Lincoln Community Theater "Encore!" coming in July

Send a link to a friend  Share

[June 08, 2015]  LINCOLN - Lincoln Community Theatre returns to the main stage at Johnston Center for Performing Arts on the Lincoln College Campus this summer. The current board of directors, including several past board members, is thrilled to bring LCT back to the community. The goal is to provide an opportunity for all ages to participate in quality theatrical performances.

Lincoln Community Theatre was born in the spring of 1972. An idea for a Community Theatre had been in the minds of several local residents for some time, and with the Lincoln College presentation of an original play, “Mrs. President,” financing was available. All the proceeds from that show were earmarked for the establishment of a non-professional theatre in Lincoln.

Plans followed for the presentation of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “Bus Stop,” directed by Alan Tidaback and Neil Newlon. A call then went out to the community for people to help in bringing this dream into reality and to assist in the summer of 1972 shows.

About 25 people attended the first meeting, and a Board was formed with Darrell Klink as President. Other excited volunteers included Carolyn Miller, Jean Dougherty, Dan Bailey, Mr. and Mrs. Keith Davenport, Jeanne Handlin, Greg McFail, Ann Doolen, Jan Ulrich, Barb Becker, Jane Frantz, Joyce Kinzie, Gary Maxey, Nancy Prisk, Saunders Devine, Jean Gosset, and Cynthia Klink. J.Richard Stoltz was President of Lincoln College and a strong supporter of LCT.

The first unincorporated season with “Charlie Brown” and “Bus Stop” was backed by Lincoln College who agreed to underwrite any expenses that the group was unable to pay. Happily, the season was a great success, and, at its close, Lincoln Community Theatre’s books were in the black; all bills paid, the College reimbursed, and a small nest egg put away to begin another season!

In March of 1973, Lincoln Community Theatre was incorporated and its first Board of Directors named. These member included Carolyn Miller, K. David Hargrove, Jean Gossett, Dan Bailey, Beverly Cooper, Joyce Kinzie, Jeanne Handlin, Jean Dougherty, Alan Tidaback, Jane Frantz, Jan Ulrich, Ann Doolen, and J. Richard Stoltz, with D. Brewster Parker and Neil Newlon representing Lincoln College.

Since its inception, LCT has grown and changed. For many seasons three shows were presented in the summer at the Lincoln College Johnston Center for Performing Arts.

[to top of second column]

The current board includes Tim Searby, Holly Woodhall, Brittney McLaughlin, Dan Bailey, Jean Gossett, Steve Schreiber, Nancy Schaub, Roger Boss, Tom McLaughlin, Margie Sheley, Teri Fink and Carolyn Schreiber.

LCT has been on hiatus for a few years, and the board is making every effort to bring this great organization back to its glory. On July 17, 18 & 19, 2015, at Johnston Center for Performing Arts, “LCT an ENCORE!” will be presented. This production will feature great musical numbers from Broadway, many of which have appeared on the LCT stage, performed by a great cast from Lincoln, Logan County and beyond.

This production is presented to generate excitement and gather workers to help bring LCT to a vibrant and exciting family that love being involved in the beauty of theatre. There will be no charge to experience this great production; however, each patron will have the opportunity to contribute to this charitable organization to help ensure that two productions can be presented next summer.

Please visit the website lincolncommunitytheatre.org or contact Tim Searby at tesearby@gmail.com.

[Tim Searby]

Back to top