On Stage with The Lincoln Theatre
Welcome to "On Stage with The Lincoln Theatre"—your backstage pass to the captivating history and vibrant present of one of America’s most iconic theatres! Step back in time as we explore the rich legacy of The Lincoln Theatre, a majestic Mayan Revival-style venue that first opened its doors in 1929. Nestled in the heart of Marion, Virginia, this cultural landmark has been at the center of entertainment for nearly a century, hosting everything from vaudeville acts and classic films to modern-day concerts and performances.
Join us as we pull back the curtain on the theatre’s fascinating past and dive into its current role as a cultural hub for the region. In each episode, our executive director and charismatic guide, Bob Watkins, takes center stage to share stories of the theatre’s evolution, its unforgettable moments, and the exciting events that keep audiences coming back for more. Whether you're a history buff, a theatre enthusiast, or simply curious about the arts, this podcast promises to entertain, educate, and inspire!
To learn more about The Lincoln Theatre visit:
https://www.thelincoln.org/
The Lincoln Theatre
117 E. Main Street
Marion, Virginia 24354
276-783-6092
Episodes
29 episodes
Hometown Stage, Big Feelings: Meet Loyal Lincoln Theatre Patrons
Meet Rachelle And AnthonyA theatre becomes a heartbeat when people build their weeks around it, and that’s exactly what’s happening at The Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia. We sit down ...
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Episode 29
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6:18
How "Friends Of The Lincoln" Powers Restoration, Performance, And Community
How Does The Friends Of The Lincoln Support The Mission Of The Theatre?A 1929 landmark doesn’t survive on nostalgia alone. We sit down with Executive Director Bob Watkins to unpack how Friends...
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Episode 28
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10:05
Ashley Woolridge Shares How Local Artists And Free Events Keep The Lincoln Thriving
Step through the doors at 117 East Main Street and you’re greeted by the smell of popcorn, a wall of handmade goods, and a century of stories waiting to be told. We bring on Ashley Woolridge—our media coordinator and co-manager of the box offic...
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Episode 27
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11:05
Upcoming Shows You Don't Want To Miss - Meet Comedian Michael Winslow - The Man Of 10k Sound Effects!
History meets human beatbox wizardry as we welcome Michael Winslow to The Lincoln Theatre stage for a fast, funny, and surprisingly practical journey through sound. From Air Force bases and Saturday-mor...
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Episode 26
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18:18
When Inflation Meets Broadway: Keeping Tickets Affordable at The Lincoln Theatre
How Is The Lincoln Theatre Approaching the Economic Inflation's Impact on the Arts?A 1929 showplace doesn’t survive by luck—it survives by smart choices, open books, and a community that shows up. We sit down with executive direct...
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Episode 25
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12:24
Boardroom To Box Office with Suzanne Jennings: Where Civic Duty Meets the Stage
Let's Talk to Board Chair, Suzanne JenningsA historic stage can change a town, and The Lincoln Theatre proves it. We sit down with Board Chair Suzanne Jennings to uncover how a 1929 landma...
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Episode 24
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11:17
From Actor to Electrician: How Lighting Design Transforms Live Performances
Let's Meet Shaly Farmer, Lighting Technician With The Lincoln TheatreWhat happens when the lights go down and the spotlight comes up? Behind every perfectly illuminated performance at The Linc...
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Episode 23
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16:18
Being an Usher at The Lincoln: Flashlights, Friendly Faces, and Fleetwood Mac
What's It Like To Volunteer As An Usher For A Lincoln Show? The curtain rises on a different kind of spotlight in this heartwarming conversation with Mary LeClaire, a dedicated volunteer usher at the historic
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Episode 22
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9:59
From Load-In to Standing Ovation: The Hidden Magic of Show Day
What's It Like Backstage At The Lincoln?Step behind the curtain of Marion, Virginia's historic Lincoln Theatre as Executive Director Bob Watkins reveals what really happens on show day. Th...
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Episode 21
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14:53
The Woman Behind the Curtain: Hannah Combs on Theatre Management and Community Arts
Meet Hannah Combs - House Manager And Director Of Community TheatreHannah Combs is the welcoming smile at the door and the creative force behind The Lincoln Theatre's theatrical heartbeat....
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Episode 20
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14:29
Endowments: Supporting The Lincoln Theatre's Future Beyond a Lifetime
Can I Support The Lincoln With An Endowment And How Does That Work? What happens when your passion for the arts lives beyond your lifetime? In this illuminating conversation, Lincoln Thea...
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Episode 19
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9:53
Community, Creativity, and Culture: The Lincoln Theatre's Impact in Marion
Introducing The Community To The Arts At The LincolnStep into the enchanting world of The Lincoln Theatre, where history meets artistry in the heart of Marion, Virginia. Our latest e...
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Episode 18
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9:42
Show Day Secrets: The Hidden Magic of The Lincoln Theatre
Lights, Camera, Action: Performance Day At The Lincoln!The curtain rises on a magical performance, and the audience is captivated—but what happens in the 13 hours before that moment? Bob Watkins, Executive Director of the historic...
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Episode 17
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9:42
The Lincoln's Lifeline: How Community Support Fuels a Historic Theatre
What Is Friends Of The Lincoln And What Impact Does It Have On The Organization?The curtain rises on a story of community dedication as Bob Watkins, Executive Director of the historic Lincoln ...
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Episode 16
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8:01
Stage Left: The Unexpected Ways A Historic Theatre Raises The Next Generation
How Does The Lincoln Theatre Collaborate With Local Non-profits And Community Organizations To Support Their Mission? Step behind the curtain of Marion, Virginia's historic Lincoln Theatre as Executive Director Bob Watkins re...
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Episode 15
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7:07
The Lincoln Theatre: Where Magic Meets Meticulous Planning
What Is A Day In The Life Of The Lincoln Theatre Like In The Preparation For A Performance? What really happens before the applause begins at a historic theatre? In this revealing conversation with The Lincoln Theatre's Execu...
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Episode 14
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8:47
How the Historic Lincoln Theatre Fuels Marion's Growth and Tourism
What Impact Does The Lincoln Theatre Have On Economic Development In Marion, VA?The Lincoln Theatre doesn't merely preserve history—it actively shapes the economic future of Marion, Virginia. With nearly 18,000 visitors annually t...
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Episode 13
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6:31
Film Freaks: Exploring Cinema Beyond the Mainstream at The Lincoln Theatre
Meet Kate Aanerud, Film Curator With The LincolnKate Annerud believes everyone deserves a film school education—even if they've never stepped foot on a college campus. At The Lincoln Theatre's increasingly popular
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Episode 12
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13:19
Driving Regional Growth: Bob Watkins on Transforming The Lincoln Theatre into a Tourism Magnet
How Does The Lincoln Theatre Contribute To Regional Tourism In Smith County, VA?Want to learn about boosting regional tourism and economic vitality in Marion, Virginia? Join us as we chat with Bob Watkins, the executive director o...
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Episode 11
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8:22
The Revitalization & Reimagination of The Lincoln Theatre
Are There Any Plans To Expand The Types Of Performances To Live Theatre?What if a piece of history could transform into the heartbeat of a community? Join us as we chat with Bob Watkins, the dedicated executive director of The Lin...
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Episode 10
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6:49
Fusing Tradition with Today's Entertainment at The Lincoln Theatre
What Is The Lincoln Theatre Doing To Try And Bring Back Some Of That Magic From The 30s And 40s?Bob Watkins, the executive director of The Lincoln Theatre, takes us on a mesmerizing journey into the heart of Marion, Virginia’s ch...
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Episode 9
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6:57
Tim White Introduces the Song of the Mountains
Meet Tim White, Executive Coordinator of the Song of The MountainsEmbark on a musical journey through the heart of Appalachian traditions with our special guest, Tim White, executive coordinator of the renowned series,
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Episode 8
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12:22
Exploring the Creative Pulse of The Lincoln Theatre's Programming
How Do You Book Shows/Entertainment Talent At The Lincoln Theatre?How do you turn a historic venue into a modern-day cultural hub? Discover the secrets behind The Lincoln Theatre's eclectic lineup with Bob Watkins, the theatre's ...
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Episode 7
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7:06
Adapting to Change: Bob Watkins on the Future of Live Theatre at The Lincoln
What Are The Biggest Challenges Facing Performance Halls Today?Discover the art of adaptation in the world of live theatre with our special guest, Executive Director Bob Watkins, who shares his invaluable insights on the evolving...
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Episode 6
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7:17