Barter Theatre Hosts Hurricane Helene Relief Fundraiser, Offers Free Tickets for Flood Victims

Photo bycourtesy of Barter Theater/Facebook

ABINGDON, Va. — Barter Theatre, one of the nation’s longest-running regional theaters, is stepping up to help communities in Southwest Virginia affected by Hurricane Helene's devastation. This weekend, the historic venue will host a special fundraising event, with a portion of ticket proceeds going to support relief efforts for flood victims in the region.

The relief fundraiser will coincide with A Wrinkle in Time performances at 10 a.m. on Barter’s Smith Theatre stage and The Play That Goes Wrong at 2 p.m. on the Gilliam Stage. In addition to donating a portion of ticket sales, Barter Theatre has also announced that complimentary tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for those directly impacted by the flooding and first responders.

“Barter Theatre is a cornerstone of the Southwest Virginia community, and we are committed to doing everything we can to help those affected by Hurricane Helene,” said a spokesperson for the theater in a statement. “We are incredibly grateful to our audiences for their ongoing support and for helping us uplift the community we love so much.”

In addition to ticket proceeds, monetary donations will be accepted on-site throughout the weekend’s performances, allowing patrons to contribute directly to the relief effort.

Hurricane Helene, which made landfall earlier this month, brought heavy rains and severe flooding to parts of Southwest Virginia, damaging homes and infrastructure across several counties. According to FEMA, the damage in some areas has been extensive, with many residents still without access to essential utilities.

Barter Theatre's initiative reflects a broader trend of local arts organizations stepping up in times of crisis. In the aftermath of natural disasters, community-driven efforts like this often play a crucial role in raising funds and providing support where it's most needed. As reported by The Roanoke Times, flood recovery in the region is expected to take months, and additional resources will be required to rebuild.

Theatergoers wishing to attend this weekend’s performances can purchase tickets online or at the box office. For those interested in contributing directly, Barter Theatre encourages monetary donations to be made during the event.

For more information on tickets and how to donate, visit Barter Theatre’s official website.

About Barter Theatre:
Founded during the Great Depression in 1933, Barter Theatre has become a beloved institution in Southwest Virginia. It is known for offering high-quality productions and community engagement and is recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the United States.