Barter Theatre receives $700K grant for historic Smith Theatre renovations
ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) – The Barter Foundation Inc. will soon see renovations begin on its historic Smith Theatre in Abingdon thanks to a $700,000 grant.
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded the grant to Barter’s foundation.
“A lot of the things we’ll be using [the grant money] for are audience-facing,” said Barter Theatre producing artistic director Katy Brown.
Brown said that the focus will be on the seating, stage area and backstage area of the small historic theatre space, which is located across the road from the main Gilliam Stage.
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“This is an 1830s building, and every time we get a chance to do some updates in here, they’re incredibly important to us; keeping people coming through the doors,” said Brown.
Brown said Smith Theatre is known for its intimate setting and is where the foundation programs the company’s “riskier shows” and shows for young audiences.
“You can reach out and almost touch the actors,” Brown said. “You really feel like you’re a part of the action. All the things that you get from theater, you get even more in a little space like this.”
Brown added that the children appreciate the setting because of how close they get to the action. She said the shows are important for the Town of Abingdon, bringing in money for the town’s shops, restaurants and hotels. Brown said setting is important for theatergoers to keep them coming back.
“You can do the best play in the world, but if they’re not comfortable in their seats and in their surroundings, they won’t be coming back,” said Brown. “So, in order to have people come to our region over and over again, to have that economic impact and also for people to be able to have an incredible impression of their time in the arts here in our region, these kind of grants are vital.”
Brown said the grant money from ARC will go toward phase one of upgrades for Smith Theatre. She said it will be a while before phase one begins.
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