Ernest Borgnine Makes Bristol and Abingdon Proud

The Screen Actors Guild Awards were televised last week, Tri-Cities residents were elated to hear the Barter Theater in Abingdon prominently mentioned. Ernest Borgnine received a SAG Life Achievement Award, and he never fails to make this area proud. He credits the Barter as giving him his start in his career. Today's Bristol Herald Courier had a story about his life and career, and they provide a lot of insight into his time at Barter.

Barter Theater, so what?

When you grow up in the Tri-Cities area, the Barter Theater is just part of your life; you take for granted that your school takes you on a bus to plays at a world-renown venue. Until you see the Barter from the eyes of those outside this region, you may not realize exactly what we have!

Barter has been producing plays since 1933, and they have a rich history of contributions to the world of theater. The brochures about Barter usually mention Ernest Borgnine and Gregory Peck, and the younger crowd may not even know who they are! Here is a page highlighting some of Barter's famous sons (and daughters).

Barter Playhouse

This Examiner's most vibrant childhood memories involve plays at the Barter Playhouse, which was then a disheveled old building across the street. It was the "not ready for Barter Theater" actors who got their start there, and it was intimate, dark, and wonderful. It is now the much-renovated Barter Cafe, still featuring live performances.

Just up the street

In case you don't know, Abingdon, Virginia, the home of Barter Theater, is just up the road from Bristol. Bristol sits abreast of the Virginia-Tennessee state line, and Abingdon is only a mere 15 minutes away. One of the largest contributions of Barter over its long history is instilling the love of live theater in the many busloads of children who attend plays there every year from around the five state area.

For more information about Barter Theater performances, tickets, etc... call: (276) 628-3991.