Saturday, June 20, 2009

LINCOLN TV Commercial

For those who haven't seen our LINCOLN commercial here is your chance!

Friday, June 12, 2009

Pictures from final dress rehearsal!

Here are pictures of the pre-show activities and final dress rehearsal! Check back soon for pictures of opening night!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Pictures from first dress rehearsal!

Here are some new pictures of our t-shirts, merchandise, and our first full dress rehearsal!

Monday, June 8, 2009

Almost there!

Here are some updates on the museum exhibit, as well as our hard working costume crew!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

LINCOLN Set Progress

As you can see, there has been great progress on the set and lights ... here are some pictures of the lighting system being installed!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

LINCOLN Set Installation

Here's a photo slideshow of the LINCOLN set installation. They are making great progress. I think it changes on an hourly basis!

What's this ...?

When I walked out the door a few days ago and saw this interesting arrangement, I couldn't resist snapping a shot.



A new way to eat your lunch? No, that can't be it. How would you keep your drink from spilling?

Perhaps, a new element that goes with our LINCOLN pre-show ... some type of frontier shelter? Hmmm ... that's not it either.

And then it hit me ... obviously the Lincoln State Park staff had pressure washed the picnic area (squeaky clean) and I suppose this is the best way to stack those babies! Who knew?

Monday, April 27, 2009

New York, New York!

This morning our executive producer, Steve, took off for New York. Hudson Scenic in New York is in the final stages of constructing our set for LINCOLN. Steve is there with our scenic designer and they going to work out all the kinks and then the set will be on it's way here!

Here's a slideshow of images from the design of the set. I'll send more once I have updated photos from Steve's trip. Maybe I'll even upload a video or two!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Lincoln Exhibit Slideshow

Below is a image slideshow of our new Lincoln exhibit.

As they say ... we've come a long way baby!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Volunteer Party!

Last Friday we held a volunteer party. It was an opportunity for those who have expressed interest in being a volunteer for LINCOLN to ask some questions about duties and eat some yummy food!

We had quite a turn out ... lots of people interested in volunteering their time for such a fun project! We are searching for folks that could be ushers, parking attendants, ticket takers, concession workers and so on. If you're interested contact Eric Altheide, our managing director, by emailing him at eric@lincolnamphitheatre.com or by calling 800-264-4223. We can always use a few more good soldier!

Here's a snapshot of LINCOLN'S Army!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Drumroll please ...

We've announced our creative staff for LINCOLN! They're an impressive team of individuals that have Broadway creditentials and Hollywood experience.

So I won't keep you waiting ...

Eric Renschler, Scenic Designer, worked on Broadway for two decades. His Broadway designs include As Long As You Both Shall Laugh, followed by a national tour and PBS special, and Mamaloshen. His off-Broadway credits include designs at the New York Shakespeare Festival, Circle Repertory Company, Pan-Asian Repertory Theatre, Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre, and the Julliard School. As an associate of designer John Lee Beatty, Renschler was involved in over 40 Broadway productions and tours, including The Color Purple, Chicago, Doubt, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and Footloose. He resides in Evansville, Indiana, where he is Assistant Professor of Design at the University of Evansville.

Michael Nevitt, Lighting and Projection Designer, served as the theatrical lighting designer for the motion pictures The Grinch and Flinstones in Viva Rock Vegas and the programmer for Miss Congeniality and Batman & Robin. He was resident lighting designer for 13 seasons at the Hope Summer Repertory Theatre in Holland, Michigan, where he designed scenery and lighting for over 40 theatrical productions. In addition he has been involved with hundreds of theatre, concert tours, television and live-event productions, including the Salt Lake Olympics, Superbowl Half-time show, Deal or No Deal and the Ryder Cup Opening Ceremonies. Nevitt resides in Georgetown, Indiana.

Brad Berridge, Sound Designer, began his career at Lincoln Amphitheatre in 1996 working on the musical Young Abe Lincoln. Recent credits include This Wonderful Life and To Kill A Mockingbird at Barrington Stage Company in Massachusetts; Sam Shepard’s Suicide in B Flat with the Williams College Summer Theatre Lab; Rewind: A Cantana for Voice, Tape, and Testimony at the 62 Center for Theatre and Dance, an opera giving a theatrical voice to South African victims of Apartheid. He was also the resident sound designer for Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana for four years. Originally from Newburgh, Indiana, Berridge resides in western Massachusetts.

Jenny Kenyon, Costume Designer, has created designs for the WPA Theatre and the Duplex Cabaret in New York City. She served as assistant costume coordinator for four Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectaculars. Kenyon has been the recipient of the KC/ACTF Certificate of Merit for costume design for her work in The Little Humpback Horse, Jekyll & Hyde, and Lion in Winter. She resides in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

Quite an impressive list huh? As I get designs and early sketches from them I will posted the photos here.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

We're on the lookout ...

... for our Young Lincoln! We're searching for a young gent that can portray a young version of Mr. Lincoln.

Here's the scoop:
  • Must be available from May 16 - August 15; rehearsal schedule will be discussed during auditions.
  • Must be able to portray an age range of 7 - 14.
  • If a resume and cover letter are available please bring them to the audition.
  • All participants must arrive at 7:00 p.m. CDT.
  • Participants are asked to please prepare and memorize a short monologue for the audition.
The auditions will be held at 7:00 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, April 21, at Heritage Hills High School in Lincoln City, Indiana.

If you've got questions just call us at 1-800-264-4223 ... or shoot an email to info@lincolnamphitheatre.com.

Monday, April 6, 2009

'Lincoln Life Experience' Exhibit

Thought you'd enjoy this video of Eric Altheide, our managing director, giving you a virtual tour of our new 'Lincoln Life Experience' exhibit.

It is a walk-through exhibit that is located in the old gift shop. The exhibit provides a reflection of Lincoln's life. Using his own words and visuals it presents Lincoln's self reflections on his life and presidency.

Enjoy!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Our Adorable Artist

Yesterday Judy, our muralist, got some help from a little artist.

Eric's sister-in-law, Kimberly, has been helping Judy paint the mural scenes in the exhibit. Yesterday she brought along her daughter, who by the way is adorable! Her name is Aylee and she kept busy by painting her own little mural for us.

I think the elephant is precious. If we could figure out an elephant and Lincoln tie for the exhibit I think we'd almost have to leave it in there.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Lincoln Exhibit Mural

We now have an artist that is painting murals in the Lincoln Exhibit.

Ms. Judy Powers is from Mt. Vernon and she's a wonderful artist. I was privileged enough to see some of her previous works of art. She painted a lovely mural at the Western Ribeye in Evansville, Indiana. You may check out some of the murals she's painted on her website.

We've asked Judy to paint a battlefield scene, as well as a scene that will be located in the portion of the exhibit that contains President Lincoln's office. It is a view from the window over his desk of the Lincoln monument being constructed.

Below is a snapshot of what Judy has painted so far on the battlefield scene.

So Judy doesn't have to drive back and forth all the way to Mt. Vernon she's been bunking with Melissa at our visitors bureau. I think she's been cooking dinner too! What a sweet deal!

I'll keep you updated with new photos of the murals as it progresses come along!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

HH Conference

Today and tomorrow Crystal, from the Spencer County VB, and I are attending the Hoosier Hospitality Conference in Indianapolis.

So far today my seminars have been great; very helpful. A lot of the seminars this year are focused on social media and tech trends. Right up my alley!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Have A Seat

Since it was nice today I spent a little time outside snapping some scenic shots. While I was up by the theater itself I noticed a tree that had been damaged during the ice storm.

It looked unique so I had to snap a picture and share!




It cracked from the weight of the ice and the limb had to be removed.

Where they cut the limb it makes it look a little like a seat. Don't you think? So maybe it isn't super comfy, but Abe roughed it ... we can too right?

Friday, March 13, 2009

How about we put it here?

"Let's see ... I think we should put that here. Or wait ... what do you think?"

I can't help teasing the guys that work on the exhibit. They laughed because today is the first time they say they've not seen me in high heels.

No offers to help ... whew!



This is the wall in the Lincoln Exhibit that you see on your left as you enter. I think it looks nice; they're moving along smoothly. I'm pretty thrilled that I didn't have to help with the chinking ... that stuff can get messy. And it is hard to remove from your hair; trust me, I know.


That lovely thing he's holding is a nail gun. I didn't get too close in case they weren't fans of me taking pictures. I'd say they're used to me darting in and out by now.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Before and After

This morning when I arrived the lovely gents that are upgrading the electric at the amphitheatre were removing the cluster of sound equipment that was suspended above the stage.

Before the cluster was removed I grabbed the camera and took a few before and after shots.

Before


After


And then they ride off into the sunset on the Genie S-85!!
Okay, so maybe it isn't the sunset, but still.



That Genie looks like a fun ride!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Still hard at work ...

The lovely gents working on the Lincoln exhibit are still hard at work. I think they've been here every day this week. So far they've only had one small problem with the furnace dying ... which was repaired and now they're back at it. Hanging drywall and mudding.

I tiptoed around and snapped a quick photo.


Bob jokingly asked if I planned to help ... high heels and all. Unfortunately I'd left my tool belt at home. Maybe next time.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Set Design Explanation

A sneak peek video of our set design! Our artistic director, Scott, explains how the design will function and what makes it so unique.

Fun!!


Thursday, February 26, 2009

And so it begins ...

Construction on our Lincoln exhibit has started!

Now that you've seen the model of the exhibit you can see the progress of the construction ...



More photos to come as I snap them!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Lincoln Exhibit

Eric, our managing director, has been working very hard the past few months sketching and researching for the Lincoln exhibit that we'll have here at the amphitheatre. Just another piece of our 'Lincoln Experience.'

After lots of research and tiny little props he has designed a model of the exhibit. It looks like it was fun to build ... here are some photos.



Maybe he'll start building dollhouses now that he's used to working with the tiny little furniture and pieces.

Pittsburgh, PA!

Just returned from Pittsburgh on Sunday and am finally back to work. I attended the Heartland Travel Showcase with Crystal from the Visitors Bureau Thursday through Sunday of last week. It was a great trip; we met with 40 tour operators!

And of course we took some photos as well. Enjoy!


Crystal at our lovely booth.


Luck o' the Irish


And we even made a new Pittsburgh friend! Although he didn't like it much when Crystal yelled, "GO COLTS!"


Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Adorable...

These were too cute ... I had to post them.

A few photos from the Lincoln Birthday celebration at the Indiana statehouse. We took a Lincoln stovepipe hat and a coon skin hat. They were pretty popular!


Too adorable for words.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Do you YouTube?

Our search for the actor that will portray Abraham Lincoln in LINCOLN has a fun, modern twist.

In honor of our search for Mr. Lincoln, and his 200th birthday today, we are inviting anyone with a video camera to participate by posting a dramatic or gently humorous rendition of the Gettysburg Address to YouTube. Once you posted the video email the video's link to info@lincolnamphitheatre.com for review. The videos will then be posted on our YouTube "channel."

The deadline for video submission is Thursday, February 26. YouTube users may rate their favorite LINCOLN videos up to March 5, when we will announce the winner. The lucky winner will receive two free tickets to the production of LINCOLN and four free tickets to Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, which is only five miles from Lincoln Amphitheatre.

Our YouTube channel is located here. Have fun and be creative!!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Indy Bound

I'm Indy bound this morning on my way to the Lincoln birthday celebration at the statehouse in Indianapolis.

Melissa and Lauren from the Spencer County CVB are also here with me. Lincoln Amphitheatre will have an informational booth at the celebration along with a display from the flatboat trip and the booth from the visitors bureau.

If you're in the area ... the celebration will begin at 10:00 a.m. EST and end around 2:00 p.m. View the event program and read about other bicentennial events here.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Cincinnati Enquirer

An article about our playwright Ken Jones and the production of LINCOLN was in the Cincinnati Enquirer today.

View the complete article here.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Good ole USA ...

USA Today wrote a story that included the amphitheatre, along with other Spencer County Lincoln sites.

Click here to read the full article.

USA Today has a circulation of about 2.93 million copies! Go Spencer County!!

We're on Broadway!

BroadwayWorld.com that is.

The script of 'LINCOLN' has received endorsements from the national and state Lincoln Bicentennial Commissions.

Get the full article here.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Are you theatrical?

Are you a drama student or actor that is looking for a new theatrical experience? If so ... we can help! You should audition to become part of the LINCOLN cast. Auditions for LINCOLN are starting this month at various locations.

Here's the scoop:
  • UPTA Auditions: February 6 - 9, Playhouse on the Square, Memphis, Tennessee. www.upta.org
  • Evansville Auditions: February 14, Civic Theatre Annex inside Washington Square Mall, Evansville, Indiana, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm CST.
  • Chicago Auditions: February 14, Palmer House Hotel, Chicago, Illinois.
  • MWTA Auditions: February 20 - 22, Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri. www.webster.edu/depts/finearts/theatre/mwta
  • SETC Auditions: March 4 - 8, Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center, Birmingham, Alabama. www.setc.org
Actors interested in auditioning should be prepared to present one contemporary monologue (comedy or serious) and a Broadway song. A CD player will be provided; however, actors must provide their own accompaniment.

We are searching for a cast of approximately 25 actors, male and female, ages 18 - 50, that will play multiple roles. Actors should prepare a one-page resume listing education, training and experience. The production of LINCOLN will include period music, but will not be a musical. For more information, or to register, please contact Steve Wright at 425-736-4380 or R. Scott Lank at 812-488-2860.

Good luck and break a leg!

Monday, January 19, 2009

A good report

I've heard really good reports from the Chamber dinner last week! Good company, good food and Lincoln! I mean, really ... what more can you ask for?

I have to thank our artistic director, Scott, and the actors who took time from their busy schedule to help us out with the readings. Greatly appreciated. It was just the sneak peek of LINCOLN that everyone needed. Enough to intrigue them ... but not too much; hopefully it left them wanting more!

When Spencer County does Lincoln ... we do it right!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

My, aren't you the lucky ones ...

The guests at the Spencer County Regional Chamber of Commerce annual dinner will have a special treat tonight. That's because they will get a "sneak peek" of our new production, LINCOLN.

We'll have three readings at various points throughout the program. The lucky dogs that are attending will be the first to witness a live reading of selected scenes from the production. So far only our Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association Board has been privledged enough to have a live reading.

Lucky indeed.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Lincoln Bicentennial Celebrations

The amphitheatre was recently included in an article about the various Lincoln Bicentennial celebrations. The article includes Lincoln sites in Indiana, where Abe spent his formative years.

To read the complete article and view pictures, just head over here.

Is it the water?

Must be something in the water. Last week I spoke to five tour groups. Woo hoo! No complaints here. I don't care if it is something in the water ... I hope they keep drinking it!

The size of the amphitheatre, 1,500 seats, makes it easy to host groups of any size. So if you're a tour operator or a group leader looking for a mystery trip or a Lincoln Bicentennial trip ... what better place than Lincoln's boyhood home? Just call us at 1-800-264-4223 or send an email to info@lincolnamphitheatre.com and we'll set you up!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

A Dusting

We have just a little dusting of snow here at the amphitheatre this morning. It's lovely ... just the type of snow that I like. The kind that is on the grass and trees, but not the road. Much safer that way.

I'm glad to see that the State Park staff is not working any of the roofing today. That might have made for an interesting sight. I'm sure we'd have seen something that looked a little like snowboarding down the roofing ... Shaun White style.

Friday, January 2, 2009

One Cool Photo

Remember a few posts ago when I talked about how cool the town of Lincoln City is and the website that is featuring some of America's Coolest Town?

An aerial photo of the amphitheatre was chosen to feature on the "Coolest Small Towns" page of that website! Have a look!

By the way ... did you post a comment about how cool you think Lincoln City is?