Kentucky Colonels grant helps Barn Lot Theater improve accessibility
EDMONTON, Ky. – Barn Lot Theater is receiving a boost to its accessibility efforts after being awarded a grant from the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels to replace aging sound equipment.
The funding, awarded through the Kentucky Colonels’ Good Works Program, will allow the Metcalfe County community theater to purchase new actor-worn microphones, transmitters, receivers and cabling, replacing equipment that has become increasingly unreliable after years of use.
Executive Director Kyle Hadley said the improvements will enhance the experience for audience members, particularly older patrons who make up a large portion of the theater’s attendance.
“We constantly have problems with popping and cracking, and the microphones tear up in the show,” Hadley said. “This grant will replace most of our 20 actor-worn microphones and the cables, the transmitters and receivers, and this will just be a better audio experience for our patrons.”
The grant continues a broader effort by Barn Lot Theater to make its historic facility more accessible. Last year, the theater used Kentucky Colonels funding to replace the lobby’s audience entrance and exit doors. Additional improvements have included wheelchair-accessible seating, large-print programs and a concession area renovation designed to improve mobility for guests.
“This is a building that’s over 100 years old, so unfortunately we’re limited on what we can and can’t do improvement-wise,” Hadley said. “But we’ve begun the process the last few years of trying to fix areas that we can.”
Hadley said the theater began placing microphones on actors about five years ago after recognizing that many audience members struggled to hear performances. Roughly 60% of Barn Lot’s patrons are older adults, making clear audio a priority.
The theater also hopes to add assistive hearing devices in the future to further improve accessibility.
“But to make the arts enjoyable for everybody, that’s something we’re conscious about,” Hadley said. “We want people to feel welcome when they come, and we want to make sure you’re getting the same experience as everyone else.”
If installation stays on schedule, the upgraded sound system could be in place for Barn Lot Theater’s production of Harvey, which opens July 30. Theater officials expect the project to be completed by October, in time for the fall production of Wait Until Dark and the remainder of the 2026 season.
