Paying triple for seats because you clicked the wrong “official” link is a gut punch, and it’s happening more than people realize. We sit down with Ashley Woolridge, marketing manager at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia, to explain how third-party ticket resellers create confusion for patrons and what you can do to buy tickets safely and confidently.

From there, we zoom out to the real work of nonprofit theatre marketing in a small town. Ashley walks us through her path from box office to leading marketing efforts, and why there’s no such thing as a typical day. We talk artist coordination, building promo content when performers don’t have polished materials, writing press releases, running ticket giveaways, and shaping social media so audiences know what kind of night they’re walking into.

We also dig into the bigger strategy questions: how do you market events beyond the venue’s “live music” reputation, like magic shows or theatrical performances, without wasting ad spend? And how do community partnerships change what success looks like, especially when events support multiple local nonprofits, like The Lincoln’s Juneteenth programming connected to Martin Luther King Jr.’s most notable speeches? Ashley shares why communication is the hidden engine behind every great show, and how patron feedback and performer recommendations can directly influence bookings.

If you care about historic theatres, Marion Virginia events, nonprofit arts, or simply want a better night out without ticketing surprises, hit play. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves live shows, and leave us a review with the best performance you’ve ever seen at the Lincoln.

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

Sponsorship sounds simple until you ask the real question: what does a business actually get, and what does a community venue actually need? We sit down with Bob Watkins, Executive Director of The Lincoln Theatre to talk through how corporate partnerships keep a historic performing arts theatre thriving in Marion, Virginia and why the return is bigger than a logo on a flyer.

We dig into the practical benefits of arts sponsorship, including sponsor recognition on promotional materials, ads, and a pre-show video that runs before every performance. Bob explains how show sponsorship lowers the cost of booking talent, improves the theatre’s ability to reinvest in future events, and expands awareness since many ticket buyers travel in from outside the area. You’ll also hear real examples of impact, like the upgraded LED marquee downtown and how major annual support can help stabilize end-of-year finances.

Then we zoom out to community fundraising and access. Bob shares a new program built for schools, churches, and nonprofits: special ticket codes that reimburse $5 per ticket back to the organization, turning a night at the theatre into a win for local groups and a win for the arts. We also cover sponsorship tiers for different business sizes plus “sweat equity” options for anyone who can give time and labor instead of cash. 

If you care about live entertainment, community pride, and keeping a landmark venue strong, subscribe, share this with a business owner or group leader, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

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

What Performance /Show Plans Does The Lincoln Have In Store For 2026?

A year of packed nights is taking shape at The Lincoln Theatre, and we’re pulling back the curtain on everything from roots music to rock spectacles. With Executive Director Bob Watkins at the table, we chart how Song of the Mountains enters its twenty-second year while opening the door to a wider Americana sound. Carlene Carter sets the tone, Yonder Mountain String Band locks in a June date, and we’re chasing a roster that keeps the bluegrass flame burning while inviting new listeners to come discover the artistry on our historic stage.

If you love the thrill of tribute done right, this lineup is your playground. We preview a run that recreates the feel and fidelity of the greats: Lynyrd Skynyrd with Second Helping, Fleetwood Mac with The Chain, ACDC with Big Guns, and a high-voltage Tom Petty and ZZ Top one-two punch. Then we go deeper with The Ultimate Doors, complete with 1967 gear, a Morrison doppelgänger, and poetry breaks that turn a concert into theatre. The sound, the swagger, the details—this is music history you can feel from the front row.

National acts and feel-good harmonies round out the season. Guy Penrod brings powerhouse vocals to a marquee June date, while the Kingdom Heirs return with the gospel energy that lights up the room. We talk through additional targets like Gene Watson, Deana Carter, and Rhonda Vincent, and why voices that can command an intimate hall make The Lincoln a perfect fit. The calendar stretches further with comedy and variety—Mark Nizer’s 4D laser-juggling spectacle, Andy Gross’s illusions and punchlines, Killer Beaz teaming up with Moonshiners for a post-show Q&A, and AGT favorite Chris Funk blending magic with music.

Film is back in a big way, too. The slate is pairing classics like Casablanca and Rebel Without a Cause with ‘80s and ‘90s cult favorites including The Breakfast Club, Labyrinth, and The Goonies. We spotlight Film Freaks, a free series that teaches directing, camera language, and scoring before a communal screening and chat, plus Golden Oldies, a monthly free matinee for seniors that turns nostalgia into a shared ritual. And yes, we’re plotting a New Year’s Eve blowout with fan-favorite tributes, Main Street food trucks, local restaurant tie-ins, and a buzzing balcony speakeasy.

Want to lock in your night out? Head online for dates and tickets, share this episode with a friend who needs a plan, and leave us a review to help more people find the show. Your seat is waiting under The Lincoln marquee—see you there.

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

What Is Freaks At The Lincoln?

Step into a 1929 Mayan Revival landmark and settle in for a night where cinema turns into conversation. We’re pulling back the curtain on Film Freaks at The Lincoln, our free, monthly program that blends a sharp, 20-minute primer on film history with a top secret screening and an energetic talkback. Curator Katelin Aanerud joins us to map the 2026 slate and explain how a historic theatre, a curious crowd, and bold programming can turn a simple movie night into a shared discovery.

We kick off with midnight movies and cult classics, tracing how late-night rituals built communities around transgression, camp, and catharsis. Expect nods to Rocky Horror and Pink Flamingos, then a surprise 80s British comedy to test how humor ages across eras. From there, we jump to science fiction’s tech prophecies—virtual reality in the 90s, the dream of ubiquitous screens, and the uneasy edge where immersion blurs identity. Katelin shares why revisiting analog visions of the future helps us think clearly about today’s AR, haptics, and algorithmic feeds.

We also dig into adaptations and authorship: what fidelity really means, how directors translate voice and structure, and when a film redefines a book in public memory. Along the way, you’ll hear how we choose titles you rarely catch on the big screen, why audience questions shape each discussion, and how patrons will help steer topics later this year. If you love movies, arguments, and the rush of seeing something new with a roomful of strangers, this is your seat.

Admission is free, the popcorn is flowing, and the doors are open. Subscribe, share this episode with a film-loving friend, and leave a review to tell us which adaptation or cult classic we should tackle next.

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

Meet Rachelle And Anthony

A 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 with two loyal patrons who call the venue the town’s crown jewel and unpack why this 1929 landmark still pulls a crowd for films, concerts, and community moments that matter. Their stories move from a childhood horror screening that left a lasting mark to the joy of watching Animal House on a towering screen after countless living room rewatches, showing how nostalgia feels different when the room laughs with you.

We dive into the power of tribute shows—Fleetwood Mac favorites like Landslide and the enduring pull of Free Bird—where great bands meet familiar songs and an entire audience sings in unison. That blend of memory and mastery is where local stages shine, turning well-loved albums into live, shared experiences. We also highlight the volunteers and staff who make it all work, from ushers with flashlights guiding newcomers to the reliable rituals of favorite seats and friendly greetings that turn first-time visitors into regulars.

Song of the Mountains gets a special spotlight, as our guests talk about attending the PBS-taped bluegrass and Americana series in person and then catching episodes later at home. A monthly cadence brings rhythm to town life while giving artists a storied stage and audiences a trusted way to discover new acts rooted in the region. If you’re planning a visit or live nearby, thelincoln.org is your best friend for schedules and a short, engaging history that brings The Lincoln’s legacy to life. Join us for a conversation about why local theatres endure, how they bind neighbors together, and what it takes to keep that marquee glowing on Main Street. If you enjoyed this, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—what show would you love to see at The Lincoln next?

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

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 of The Lincoln turns community pride into real-world results: funded performances, a refreshed green room, named seats that carry family stories forward, and the big-ticket operations that keep audiences comfortable. The Lincoln Theatre’s Mayan Revival architecture sets the mood, but careful stewardship—right down to period-appropriate carpet and paint—protects the soul.

Bob explains how the Friends program channels donations straight into impact, from underwriting shows to replacing aging HVAC units across three zones. Numbers matter here: with each unit estimated at $50,000 to $75,000, the theatre blends member contributions with corporate sponsorships and regional grants to close the gap. Supporters get more than a thank-you; they earn recognition on the website, early access to new releases, and the satisfaction of earmarking gifts for projects they care about most. Volunteers amplify the mission as ushers and event helpers, proving that time is as valuable as funding.

What makes this model work is transparency and ownership. Patrons can donate anonymously or by card at Thelincoln.org, designate funds for specific upgrades, and even dedicate a seat to a loved one. That personal tie deepens community engagement and keeps the venue buzzing with life. If you care about preserving local culture while elevating the live experience for artists and audiences, this conversation lays out a practical roadmap—one project at a time, one memory at a time, one great night at a time.

Enjoyed the conversation and want to help keep the arts alive? Subscribe, share with a friend who loves historic theatres, and leave a review. Ready to pitch in or volunteer? Visit thelincoln.org and tell us where you’d like your support to make a difference.

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

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 office and gift shop—to share how a 1929 movie palace transformed into a living hub for artists, audiences, and neighbors. From original projectors to modern programming, The Lincoln Theatre thrives by pairing preservation with participation.

Ashley traces her path from a high school job shadow to a frontline role shaping community access. She walks us through the artist-friendly consignment program that features around 45 local makers within a 30-mile radius, selling crochet, ceramics, woodworking, leather, letterpress, soaps, candles, and more. No rental fees, just a simple 20 percent split that supports the theater while lowering barriers for first-time sellers. It’s a micro-incubator disguised as a gift shop—one that turns browsing before a show into real support for local craft.

We also dive into free, accessible programming like the Golden Oldies film series, staged the second Tuesday at 11 a.m. The series connects audiences who might skip evening events and creates new routes into the arts. Ashley shares how we honored muralist Lola Poston—whose six works define our space—with a birthday screening of a 1929 female-directed film, family photos, and a mirror-drawing table inspired by Lola’s early practice. These small, hands-on moments turn a theater visit into a shared memory, strengthening the ties between history and the people who keep it alive.

If you care about creative economies, local businesses, and the future of small-town culture, this conversation offers a practical playbook: open the doors wide, showcase handmade work, make events easy to attend, and link every program to the stories that built the place. Subscribe for more stories from the stage, share this episode with a friend who loves local art, and leave a review to help others find the show.

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

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-morning cartoons to Gong Show grit and improv-driven film sets, Michael unpacks how a life of listening turned into a career of storytelling. His method isn’t just about clever effects; it’s a blueprint for focus, rhythm, and attention—how sound directs what we see, what we feel, and what we remember.

We dig into the craft behind the chaos: storyboards over scripts, third-take precision, and why audio is the spine of any scene. Creators get a toolkit they can use today—treat your phone like a studio, invest in a simple plug-in microphone, and let story outrun gear. Michael’s examples span Police Academy, Spaceballs, and a nod to “This Is America,” illustrating how foreground and background cues steer the audience’s eye. When sound locks in, even a broken camera can deliver a hit.

Then comes the live tease: a “sound wall” that blends comedy, crowd play, and music nods to Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Snoop, and Gorillaz. Sometimes a drummer joins, sometimes it’s pure voice, always it’s about building pictures in the mind. We also get candid about filming rules, licensing, and the rising risk of AI misuse—why selfies are welcome but full recordings aren’t, and how artists can protect their work without shutting fans out. Offstage, Michael champions meet-and-greets and a simple charity jar to funnel energy back into local hospitals and shelters.

Come for the laughs, leave with a sharper ear and a stronger toolkit. Grab tickets at Thelincoln.org, follow Michael on Instagram for “Winslow TV” surprises, and if this conversation sparked a new idea, share it with a friend. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what’s the one sound you can’t forget?

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

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 director Bob Watkins to unpack how The Lincoln Theatre is meeting inflation head-on while keeping tickets within reach and the calendar full of can’t-miss performances.

We start with the financial reality behind the curtain: touring costs have climbed, and those increases traditionally land on venues through high guarantees. Bob explains how we’re shifting to gate splits that share risk and reward with artists—often a 70–30 split after expenses—so no one sinks when sales soften. That model lets us set fairer ticket prices, grow audiences, and still cover the real costs of bringing world-class talent to a small town. It’s a practical framework grounded in trust, transparency, and the belief that live arts should be accessible even when budgets tighten.

Because the Lincoln is a nonprofit stewarding a 1929 building, we also get into the unglamorous expenses that never make the poster—HVAC failures, repair spikes, and the capital needs of a historic venue. Community support through Friends of the Lincoln, fundraisers, and local partnerships helps us bridge the gap without passing every cost to patrons. And yes, there’s plenty to look forward to: Ozark Jubilee brings Branson cheer and a veterans salute, Jimmy Fortune lights up downtown and our stage, and The Isaacs close the season with harmony and heart. With tickets typically around $29–$40, the value speaks for itself.

If you care about keeping the arts vibrant, this conversation shows exactly how venues and audiences can work together to make it happen. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who loves live music, and leave a review with the show you’re most excited to see. Then grab your seats at thelincoln.org and we’ll save you a spot.

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

Let's Talk to Board Chair, Suzanne Jennings

A 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 landmark found new life in 2006—and why careful governance, relentless fundraising, and genuine hospitality keep it vibrant today. From the first capital campaign to a steady stream of returning patrons, Suzanne shares the choices, people, and values that turned a restoration into a regional cultural draw.

We talk through the nuts and bolts of arts leadership: what a committed board actually does, how a business-focused executive director strengthens operations, and why attendance, accountability, and donor trust matter as much as the performances themselves. Suzanne explains the criteria for joining the board—community service, reliability, and an understanding of the theatre’s civic role—while offering a realistic view of fundraising, event support, and the everyday work that keeps lights on and seats filled.

Beyond the curtain, the Lincoln has become a catalyst for downtown Marion. A restored hotel, new restaurants, and growing small businesses now thrive alongside a venue that welcomes patrons with popcorn, a friendly bar, and ushers who set the tone for a great night out. It’s the kind of hospitality that turns first-time visitors into regulars, and regulars into champions. If you’ve ever wondered how historic preservation, live entertainment, and local economy intersect, this story is your blueprint—and your invitation.

Love conversations about arts leadership, historic theatres, and community impact? Follow the show, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review to help more people discover The Lincoln Theatre’s story.

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