A. Lincoln Blog

LINCOLN TV Commercial

2009-06-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

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

Pictures from final dress rehearsal!

2009-06-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

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

Pictures from first dress rehearsal!

2009-06-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

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

Almost there!

2009-06-08T13:05:00.000-07:00

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

LINCOLN Set Progress

2009-05-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

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

LINCOLN Set Installation

2009-05-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

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 ...?

2009-05-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

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?

New York, New York!

2009-04-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

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!

Lincoln Exhibit Slideshow

2009-04-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

Below is a image slideshow of our new Lincoln exhibit.

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

Volunteer Party!

2009-04-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

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!

Drumroll please ...

2009-04-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

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.

We're on the lookout ...

2009-04-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

... 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.

'Lincoln Life Experience' Exhibit

2009-04-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

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!

Our Adorable Artist

2009-03-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

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.

Lincoln Exhibit Mural

2009-03-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

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!

HH Conference

2009-03-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

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!

Have A Seat

2009-03-16T15:03:00.000-07:00

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?

How about we put it here?

2009-03-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

"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.

Before and After

2009-03-10T07:31:00.001-07:00

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!

Still hard at work ...

2009-03-05T13:27:00.000-08:00

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.

Set Design Explanation

2009-02-27T13:42:00.000-08:00

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!!

And so it begins ...

2009-02-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

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!

Lincoln Exhibit

2009-02-24T13:40:00.001-08:00

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!

2009-02-24T07:04:00.000-08:00

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!"

Adorable...

2009-02-18T11:36:00.001-08:00

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.

Do you YouTube?

2009-02-12T04:34:00.000-08:00

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!!

Indy Bound

2009-02-11T09:51:00.000-08:00

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.

Cincinnati Enquirer

2009-02-08T15:45:00.000-08:00

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

View the complete article here.

Good ole USA ...

2009-02-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-02-06T07:32:00.000-08:00

BroadwayWorld.com that is.

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

Get the full article here.

Are you theatrical?

2009-02-02T14:10:00.000-08:00

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!

A good report

2009-01-19T18:22:00.000-08:00

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!

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

2009-01-15T15:10:00.001-08:00

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.

Lincoln Bicentennial Celebrations

2009-01-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-01-11T12:34:00.000-08:00

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!

A Dusting

2009-01-07T09:02:00.000-08:00

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.

One Cool Photo

2009-01-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

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?

Shingle Tree

2008-12-31T08:19:00.000-08:00

You know all those people that say money doesn't grow on trees? You may even be one of them. Well, I have to say that shingles are growing on trees here at the amphitheatre.

Okay, so maybe the tree didn't really grow shingles and they are from the new roof that is being put on, but you were impressed for a little while right?

While pushing the old shingles off the building, these few just happened to lodge in the tree branches which I found entertaining. Doesn't take much to entertain me obviously. Maybe there's hope for a money tree yet!

2008-12-29T12:53:00.000-08:00

We're on twitter!

Our name is LincolnAmphithe and you can read and respond to our tweets which include updates and happenings at the amphitheatre.

I have to say ... I think I may already be addicted to it!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T19:11:00.000-08:00

I hope you and your families had a wonderful Christmas holiday.

Merry Christmas to all ...

... and to all a good night!

The Countdown

2008-12-23T10:58:00.000-08:00

Only two days left until the big day! I have to confess that I'm as excited as a little kid. I've always loved Christmas.

I'm sure at this very moment my husband is racing around trying to find a suitable gift for me. Even though this year I made a list for him ... it even had a star system as to which gifts I wanted most. I even had a few Lincoln items on my wish list ... some Lincoln books that I've had my eye on for my growing collection. Maybe he'll get those.

I'll report back after the holidays to let you know if I got anything on the list. I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.

We're Cool!

2008-12-22T12:12:00.000-08:00

And I don't even mean the temperature. Although this morning it was a balmy 8 degrees at my house. I mean the town of Lincoln City is cool! A national travel magazine is taking nominations for "America's Coolest Small Towns."

I have to say ... I think the town of Lincoln City, Indiana, where Lincoln spent fourteen years, is the coolest small town in my book. Check out their website to view other submitted cool towns! Please feel free (and by that I mean you'd better) to leave a comment to say how cool you think Lincoln City is! Voting will start on February 2. Don't worry ... I'll remind you to head over and vote! I mean, seriously ... it's Lincoln's boyhood home ... what is cooler than that?!

LINCOLN Billboard

2008-12-18T09:54:00.000-08:00

We've been working on a billboard that will feature our new production of LINCOLN. The new billboard is up! While I was in Rockport a few days ago I crossed the Natcher Bridge into Kentucky to snap a quick photo of it.

In case you are wondering ... no, I did not take this while driving. I parked off the side of the road and turned on the caution lights. Gotta be safe.

O Christmas Tree ...

2008-12-09T12:42:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we went to pick out our Christmas tree. Tuesday morning it was still sitting in the driveway. We just hadn't gotten a chance to lug the thing into the family room. So Tuesday night we got it into the stand, stood it up in the garage and took a good look. After this my husband promptly said "I don't think it is going to fit." And of course it didn't fit where I had envisioned it. So we improvised and moved it to another wall.

Moral of the story ... get a smaller tree. Even if you have a cathedral ceiling the tree of your dreams just may not fit. Or our case it fits, but we can't have a tree topper.

We have a little Christmas tree here at the amphitheatre. It's a fiber optic table top tree that spins. Very cute. I think that may be the way to go.

The Flatboat Float

2008-12-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we entered a float into the Rockport Christmas parade. Basically we decided to use the flatboat that we still had here at the amphitheatre. It was part of the old set of Young Abe Lincoln. It was easy enough to put that on a flatbed trailer and decorate it, but boy, I had no idea what I was in for during the parade itself.

My father is on the volunteer fire department at home so having been in several parades ... I considered myself somewhat of a seasoned veteran. Even so it was quite an experience keeping up with the float and handing out chocolate pennies and rack cards at the same time. One good thing about the speedy pace ... with all that adrenaline pumping I did not have time to get cold!

I do have to thank Mr. Lincoln, Ralph and my parents for helping during the parade ... what lifesavers they were! Here are a few pictures ... now remember, I never claimed to be a great photographer. Plus, cut me some slack ... they were in motion.

For a while we had Mr. Lincoln tossing the chocolate pennies to the kids, but we quickly changed that to handing them out after I saw a few roll into the street sewer. Bummer!

We'll also have our flatboat float in the Christmas in Santa Claus parade this Saturday so come see us ... we may even give you a chocolate Lincoln penny!

IFB State Convention

2008-12-04T16:08:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I'm traveling to Evansville with the Spencer County Visitors Bureau staff, Melissa and Crystal. We will have a booth at the Indiana Farm Bureau Convention. I'll have information about the amphitheatre and the visitors bureau will have information on all the attractions and lodging in Spencer County. There will also be other informational booths on Indiana attractions, as well as other useful information, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. central time.

The convention is taking place at the Centre, in downtown Evansville. Most of the events will be held at this location; however a few will also be held at the Executive Inn which is nearby. If you are interested in attending or viewing the schedule of events, you may find more information on Indiana Farm Bureau website.

So .. if you are in the Evansville area tomorrow stop by and say "Hi!"

Cyber Monday.

2008-12-01T10:11:00.000-08:00

Happy "Cyber Monday!" Anyone planning to wipe out all their Christmas shopping online today? I may purchase a few things once I get home ... just so I can say I did.

Well, I've returned from a lovely Thanksgiving. I hope yours was nice as well. The only thing I was not thankful for is the nice cold that I received from the person that was gracious enough to pass it along. Just wait until I find out who that was ... they'll have coal in their stocking at Christmas for sure!

So today I've been working on finalizing my plan for our consignment ticket sales. We will be able to have various business sell tickets for LINCOLN right from their locations. It is a simple process too ... even better! Basically the business will have their own login information and can have limited access to our server to sell the tickets. It's nice to know that some things are still easy! Which is a good thing because I've also been working on my marketing budget. Budget ... sends shivers down the spine doesn't it? I figure since I had a break over Thanksgiving I can tackle it more in depth today.

Happy shopping!

I am thankful for ...

2008-11-26T10:28:00.000-08:00

1. My family and friends.
2. Abraham Lincoln.
3. My new job and the chance to be part of something super exciting with our world premiere.

I figured I had to put my family before Abe. I'm not sure they would have understood if I hadn't.

Springfield trip.

2008-11-24T09:21:00.000-08:00

We're back! We returned from Springfield, Illinois, on Saturday night. It was a great trip and we had a lot of fun ... good staff bonding time. Sites we visited included:

1. Lincoln Tomb
2. Old Illinois State Capitol
3. Lincoln Home Historic Site
4. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
5. New Salem Historical Site

So of course I took a lot of pictures and I'll post a few below for your viewing pleasure.

The picture below was taken at the Old State Capitol. At first when I took the picture I didn't notice the Lincoln that "appeared" in the mirror on the wall. You can clearly see an image of Abraham Lincoln in the mirror. For a moment I got really excited thinking "It's the spirit of Lincoln!!" Then I realized it was really a statue on the other side of the room that was reflecting into the mirror. It looks good though!

This was taken at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. We couldn't pass up a chance to pose with young Abe! Left to right we have Steve, our executive producer, myself, young Abraham and Eric, our managing director.

And lastly, this was taken at the Lincoln Tomb.

It was a great trip. I fully plan to return with my family because now that they've heard me talk about it for two days, they want to go!

Are those our seats?

2008-11-20T08:19:00.000-08:00

So now that the roof is all finished they've started on the seating. The seats look like they may be missing a few components. Maybe the main component ... the part that you sit on.

I know what you're thinking ... "Um, Laura ... those don't look very comfortable. Where exactly do I sit?" Well, they're aren't finished yet. Right now they are just taking the seats apart to clean and maintain them.

In a few of the seating sections it looks like we've had a strong windstorm and the seats just got pushed over. Or maybe they are just taking a break.

Even though they look a little rough at the moment, I promise that we'll have them upright and ready to go for opening night.

Tomorrow some of our staff will be headed to Springfield, Illinois. We'll be touring some of the Lincoln sites. It is about a four and a half hour drive so my iPod will be riding shotgun. I'll be sure to snap some pictures and post those when we return.

Sneak peek

2008-11-17T10:51:00.000-08:00

So one of the fun parts of theatre is the auditions right? We've been working on selecting some sites around the U.S. for auditions for our new production, "Lincoln."

It's a work in progress, but here is a sneak peek at the audition list so far. Mark your calendars!

Audition Schedule

UPTA - United Professional Theatre Auditions
February 6 - 9, 2009
Playhouse on the square in Memphis, Tennessee. For information or to register click here or contact (901) 725-0776.

Chicago Auditions
February 14, 2009
Palmer House Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. For more information or to register click here or contact Lincoln Amphitheatre at 1-800-264-4ABE or (812) 937-4493.

MWTA - Midwest Theatre Auditions
February 20 - 22, 2009
Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. For more information or to register click here or contact (314) 968-6937.

SETC - Southeastern Theatre Conference
March 4 - 8, 2009
Birmingham, Alabama. For more information or to register click here or contact (336) 272-3645.

Of course you can also find all this information on our website; it's listed on the Meet the Cast page, under the audition link. You will also fill out the online application there. Too easy right?

Paddle Wheeler

2008-11-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

Recently Spencer County, Indiana, re-created a flatboat journey from Rockport, Indiana, to New Orleans, Louisiana. The trip was a re-enactment of a similar trip that Abraham Lincoln took in 1828 while transporting produce for a local merchant.

A few days ago as I was walking around the stage I noticed that our stage was sporting some lovely boats all in a row. Paddle boats from Lake Lincoln. It started me thinking ... flatboat versus paddle boat. Hmmm...

They sure are shiny. I think the purple is my favorite.

Think Abe would have enjoyed traveling down the mighty Ohio and Mississippi Rivers on a purple paddle wheeler? Not likely.

Our artistic director

2008-11-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

In our search for an artistic director we looked for a professional with the ability to bring Lincoln's years to life. We found that quality in R. Scott Lank. Scott has the passion and talent to tell the story of Abraham Lincoln and an artistic vision that will captivate and inspire our audience.

Lank is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers and the National Congress of Actors and Acting Teachers. His productions have been featured at the Toledo Repertory Theatre, the Lark Theatre, Northern Illinois University, Canadian Stage Company and the University of Evansville. A theatre professor at the University of Evansville, Lake is a 21-year veteran of the university's theatre department.

Lank has directed more than 60 productions, including many at regional and national levels at the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival. He resides in Evansville with his wife, Janet. Their daughter, Leslie, is a freshman at Butler University.

Phone fun

2008-11-07T05:57:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week we had a new phone system installed. What fun! It's great to have the phone on my desk now, although I may miss the exercise of getting up and running around our office with the cordless phone. The cordless is still connected so I suppose if we get the urge to roam we can.

The fun aspect of a new phone system is figuring out how to use it. The technician, who was very helpful, took the time to train us before he left. That training lasted for all of five minutes and then I promptly forgot how to transfer calls and put people on hold. Melissa, from our visitors bureau, called and Eric and I couldn't quite remember how to put her on hold. Was it the red button ... ? So he told her that if we hung up on her we'd call back. Then (with fingers crossed) we pressed the button we thought it was. Hey, it's the only way to learn right? Thankfully we got it right; it was the red button. So far I have been able to transfer calls and check my voicemail without any major mishaps. I consider that a small victory.

Meet our playwright ...

2008-11-05T00:52:00.000-08:00

We have selected the playwright that will pen "Lincoln," Indiana's new theatrical tribute to Abraham Lincoln. Ken Jones is an accomplished playwright whose work has been featured Off-Broadway and in theatres throughout the country.

Jones is an award-winning playwright and screen writer. He is the three-time recipient of the prestigious Delauney Playwriting Award as well as the Post-Corbett Award for Best Literary Artist.

His list of successful works includes "A Red Eagle Falling," which was performed Off-Broadway, and "Darkside," with more than 300 performances to date throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Jones resides in Kentucky with his wife, Christine, and their three children.

A facelift

2008-11-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

And no, it's not anyone on our staff that is getting a new look ... it's the amphitheatre.

This morning I arrived to some renovations. The workers were just starting so I didn't have a clear view of what was being renovated just yet. When I went out for lunch and saw some of our old shingles laying on the ground I realized that we were getting new roofing. It was either that or the wind had really picked up since this morning.

So far one of our restroom buildings is getting new shingles. Our stage has temporarily turned into storage for some of the roofing.

I have to say that the workers have much better balance than I obviously do. They are up and down that roof at record speed. I have a feeling that I'd be teetering along.

This is just one item in the long list of renovations we'll be doing. I believe our seating may be next in line. I'll keep you posted.

A short walk ...

2008-10-31T09:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I worked most of the morning checking (and double checking) our seating chart that we are setting up with Etix. Once we have our ticket sales up and running, you will be able to purchase tickets from the comfort of your home. Ah, the wonderful world of Print-At-Home tickets. So ... go ahead and buy tickets in your pajamas. I won't tell anyone.

Anyway, since I spent the morning looking at little green dots that represented seats I took a break around noon and went for a walk. I mean, we are in Lincoln State Park and have all these nice, scenic trails so why not? What started out as a short walk by Lake Lincoln actually ended up with me walking all the way to the fire tower. That isn't overly far, about a mile to the tower and a mile back, but there is this one big hill. If you've been on the trail you know the hill I'm talking about. About halfway up I seriously started to consider my sanity and why I would want to walk up this hill on my lunch break. However, once I got to the top of the hill and climbed the fire tower it was worth it. From the tower you can see for miles; the view was lovely.

A couple of photos of Lake Lincoln

And finally a photo from the fire tower.

Next time I believe I will wear more suitable clothing for a trek in the woods.

A 'dear' visitor

2008-10-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

I know that it is a little early in the season (okay, maybe our season has not even started yet), but we have already had some visitors.

On my way in a few days ago I saw this mommy and baby; they were so cute I had to snap a few photos. I have to say that they are probably the most photogenic deer I've seen lately. They did not seem to mind my presence, even though I caused quite a fuss by practically falling out of my car to get a good shot.

They are a little early, but I am willing to bet they got good seats for the world premiere of our new production, "Lincoln."

I am taking over ...

2008-10-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

... the A. Lincoln blog that is.

Now that some of our staff has settled in (and we have time ... ha!) we are updating the website and blog, along with LOTS of other things here at Lincoln Amphitheatre! Like a new production, the lighting, the sound and the list goes on and on. It is a long list.

So ... now the important question about staff and changes ... who is "taking over" the blogging? That would be me, Laura Barker. I am the communications director here at Lincoln Amphitheatre. You'll also hear from other members of our staff ... it will be a joint effort. We promise to keep you up to date on the happenings here at Lincoln Amphitheatre.

We will have stories from all aspects of Lincoln Amphitheatre. From ticket sales to auditions, with lots of photos and stories in between. Since we are here in the scenic woods of Lincoln State Park I may don't be surprised to see "tails" and photos from some of our furry friends. We have quite a following.

For those that are not familiar with Lincoln Amphitheatre I'll give you a little background information. The covered amphitheatre is located among the thick woods near Abraham Lincoln's boyhood home and seats about 1,500. Lincoln Amphitheatre was constructed in 1986 and 1987 and is the only covered venue in the nation! Since it is covered, that means you don't have to worry about the rain.

As many of you know, 2009 marks the bicentennial celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Our new theatrical experience "Lincoln" is expected to be a highpoint of that celebration. The production, which will be enhanced by multimedia projections and period music, tells the story of Lincoln's life, who many consider to be our greatest president. Audience members will gain an insight into the life of the man who legacy continues to forge the future.

For now I'm signing off, but not to worry ... you'll hear more from me very soon.