audiences viewing from their vehicles to accommodate social distancing during the pandemic.
Which of the following best describes the Barter Theatre's current operational status?
Answer: It is one of the last year-round professional resident repertory theatres in the US.
Explanation: The Barter Theatre currently operates as one of the few remaining year-round professional resident repertory theatres within the United States.
Who took over as the fourth artistic director of the Barter Theatre in 2019?
Answer: Katy Brown
Explanation: Katy Brown assumed the role of the fourth artistic director of the Barter Theatre in 2019, marking the first time a woman has held this position.
The Barter Inn served exclusively as a residence for the theatre troupe and did not offer any services to the public.
Answer: False
Explanation: Beyond providing accommodation for the theatre troupe, the Barter Inn offered a unique service by allowing a limited number of the public to dine with the actors in its cafeteria.
The Barter Theatre no longer honors its founding heritage, as Barter Days events have been discontinued.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Barter Theatre continues to honor its founding heritage through annual Barter Days events, where patrons can exchange canned food items for admission, with all donations benefiting a local charity.
The Barter Players, founded in 1993 as First Light Players, focus on producing classical dramas for adult audiences.
Answer: False
Explanation: The First Light Players, founded in 1993 and now known as the Barter Players, focus on producing theatre for young audiences, not classical dramas for adults.
What was the Barter Inn's unique offering to the public besides housing the theatre troupe?
Answer: Public dining with the actors
Explanation: Beyond providing accommodation for the theatre troupe, the Barter Inn offered a unique service by allowing a limited number of the public to dine with the actors in its cafeteria.
How does the Barter Theatre currently celebrate its founding heritage?
Answer: Through annual Barter Days where canned food is exchanged for admission
Explanation: The Barter Theatre continues to honor its founding heritage through annual Barter Days events, where patrons can exchange canned food items for admission, with all donations benefiting a local charity.
What is the current name of the theatre troupe focused on young audiences, originally founded as First Light Players in 1993?
Answer: The Barter Players
Explanation: The theatre troupe originally founded as First Light Players in 1993, which focuses on young audiences, is now known as the Barter Players.
In 2014, the Barter Theatre participated in a collaborative event with which type of institution?
Answer: A William King Art Center
Explanation: In 2014, the Barter Theatre engaged in a collaborative art exhibition with the William King Art Center, showcasing works by artists associated with both institutions.
What is the official website address for the Barter Theatre?
Answer: www.bartertheatre.com
Explanation: The official online presence for the Barter Theatre can be accessed via its website at www.bartertheatre.com.