In great anticipation of the world premiere of The Blue-Sky Boys by Deborah Brevoort, Barter is proud to host Astronaut Week at Barter Theatre, June 15 to June 19. Educate and entertain the entire family with an array of engaging activities from a rocket-building contest to lunch (or golf!) with former NASA astronaut, Senator Harrison “Jack” Schmitt, of the Apollo 17 mission. Schmitt was the last person to step foot on the moon. Barter’s 360° Panel discussions will also give unique insight from cast, crew and playwright on the creative process of The Blue-Sky Boys, winner of Barter’s 2009 Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights.

The activities for Astronaut Week at Barter Theatre are as follows:

Lunch with an Astronaut
Tuesday, June 15, 11:45 a.m. – The Barter Café

Join Senator Harrison “Jack” Schmitt as he presents The Legacy of Apollo, a review of the political, cultural, scientific, economic and environmental legacy of the NASA Apollo Program of the 1960’s and 1970’s. A member of the Apollo 17 mission, Senator Schmitt was the twelfth and last astronaut to step foot on the moon. Please RSVP by Monday, June 7, 2010 to 276-619-3315. The cost for this fundraising event to benefit Barter Theatre is $50.

Free Rocket-Building Event (1 of 2 Part Free Event for Children)
Tuesday, June 15, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Barter Theatre’s Porterfield Square

Children of all ages are invited to construct and decorate their very own model rocket. All supplies will be provided. Winners will be selected in age categories as judged by a panel of former NASA engineers and astronaut Harrison “Jack” Schmitt. All participants are invited to launch their rockets at the Rocket-Launching Event at Latture later that week. Call (276) 628-3991 or visit www.bartertheatre.com for more information.

Free Rocket-Launching Event in Abingdon (2 of 2 Part Event for Children)
Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Latture Field

Bring you rocket to Latture Field to launch! Rocket should be able to be retrieved and taken home.

360° Panel and performance of The Blue-Sky Boys
Tuesday, June 15, 7:15 p.m. – Barter Theatre

Barter’s 360° Panels are pre and post show discussions that will provide attendees unique access to the how and why behind Barter Theatre’s production of The Blue Sky-Boys. Join Associate Artistic Director of Barter Nicholas Piper, playwright Deborah Brevoort and The Blue-Sky Boys’ cast as they discuss their experiences taking the play from its first reading at the 2009 Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights to a full-scale Barter production. Free with your ticket purchase. Call (276) 628-3991 for more information.

The Blue-Sky Boys performance
Wednesday, June 16, 2 p.m. – Barter Theatre

Call (276) 628-3991 for more information.

An Evening with an Astronaut: Harrison “Jack” Schmitt at Barter Theatre
Wednesday, June 16, 7:30 p.m. – Barter Theatre

Learn about the Apollo missions from Harrison “Jack” Schmitt, one of the few astronauts to step on the moon. This fun evening is perfect for the whole family with tickets priced at $12 for adults and $10 for children. Call (276) 628-3991 for more information.

Golf and Lunch with Senator Harrison “Jack” Schmitt at The Virginian
Thursday, June 17, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – The Virginian Golf Club

Play golf on one of the region’s finest courses while enjoying the company of Senator Harrison “Jack” Schmitt, astronaut, scientist and author of Return to the Moon. The Senator will float among all teams. Space is limited. Sign up today by making a $250 donation to Barter Theatre. All participants will receive a special gift. Contact Jayne Duehring at (276) 619-3304 or [email protected] for more information.

360° Panel and performance of The Blue-Sky Boys
Friday, June 18, 7:45 p.m. – Barter Theatre

(see description above) Call (276) 628-3991 for more information.

The Blue-Sky Boys performance
Saturday, June 19

8:15 p.m. – Barter Theatre

Call (276) 628-3991 for more information.