What Is Freaks At The Lincoln?

Step into a 1929 Mayan Revival landmark and settle in for a night where cinema turns into conversation. We’re pulling back the curtain on Film Freaks at The Lincoln, our free, monthly program that blends a sharp, 20-minute primer on film history with a top secret screening and an energetic talkback. Curator Katelin Aanerud joins us to map the 2026 slate and explain how a historic theatre, a curious crowd, and bold programming can turn a simple movie night into a shared discovery.

We kick off with midnight movies and cult classics, tracing how late-night rituals built communities around transgression, camp, and catharsis. Expect nods to Rocky Horror and Pink Flamingos, then a surprise 80s British comedy to test how humor ages across eras. From there, we jump to science fiction’s tech prophecies—virtual reality in the 90s, the dream of ubiquitous screens, and the uneasy edge where immersion blurs identity. Katelin shares why revisiting analog visions of the future helps us think clearly about today’s AR, haptics, and algorithmic feeds.

We also dig into adaptations and authorship: what fidelity really means, how directors translate voice and structure, and when a film redefines a book in public memory. Along the way, you’ll hear how we choose titles you rarely catch on the big screen, why audience questions shape each discussion, and how patrons will help steer topics later this year. If you love movies, arguments, and the rush of seeing something new with a roomful of strangers, this is your seat.

Admission is free, the popcorn is flowing, and the doors are open. Subscribe, share this episode with a film-loving friend, and leave a review to tell us which adaptation or cult classic we should tackle next.

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

Meet Rachelle And Anthony

A theatre becomes a heartbeat when people build their weeks around it, and that’s exactly what’s happening at The Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia. We sit down with two loyal patrons who call the venue the town’s crown jewel and unpack why this 1929 landmark still pulls a crowd for films, concerts, and community moments that matter. Their stories move from a childhood horror screening that left a lasting mark to the joy of watching Animal House on a towering screen after countless living room rewatches, showing how nostalgia feels different when the room laughs with you.

We dive into the power of tribute shows—Fleetwood Mac favorites like Landslide and the enduring pull of Free Bird—where great bands meet familiar songs and an entire audience sings in unison. That blend of memory and mastery is where local stages shine, turning well-loved albums into live, shared experiences. We also highlight the volunteers and staff who make it all work, from ushers with flashlights guiding newcomers to the reliable rituals of favorite seats and friendly greetings that turn first-time visitors into regulars.

Song of the Mountains gets a special spotlight, as our guests talk about attending the PBS-taped bluegrass and Americana series in person and then catching episodes later at home. A monthly cadence brings rhythm to town life while giving artists a storied stage and audiences a trusted way to discover new acts rooted in the region. If you’re planning a visit or live nearby, thelincoln.org is your best friend for schedules and a short, engaging history that brings The Lincoln’s legacy to life. Join us for a conversation about why local theatres endure, how they bind neighbors together, and what it takes to keep that marquee glowing on Main Street. If you enjoyed this, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—what show would you love to see at The Lincoln next?

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

How Does The Friends Of The Lincoln Support The Mission Of The Theatre?

A 1929 landmark doesn’t survive on nostalgia alone. We sit down with Executive Director Bob Watkins to unpack how Friends of The Lincoln turns community pride into real-world results: funded performances, a refreshed green room, named seats that carry family stories forward, and the big-ticket operations that keep audiences comfortable. The Lincoln Theatre’s Mayan Revival architecture sets the mood, but careful stewardship—right down to period-appropriate carpet and paint—protects the soul.

Bob explains how the Friends program channels donations straight into impact, from underwriting shows to replacing aging HVAC units across three zones. Numbers matter here: with each unit estimated at $50,000 to $75,000, the theatre blends member contributions with corporate sponsorships and regional grants to close the gap. Supporters get more than a thank-you; they earn recognition on the website, early access to new releases, and the satisfaction of earmarking gifts for projects they care about most. Volunteers amplify the mission as ushers and event helpers, proving that time is as valuable as funding.

What makes this model work is transparency and ownership. Patrons can donate anonymously or by card at Thelincoln.org, designate funds for specific upgrades, and even dedicate a seat to a loved one. That personal tie deepens community engagement and keeps the venue buzzing with life. If you care about preserving local culture while elevating the live experience for artists and audiences, this conversation lays out a practical roadmap—one project at a time, one memory at a time, one great night at a time.

Enjoyed the conversation and want to help keep the arts alive? Subscribe, share with a friend who loves historic theatres, and leave a review. Ready to pitch in or volunteer? Visit thelincoln.org and tell us where you’d like your support to make a difference.

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