Following a match grant given to the Barter Theatre last year, AT&T has again announced it will provide an AT&T Make Me a Match 2023 Challenge to the iconic Abingdon theater.
“This past year changed so many things for so many Virginians,” said AT&T Virginia President Vince Apruzzese. “One thing that didn’t change was a desire to be entertained as an escape from the challenges around us. Last year, the team at Barter Theater almost overnight transformed how they’ve been entertaining audiences for 90 years. We’re glad that AT&T’s support will help them offer quality performances again this summer.”
Any contribution made to the Barter between July 6 and Aug. 3 will be matched one-to-one up to a total of $31,000. The money will be used to support the Barter’s annual Fund for Artistic Excellence.
For ways you can give, visit bartertheatre.com/support.
Barter Theatre is one of the longest-running professional theatres in the United States. It was founded in 1933 by Robert Porterfield, a young actor who had the idea to start a theatre that would allow people to exchange goods and services for admission instead of money. The concept of bartering was especially appealing during the Great Depression, as it allowed people to attend theatre performances even if they didn’t have the funds to pay for tickets.
Over the years, Barter Theatre has become famous for its high-quality productions and talented performers. The theatre has played an important role in the cultural life of the region and has hosted many famous actors, including Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal, Ernest Borgnine, and Kevin Spacey.
