THE STORY
Reported Haunting
The historic Barter Theatre is said to be haunted by former actors who never left the stage. Staff and performers have reported seeing apparitions in period clothing, hearing footsteps backstage, and witnessing doors open without explanation. Many believe the theater's resident spirits continue to enjoy the performances.
Built in 1831 as Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church, the building has also been used as a town hall and a fire hall, which meant that even when it became Barter Theatre, the fire alarm remained on the building, and when the sirens went off during a performance, the actors had to freeze and hold their positions until the alarm finished. The theater is believed to be haunted by two ghosts from its past. One is founder Robert Porterfield, whose apparition has been seen in the audience; the other is a malevolent entity known to chase actors out of their dressing rooms. Another legend here is that of a phantom Confederate soldier. So the tale goes, those to whom he shows his wound will die within 48 hours.