Ashley Woolridge Shares How Local Artists And Free Events Keep The Lincoln Thriving

Step through the doors at 117 East Main Street and you’re greeted by the smell of popcorn, a wall of handmade goods, and a century of stories waiting to be told. We bring on Ashley Woolridge—our media coordinator and co-manager of the box office and gift shop—to share how a 1929 movie palace transformed into a living hub for artists, audiences, and neighbors. From original projectors to modern programming, The Lincoln Theatre thrives by pairing preservation with participation.Ashley traces her path from a high school job shadow to a frontline role shaping community access. She walks us through the artist-friendly consignment program that features around 45 local makers within a 30-mile radius, selling crochet, ceramics, woodworking, leather, letterpress, soaps, candles, and more. No rental fees, just a simple 20 percent split that supports the theater while lowering barriers for first-time sellers. It’s a micro-incubator disguised as a gift shop—one that turns browsing before a show into real support for local craft.We also dive into free, accessible programming like the Golden Oldies film series, staged the second Tuesday at 11 a.m. The series connects audiences who might skip evening events and creates new routes into the arts. Ashley shares how we honored muralist Lola Poston—whose six works define our space—with a birthday screening of a 1929 female-directed film, family photos, and a mirror-drawing table inspired by Lola’s early practice. These small, hands-on moments turn a theater visit into a shared memory, strengthening the ties between history and the people who keep it alive.If you care about creative economies, local businesses, and the future of small-town culture, this conversation offers a practical playbook: open the doors wide, showcase handmade work, make events easy to attend, and link every program to the stories that built the place. Subscribe for more stories from the stage, share this episode with a friend who loves local art, and leave a review to help others find the show.To learn more about The Lincoln Theatre visit:https://www.TheLincoln.org/The Lincoln Theatre117 E. Main StreetMarion, Virginia  24354276-783-6092