I spent my summer in Abingdon, Virginia working at the Barter Theatre as a summer player. I discovered that having no time in your day gives you a lot of time to do things except on the internet, which is why I was behind on everything until I moved. I had two-three shows each day along with rehearsals, gym time, and private improv coaching, but I was able to go out into town and even out of state to do things. Abingdon is a cute town with an abundance of small shops and 19th century history. The best way to sum up my non-theatre related experience in the south is through pictures!
Small businesses from the tri-state area congregate in Abingdon for Plumb Alley Day.
Pop Ellis offered an Oz Sunday in honor of Barter's production and the 75th anniversary.
Here are some shots from the Oz opening party!
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| Natalie and I. Swingin. |
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| The gazebo at The Martha Washington: the fanciest/most historical place in town. |
Look at this creek.
Some stores are closed Sundays for church. Others are closed monday because the theatre is closed.
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| Virginia is for lovers. |
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| My friend Michael biked across the country to support cancer research. Abingdon was on his 4K4Cancer route! Hi, Michael. |
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| Baby Cakes sold ruby red slipper cupcakes. Their flavor options change day by day! |
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| Bartering for tickets is a tradition here! |
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| Look at these Virginia Creepers. |
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| One of the first friends while hiking the Appalachian Trail |
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| Virginia Creepers |
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| The only kind of food I cooked all summer |
We spent 4th of July at the Lands' house on the lake!
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| I ate a Clif Bar on this cliff. |
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| My first southern broil! |
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| I had to |
Zacchaeus, Barrett, and I went to Greenville, South Carolina to see Sam's dress rehearsal and we got gelato and bagels.
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| Go here everything is great and they're open late! |
Some shots from the Virginia Highlands Festival!
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| Home. |
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| I thought olive oil was just olive oil but then I learned. |
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| This was my room this summer. It was the first time I was living somewhere I couldn't have all of my decorations and things, but I managed. |
In the whirlwind of the summer rep I also experienced new things like pimento cheese, which seems to be a huge thing in the south, cheer wine, the magic of southern fireflies, weekly toasts of Jameson, and running to the fear. This was the best summer of my life, and I love and miss my new family at Barter every day. I'll be back soon!
