Behind the Scenes at Lincoln Amphitheatre

Posted on July 19, 2010

Have you ever been "behind-the-scenes" of a live production? I was able to speak with Eric Altheide, Managing Producer of the Lincoln Amphitheatre to find out what it's like to be behind the scenes every single night! Lincoln Amphitheatre produces "LINCOLN: Upon the Altar of Freedom" that features parts Abraham Lincoln's life in Indiana and how that helped form the president we all remember as "Honest Abe." --- There is nothing like the beginning of a performance in the theatre. The theatre goes dark and the crowd hushes with anticipation. In most cases, that moment of anticipation represents the culmination of months of hard work and determination from dozens of talented people. They have sweated and toiled away on this "product" but have no idea how each new audience will react. Waiting for the curtain to rise and that first explosion to shake the house, or that first note to be sung, or that first joke to be told — it is a moment that actors and directors live for. And the moment that theatre Producers, managers and Board members bite their nails and pull their hair over. After Lincoln Amphitheatre's re-opening last year with the World Premiere of LINCOLN: Upon the Altar of Freedom, we spent the fall and winter months listening to feedback from our guests and making careful plans for re-adjustments. Scenes were re-written and trimmed or cut entirely from the script. Characters were given more depth, or more to say or, for some, were removed from the stage and put back in the history books where they came from. More spectacle was added with the help of some theatrical effect magic: explosions, gunshots, battles, smoke, enhancing the multi-media with motion pictures. One of my favorites is the usage of our top-notch lighting system to make the surrounding trees bloom with the colors of fall in the middle of the Indiana summer. We also added a new performance: A CONCERT IN THE PARK: Lincoln's Life and Times Through Music. This musical celebration performed by select members of our cast highlights some of Lincoln's favorite music and uses anecdotal storytelling to heighten their meaning. It is free to all ticket holders each evening and lasts about 30 minutes — a perfect, relaxing way to end the evening. Off the stage, we cut ticket prices and streamlined our meal service, making it an add-on option for our guests. We enhanced the pre-show in a way that can only be understood by witnessing it for yourself. All of this culminates each evening as the lights go down over the house of a new group of expectant guests, and the life of young Abraham Lincoln once again comes to life on our stage. And it seems the audience loves it! Our guests have been witnessed laughing, singing, heckling John Wilkes Booth during the pre-show and even discreetly wiping away a tear or two. Those returning for a second look have said that the changes are wonderful and made a great 2009 production even better. And that's why we do what we do — the entertainment and pleasure of our guests. So I guess now we can stop biting our nails and just sit back and enjoy the ride. All we need now is for all of you out there to come join us! We are currently celebrating our local community with special rates for selected counties throughout the season. Be sure to check our website at www.lincolnamphitheatre.com and click on "Special Events" to see the schedule for our Community Days. We'll see you then! --- Eric Altheide, Lincoln Amphitheatre. Are you convinced yet? I've already seen this production twice this summer and I think I learn more about Lincoln's legacy each time. If you're interested in experiencing "LINCOLN: Upon the Altar of Freedom," call the Visitors Bureau for information on general admission discounts that are available to you and your family - 888-444-9252.