Goodbye, Theater at Lime Kiln
UPDATE 12/3: Read the full news story here.
To go with the breaking news update just posted about the Theater at Lime Kiln’s closure, here’s the text of the original press release I received. Feel free to share any thoughts in the comments.
Theater at Lime Kiln’s Board of Directors announces cancellation of “A Classical Victorian Christmas” and initiates closure of the theater.
Due to many competing events in the month of December, Theater at Lime Kiln has, regretfully, cancelled the upcoming show “A Classical Victorian Christmas.” Ticket sales are low and the cost of the show is expected to outweigh income by more than the theater can currently handle. Our sincere apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. Refunds will be processed prior to December 7.
The Theater at Lime Kiln Board of Directors has struggled over the past few years to find a solution for its many financial challenges. The recent “Help Stoke the Kiln” campaign did not raise enough money to begin rebuilding the crumbling physical infrastructure at The Kiln, or for programming for a 2013 season. As a result, the board will move forward with a dissolution plan for Theater At Lime Kiln to conclude in March 2013.
The board feels strongly that a great opportunity to support the arts and outdoor entertainment exists in the heart of Rockbridge County for the right organization with the right resources. Questions should be directed to George Huger at 540-463-3612 or Mike Stolarz at 540-784-0432.
November 30, 2012 - 4:20 PM
It’s so very sad to see the decline of support for the arts in the US today. Lime Kiln was a unique place and I’m sorry to see it close.
Is there really less support for the arts today? I hear the same lament every time some venue or arts company or show goes under. That’s nature. Death and birth are part of art too. The “art” of the performances can be continued at one of the Universities or a high school or some other venue. If that doesn’t happen, then there just isn’t interest in those performances in Lexington. The “unique place” might have been interesting, but it doesn’t justify pouring a river of somebody’s money into it for empty seats.
Lexington and Rockbridge County has lost a treasure. Tourist dollars were spent by people coming from all over the region to shop, tour and eat in the area prior to the concerts. Some even stayed the entire weekend hiking the many trails, attending horse shows, canoeing down the Maury and James Rivers, fishing the many trout streams, etc. There is no other out door theater any thing like Theater at Lime Kiln between Lexington and The Lost Colony which is in North Carolina near the Outer Banks.
It’s sad to see the Lime Kiln close. I’ve only seen a couple of shows there–The Tony Rice Unit and the Seldom Scene– but they were both great, and the venue is (was?) something special. The had good acts, too, at least IMHO.
“…sad to see the Lime Kiln close(?)” That depends on your perspective. As a local business owner to whom ‘The Kiln’ owed substantial monies yet never did pay, citing declining revenues while asking for ‘in-kind revenue donations’, all the while soliciting (and paying $$$ for) equivalent out – of – town vendor sources, they’re now forced to stew in their own broth. To me, this is a classic “serves you right” scenario!
Lime Kiln was special. There was nothing like being out there on a starry summer night. I regret not donating more but it sounds like it was going to be nearly impossible to make repairs and provide operating expenses every year. It’s a true loss to the area.
What a terrible shame to lose such a unique place.
In the past few years we have also lost the Explore Park.
All of these places enriched our area and provided such unique experiences. I will very much miss the opportunity the Lime Kiln and it’s productions and concerts provided for visiting Lexington. The Explore Park was a wonderful way to introduce history to young children and ignite that spark of interest. What a terrible loss. And now..to lose a unique venue that provided wonderful cultural experiences! What a waste and what a shame~!
A comment to “Mr Loco” and “John Cook”. I worked in 2001 as Stonewall Jackson at L.K. Then the place was well managed and successful. When a board allows the Artistic Director to run amok then things deteriorate quickly. Read the articles on line RE: The value of the arts and the value of the outdoor drama sites. There is much on the Institute of Outdoor Drama site. Loco, if you are right then why bail out big business? You say, in essence, that no theater or business is to big to fail. Who did you vote for recently? John Cook, I understand you are disgruntled but were you on the board? Why not? Consider that dollar spent to attend an outdoor drama turns over 3.5 times in the community. As a business man you profited each year. As did your neighbors. The vendor point should have been addressed by the community with the board and let them know that you object. Mismanagement kills many theatres. As it did many big businesses who got bailed out. The community should have rallied and had a dialog with the board. The board should have been staggered and replaced periodically. The art is not at fault the management and community are to blame. When I was there “Stonewall Country” was an excellent show and the theatre was an excellent example of a well run theater. Only a few years later, when the Artistic Director and board bit off more than they could chew by expanding to a permanent indoor facility, money troubles started. (Or so I heard) I suspect this could be saved WITH NEW MANAGEMENT!