Where can you go and watch a show for the admission price of vegetables, dairy products and livestock? In 2026, probably no place exists but in June 1933 the Barter Theatre opened with the motto “With vegetables you cannot sell, you can buy a good laugh.” Admission price was 35 cents or an equivalent amount of produce and according to the records kept four out of those patrons attending paid their way with vegetables, dairy products and livestock. What a concept.
The seats filled and the idea caught on quickly. By the end of the first season, the Barter Theatre cleared $4.35 in cash, two barrels of jelly, and a collective weight gain of over 300 pounds. While our recent visit did not cost 35 cents, at least one performance a year celebrates the history of the Barter Theatre when they accept donations for Feeding America Southwest Virginia.
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Located in downtown Abingdon, VA, the Barter Theatre is a lovely example of a building that is still living out its. purpose. The inside is beautifully designed with the earliest theatrical event known to occur here was a production of The Virginian on January 14, 1876, The building has housed many things over the years including offices and a fire hall. To read more of its history feel free to click here. In 1961, the building was renovated by Barter Theatre as a small theatre, with major improvements made in 1973 and again in 1985. Additions included a lobby and the Jessie Ball DuPont Memorial Theatre Garden.
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We thoroughly enjoyed the production of Guys and Dolls that we saw and marveled at the talent that was onstage. It was a really great production of a classic that neither of us had ever seen before and we enjoyed the evening in this amazing venue.
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The theater itself is steeped in history and a couple placards outside the building itself attest to that fact.
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If you are ever in Abingdon I would highly recommend taking in a show here. It really is worth more than 35 cents or the equivalent in produce.
