If you CARE…please ACT & please SHARE!

 NIVA has been working tirelessly to lobby Congress and let live entertainment supporters know that the situation is serious. With the uncertainty of additional funding at the federal level, we’re asking Governor Evers to help the independent venues of Wisconsin at the state level. If you want the Barrymore around when it’s safe to reopen, then you need to join the petition to allocate a portion of funding the state of Wisconsin received from the CARES Act for a grant that supports live entertainment venues in the state. We can’t express how important this is RIGHT NOW. Click the link below and take 20 seconds to sign the petition.

Sign the Petition to Save Wisconsin’s Venues

To break it down, here are the key points of the request:

• Since live entertainment venues were forced to close in March, many have lost nearly 100% of their revenue. This could last well into 2021.

• Other states are stepping up to allocate funding, with Montana’s efforts being the most impressive—allotting a substantial amount of money through a grant specific to live entertainment venues.

• By calculations from a recent Chicago study that estimated $1 spent at a small venue resulted in $12 of economic activity (dining, coffee, local transportation, hotels, retail, etc.), our state’s venues contribute over a billion dollars to Wisconsin’s economy. 

• if Wisconsin loses its venues, it loses jobs, potential for economic growth and the soul and cultural integrity of the state.

• Of the 2,600 members of NIVA, 90% have stated that they will be forced to close their doors if the shutdown lasts 6 months or more and they do not get meaningful funding.

Our state is suffering right now and, without a doubt, Governor Evers’ is working hard to manage everything impacting Wisconsin. But, you still have the opportunity to support the venues you love. Thank you for continuing to rally for us and all the independent venues that are struggling to stay alive.

It’s a real head-scratcher, folks, but don’t scratch your head!

Barrymore patrons and fans,

We take your health and safety very seriously.  We also care deeply about the health and safety of our staff and the artists that play the Barrymore. We are keeping up with the news and reports from the CDC and our Wisconsin public health officials about COVID-19 and how it may affect our business operations at this time and in the foreseeable future.

We are currently in communication with all of the acts scheduled to play the Barrymore.  Discussions regarding postponement, rescheduling, and cancellation are taking place. Until we are able to announce otherwise, please assume that all Barrymore events may continue as scheduled.  Any postponements, rescheduling of dates, or cancellations will be announced on our website and on social media. We will also be emailing everyone on our eblast list and the ticket holders of each affected show.

Our staff is dedicated to the cleanliness of the venue, and we are now taking extra steps to make sure that the theatre, bathrooms and seats are thoroughly disinfected after each show. 

Please take care of yourselves.  Remember to cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds, avoid touching your face, and above all stay home if you are not feeling well.

Thank you for your continued support!

Steve, Zach, Lucy, and Al

Most shows are general admission. For shows with a Gold Circle ticketing option, Gold Circle seats are considered preferred seating. Gold Circle would be the rows closest to the stage in the center sections (sections 2 and 3). Gold Circle ticket holders are granted early entry (15 minutes before general seating) and may sit anywhere they wish, but those front rows will be blocked off for them. For stand up dancing shows, there is a pit in front of the stage that is open for dancing, and people will be standing at their seats throughout the theatre. If you prefer to sit for a dancing show, we recommend sitting towards the rear of the main floor or in the balcony.

Parking at the Barrymore? It’s a beautiful little piece of the world over here on the near east side of Madison. If there’s one complaint, though, it’s probably parking. You can park in the Barrymore lot for shows, but it tends to fill up fast. There is free street parking throughout the neighborhood. Make sure you’re not blocking a driveway or in a bus stop zone. Our neighbors at the United Way are kind enough to allow our patrons to park in their parking lots after 5:30PM Monday through Friday, and any time on Saturdays and Sundays. Treat those lots and this slice of heaven we call Atwood Avenue with respect, please and thank you!

Become a volunteer usher and see shows for free! That’s right, for most shows we need dedicated, fun-loving volunteer ushers. Give us a little elbow grease and you can check out that awesome show you’ve been wanting to see. Ushers typically need to show up one hour and fifteen minutes before showtime and will be asked to work one of a number of positions: stamping hands, handing out programs, watching exits, seating patrons. At the end of the show we ask that you stay and help us tidy up, picking up cups, popcorn bags, etc. We will even provide you with free water/soft drinks and popcorn! Mmmmmm, real butter. 

Does this sound like it’s right up your alley?? Become a volunteer usher today! Here’s how:

Contact Lucie, our box office manager and volunteer coordinator at 608-241-8864. She can let you know if we have open usher positions for the show of your dreams. What are you waiting for?!?! The sooner you call to volunteer, the more likely we are to have a spot for you.

*No, you don’t have to wear that ridiculous usher outfit. Come as you are (preferably clothed).