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
On Stage with The Lincoln Theatre
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 Lincoln Theatre. While most patrons marvel at the 1929 Mayan revival architecture or the performers on stage, Mary reveals the magic happening in the aisles before the show even begins.
With genuine enthusiasm, Mary shares why volunteering as an usher creates meaningful connections within the community. "You meet an awful lot of new people, you see an awful lot of old friends, and you're giving back to the community," she explains, painting a picture of service that extends far beyond simply directing people to their seats. From safety training to mastering the art of creating warm welcomes, ushers like Mary preserve a level of personalized service rarely found in today's entertainment venues.
What stands out most in Mary's experience is how these volunteer positions foster unexpected joy. Whether it's shining a flashlight to guide patrons safely through darkened aisles, reconnecting with old friends who've come to see a show, or enjoying tribute performances that spark nostalgia for her own youth, the rewards clearly transcend the absence of a paycheck. Mary's involvement extends beyond ushering to include work with children's summer programs, demonstrating the diverse opportunities available for community members looking to support the arts in Marion, Virginia.
Ready to join Mary and the volunteer team keeping this cultural landmark thriving? Visit The Lincoln to discover how you can help preserve this unique theatrical experience where history and entertainment truly steal the show. By becoming part of this dedicated group, you'll not only witness remarkable performances but help create the welcoming atmosphere that makes The Lincoln Theatre a community treasure.
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
Welcome to On Stage with the Lincoln Theatre, where history and entertainment steal the show. Dive into the rich legacy of this iconic Mayan revival theatre, from its 1929 debut to its starring role in Marion, virginia's entertainment scene. Guiding us through this journey is the man in the spotlight, our executive director, bob Watkins. Spotlight, our executive director.
Speaker 2:Bob Watkins, From greeting guests to guiding them to their seats. Ushers are the unsung heroes of every performance. In this episode, we share what it's like to volunteer as an usher at the Lincoln Theater and why it's more than just handing out programs. Welcome back everyone. Skip Monaco, host producer, back in the studio, not with Bob Watkins this time, but with actually volunteer Mary LeClaire, who is an usher at the Lincoln Theater. It's great to see you, Mary. How are you?
Speaker 3:Good, good morning to you.
Speaker 2:Well, thank you, ma'am. I sure appreciate that, and excited because today we're shining a light on folks like you, who make every show feel welcoming before the curtain even goes up. So if you don't mind, why don't you kick us off by telling us what's it like to volunteer as an usher for the Lincoln Theater?
Speaker 3:I really enjoy it. You meet an awful lot of new people, you see an awful lot of old friends and you're giving a, helping out the community, getting involved with the community and giving back a little bit Very good.
Speaker 2:Well, that's a given back a lot actually, because the paychecks aren't real big right.
Speaker 3:No, they're not.
Speaker 2:I understand Well what kind of to to become an usher, if any of our listeners, viewers, are interested in becoming an usher, what kind of training or orientation do volunteer ushers have to go through before they do their?
Speaker 3:first show the layout of the theater where the sections are the seats. You go through safety, a little bit of safety issues, the exits to get out in case there's an emergency, and then just general information. You know how to greet the patrons when they come in, taking them to their seats, and, when they leave, always thank them for coming and tell them we hope to see them to come back.
Speaker 2:From start to finish.
Speaker 3:Right.
Speaker 2:Very good. Well, how, as an usher, how do you think you guys contribute to the overall experience for patrons?
Speaker 3:I think it makes the patrons feel welcomed, feel safe, because it can get a little dark in there, especially if somebody has to get up out of their seat when the show is going on. So we have a flashlight and we'll shine the flashlight so they can see where they're walking, so there's no hazards of tripping or falling and just be there for whatever they need. And you know, if they have questions, if I don't know the answers, I will find out the answers either before the show starts, if there's time permitting, or during intermission, and then I will find them to give them the answers for the questions that they've asked. Do you want to make?
Speaker 2:that point, I'm sorry, go ahead.
Speaker 3:We definitely want them to feel welcomed and to want to feel like they want to come back for another show.
Speaker 2:Absolutely Well. I know. I personally experienced a show there at the Lincoln back in July and to me there's very few things in this world that still offer that level of service. You know where, you get walked to your seat, you have personal attention and I know movie theaters used to do that back in the day, but that's not the case anymore and really nothing, and not even at a restaurant.
Speaker 3:I know.
Speaker 2:And especially it blew me away. I was taking pictures of the show I was at and there was one of the ushers and I can't remember the fellow's name, but every time I would get up and I was moving around a lot and every time I would walk around he would be there shining a light for me to walk, you know, so that I'm not going to trip on anything. So that's very cool. Are there, mary, any memorial or memorable sorry moments or stories from being a volunteer? Anything stick out in your mind?
Speaker 3:Oh, that's great. Well, some of the shows, the tribute bands, bring me back to when I was a teenager or my early 20s and 30s. It's nice when you know the music and I've had experiences of where I haven't known the performers and they have been great shows and the people that come to the shows. Some of them you get to know very well afterwards. Some of the times you see old friends that you haven't seen in years and they're just as happy to see you as you are to see them, and I think it's just. For me, it's the relationships that you build with people and being there for service to others.
Speaker 2:Very good. Does any one show stick out to you Like your favorite?
Speaker 3:There's so many of them, but recently we had a landslide. They did the Fleetwood Mac. We've done ABBA.
Speaker 2:Oh, wow.
Speaker 3:I kind of like the shows that I know the music to. Those are the ones that stick out, but I've enjoyed every show that I have ushered here.
Speaker 2:Well, I know there's a lot of different kind of performances at the Lincoln. I know there's a children's plays, there's movies, there's concerts. Do you just work any one particular type of show?
Speaker 3:Not. Generally I go by my schedule when I'm available. If I'm available when there's a show going on and they need ushers, I'll usher it. There's other organizations that I've been involved in too, so sometimes it's a juggling act to see where. I'm going to be and what gets on my calendar first, but I'm open to so you volunteer to anything. Yeah. Yeah, there's different organizations that I'm involved with, but as far as the blinking goes it doesn't matter what the show is.
Speaker 3:I'll volunteer. And a couple of years ago I volunteered and helped out with the kids One of the kids summer. I'll volunteer, and a couple of years ago I volunteered and helped out with the kids one of the kids' summer programs during the day, and it wasn't ushering, it was just hands-on with the kids.
Speaker 2:Oh, I bet that was fun.
Speaker 3:It was fun.
Speaker 2:So you mentioned you work with other organizations. What other type things do you do in your spare time?
Speaker 3:My spare time it's the American Legion working with the veterans, Very active with that, and I'm active with our church. We do different things in the community, Like last night we fed the girls volleyball team for the high school before they went for their game. So I'm just giving back to the community.
Speaker 2:Very nice. Well, speaking of giving back to the community, how does volunteering as an usher at the Lincoln connect people more deeply with the mission of the theater?
Speaker 3:I think it brings the arts to the forefront and it exposes the arts to them and being an usher, we're kind of the first impression almost to most patrons that come and you want to make a good first impression so that they want to come back and enjoy the shows that the lincoln puts on very good.
Speaker 2:So you're the. You're the first face they see and probably one of the last ones they see when they leave yeah. I would guess Very good Got to make a good first impression.
Speaker 3:Yes, and you have to make a good last impression too. I always make sure that I tell them to have a good rest of the night. I hope they enjoyed the show. We're glad they're here. Come back and see us again. You really want them to feel welcomed.
Speaker 2:It sounds like you guys do an amazing job.
Speaker 3:Thank you.
Speaker 2:So if someone watching listening is interested in becoming a volunteer at the Lincoln, how do they go about getting involved?
Speaker 3:getting involved. They could either call or stop by Lola's and just let them know that you have an interest in volunteering and they'll set it up for you to get in touch with the right people to get the training and get on board.
Speaker 2:Get on board. Well, you heard it here. Guys and gals, if you're interested, go by Lola's, which is actually the box office right where you pick up tickets and can buy souvenirs and that sort of thing, and the merch table is usually there. So stop by there anytime. Or I'm sure you can look it up on the Lincoln's website as well, I would think lincolntheatercom. All right. Well, mary, I can't tell you how much I appreciate you giving us a peek behind the velvet ropes and always a pleasure and appreciate you coming on the show and taking Bob's place for a little while, giving him a break. Maybe we can have you back sometime.
Speaker 3:Okay, well, thank you very much.
Speaker 2:I thank you for the opportunity to share with you absolutely, and, like I said, we're, we're uh appreciate you, you taking the time to be here and we'll get you back, okay, thank you, you have a great day thanks you too.
Speaker 1:Thanks so much, mary thanks for tuning in to on stage with the lincoln theater. Want more of Mary and Virginia's entertainment scene? Visit us online at thelincolnorg yes, that's thelincolnorg or drop by our theater at 117 East Main Street. Let's keep the arts alive and kicking together.