Lincoln Amphitheatre celebrating success with an eye on the future

In its 35th year, the Lincoln Amphitheatre continues to celebrate Abraham Lincoln and the heritage of the area while making a name for itself as an outdoor venue with great classic rock performances as well as contemporary artists.

Marc Steczyk, Director at The Lincoln Amphitheatre, is in his seventh season. When he came aboard in 2016, he began exploring adding a new variety of acts in an effort to see what appealed most to audiences. 

The first show of that season had 1,100 attendees and three shows that year were sold out. 

“It became very apparent as 2016 went on that it was classic rock,” says Steczyk, noting they locked in on that going forward.

That first year was a discovery process, and the discovery paid off. 

He attributes the success over the past few years to programming that excites people and is accessible. “We’re not Louisville or Evansville, we can’t charge those prices” Steczyk added that a balanced season is really important to keeping the Amphitheatre running. 

With budget cuts year over year, Steczyk’s goal from year one was keeping the lights on and being able to pay the bills. Now, as he celebrates the 35th anniversary, the revenue is doing more than paying the bills. “We’re about $100,000 shy of $1,000,000 in straight revenue since 2018 going back into the venue (for updates), and if there is one thing I am really proud of, it’s that.”

Achieving this success hasn’t been easy. “It’s a circle and you can’t get off the circle,” Steczyk says about the prep, the season, and the postseason. “It’s a grind and the grind is very real.” 

There are three employees during non-show days. On show days, that number jumps to about 25 and roughly eight volunteers – including Steczyk’s wife, children, and his mother. 

The work doesn’t end with the season. Steczyk takes a short breather before he’s diving into data, planning for the next season, and on to ticket sales. 

All this hard work has paid off. The 1,500-seat amphitheatre frequently sees large crowds. Following that first-year trend, the classic rock shows tend to sell out – and sell out fast. “Three days this year, that’s how long tickets were on sale before our first show sold out,” says Steczyk. 

And once a show sells out it drives faster sales for the other shows. 

The 2022 season is five shows in after the signature Abraham Lincoln production closed Saturday night after a successful three-night run. Makin’ A Home On Pigeon Creek: A Celebration of Lincoln Amphitheatre Musicals showcased music from two Lincoln Musicals. 

The amphitheatre was originally built in 1987 to produce Young Abe Lincoln, a musical by Billy Ed Wheeler. The show saw a successful run for many years. Then, in 2019, Here I Grew Up made its debut. With 24 local performers and four production team members, the show, produced by The Lincoln Amphitheatre and Actors Community Theatre, showcased favorite songs from both musicals.  

Now, only ten shows in the season remain. Coming in July, guests have an opportunity to hear Ana Popovic, The Lone Bellow, and Creedence Revived (CCR Tribute) and with shows continuing through early October, there’s something for all.

“We work really hard to make a quality experience for everyone,” Steczyk says.

This year is shaping up to be one of the biggest in the amphitheatre’s history. 

And Steczyk’s got his sights set on the future as he looks at the continued success of this special venue in the middle of the woods where Abraham Lincoln grew up.

“I think about things differently, you know. I have been here for a fifth of the amphitheatre’s life – it feels really good. Really special,” he says. 

And with the success over the last few years and revenue being put back into the facility, Steczyk is looking ahead to the future. With a master plan in place, he is seeking the appropriate approval to expand the Amphitheatre. From a new, more welcoming entrance to more parking and more seats, the four-phase plan would launch the amphitheatre into the next level and open up the space for more artists who draw even larger crowds. 

Phases one through three would place a focus on current deficiencies and issues while also addressing the existing buildings, modernizing them. Phase four would bring more seating to the space. With conversations getting started it’s not an easy road ahead. Starting with DNR approval, if all are bought in, it’s on to the state for budget and approval. “It would be a pretty remarkable improvement to the facility,” Steczyk notes. 

With the potential growth in mind, what does the future look like to Steczyk? 

“I think the 70th anniversary will look fondly back on the 35th anniversary of this place as being a turning point,” he explains.
For more information on upcoming shows or to purchase tickets, visit www.lincolnamphitheatre.com