Lime Kiln Theater
  • 2025 Season
  • About Us
  • Get Involved
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Rent Lime Kiln
  • Give
  • Contact Us
HISTORY •TEAM• MISSION• EXPERIENCE

OuR HIStory

Lime Kiln Theater is rooted in and inspired by the magic of a natural, outdoor theater. 
​

In 1967, two Washington and Lee University students produced “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in an abandoned, turn of the century limestone quarry and kiln in Lexington, Virginia. Fifteen years later, the landowner donated use of the site for the establishment of a nonprofit arts organization, and thus began thousands of volunteer hours to clear the brambles, thickets, and rubble to build a theater and concert venue. From a successful first summer season in 1984, Lime Kiln expanded to an annual series that spanned over 25 years, having to temporarily cease operations due to challenging economic conditions during 2012-2013. In 2014, a newly energized Lime Kiln board led by Executive Director Spencer McElroy undertook the challenge to bring the unique performance space back to life.  

Since 2014, Lime Kiln’s Summer Concert Series has provided unforgettable experiences for over 100,000 people across 125 concerts. The Bowl, Lime Kiln's main stage, has a sellable capacity of 675 guests, selling out nearly every show over the past 10 seasons with performances from notable national acts.

STAFF

We’ve curated some stellar staff who work tirelessly to create the Lime Kiln Theater experience at each and every show.
Picture

Spencer McElroy
​EXECUTIVE
 DIRECTOR

Picture

EMILY LANEY
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Picture

JON VANCE
SITE MANAGER

Picture

Jamie GOODIN
​MARKETING COORDINATOR

Picture

KAYLA AUSTIN
OPERATIONS MANAGER

BOARD

With their diverse backgrounds, experience, and shared love of local arts in Rockbridge County, our board is
​an incredible group of people all committed to preserving, improving, and promoting Lime Kiln Theater.
Picture

Chuck Smith
board PRESIDENT

Picture

JAMES OWENS
BOARD VICE PRESIDENT

Picture

Michele Hentz
Board TREASURER

Picture

MANDY MILLER
Board SECRETARY

Picture

SARAH CENTORINO
​
​BOARD MEMBER

Picture

​​​TOM LOVELL
​
BOARD MEMBER

Picture

BLAKE SHESTER
Board Member

Picture

monika dickens
​
Board Member

Picture

George Huger
Board Member

Picture

CLaiboUrnE EDWARDS
​
Board Member

Picture

​Clark SimCOE
BOARD MEMBER

Picture

JENN COX
​
Board Member

Picture

​​erica ingersoll
BOARD MEMBER

Picture

​​CLIFF JARRETT
BOARD MEMBER

Picture

​MIKE ORRISON
BOARD MEMBER

Our mission

Lime Kiln Theater is a non-profit organization that enriches the community's culture by producing and presenting the arts in our unique historic spaces.

THE LIME KILN EXPERIENCE

Attending a show at Lime Kiln is a unique and immersive experience. The natural stone walls, trees, and stars overhead blend perfectly with the folk, roots, and bluegrass tunes that cast a spell and get toes tapping in our audience every season. Our Bowl venue holds 675 guests on our wooden benches and grassy spaces, giving you the option to bring your own chairs and blanket and get cozy.

​Each season we host area food trucks and open our doors over an hour before the show begins, giving you time to catch up with friends over delicious local fare. We also partner with local breweries and wineries to provide a wide assortment of beer, wine, and cider. More than just a concert, attending a show at Lime Kiln Theater is a one-of-a-kind experience, and one we hope you enjoy over and over again.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Lime Kiln Theater is rooted in and inspired by the magic of a natural, outdoor theater. ​
Picture
"At Lime Kiln, you're surrounded by trees and mountains and chirping birds. It's an exception to the usual outdoor or festival gig."

WATCHHOUSE
​(MANDOLIN ORANGE)

Picture
Picture
"The combination of a  natural kind of music with a natural setting, you've got that at Lime Kiln, it's just a
slam dunk." 

DARRELL SCOTT

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

MORE INFO?

Click here to view our media kit.
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • 2025 Season
  • About Us
  • Get Involved
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Rent Lime Kiln
  • Give
  • Contact Us