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2018 SESSION

18104041D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 224
Offered February 6, 2018
Commending Richard Rose.
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Patrons-- O'Quinn and Pillion; Senators: Carrico, Chafin and Stanley
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WHEREAS, for 25 years, Richard Rose has delighted audiences and won nationwide recognition while serving as producing artistic director at Barter Theatre in Abingdon; and

WHEREAS, a native of Lena, Wisconsin, Richard “Rick” Rose earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Norbert College and a master of fine arts degree from the University of California, Davis; he then did post-graduate work at New York University; and

WHEREAS, in 1992, Rick Rose relocated to Abingdon and took over as producing artistic director of the town’s historic Barter Theatre; founded in 1933 during the Great Depression, Barter Theatre takes its name from its early practice of allowing farmers to trade produce for tickets and was designated the State Theatre of Virginia in 1946; and

WHEREAS, under Rick Rose’s bold leadership, Barter Theatre has experienced tremendous growth; its attendance has quadrupled, it has introduced new cultural and educational programs, and it has forged close connections with the community; and

WHEREAS, a prolific stage director and writer, Rick Rose has overseen a diverse program at the Barter Theatre which includes productions of comedies, musicals, and dramas; he has won acclaim for his original adaptations of works such as It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, and Frankenstein; and

WHEREAS, Rick Rose’s leadership and vision have helped make Barter Theatre one of the most innovative and successful repertory theaters in the nation; it currently produces shows year-round on two stages and draws over 160,000 visitors annually; and

WHEREAS, Rick Rose has brought his talents to a number of state and regional boards, including the tourism committee of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, in 2012, Rick Rose was presented with the Abingdon Town Council’s Arthur Campbell Community Service Award in recognition of his long and influential career in the arts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Richard Rose on 25 years of distinguished service to Barter Theatre and the Abingdon community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Richard Rose as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his commitment to maintaining the vitality of the arts in the Commonwealth.