UPIKE theater class takes trip to Abingdon, Va
0On Thursday, Nov. 14, Basil Clark’s Appreciation of Theater class kissed Pikeville goodbye and took a trip to the Barter Theater in Abingdon, Va. While in Abingdon, the class was given a tour of the production studio and saw the production Kiss Me, Kate. The trip was funded by Experiential Learning.
The production tour consisted of seeing the small rehearsal room, large rehearsal room, props shop, costume shop, and wood shop. The rehearsal rooms were set up just as the stages would be so actor knew exactly where to stand. The tour was informational about how Barter Theater was started and the history behind it. Barter began in the 1930s, and the production building is the original building that staged Barter plays.
Barter is a Repertory Theater which means the actors are always rehearsing or performing. Throughout the year, there are at least three performances during the day on the main stage. Barter Theater built a second stage that is across the street from the main building to allow for more performances. Since the actors are always performing or rehearsing, they get about four weeks out of the year to have off. If they have something important that they need to attend and know about ahead of the time, then they usually can find someone to take their spot for the shows that are missed.
Kiss Me Kate is a play based off of Taming of the Shrew. The main point of the play was that the two main characters were divorced, but then realized that they did not want anyone else and ended up back together.
“All in all, the whole trip to Barter Theater was a great experience.” junior Danielle Smith.
By: Felecia Proctor