Preview the Lime Kiln 2021 Concert Series line up and hear artists like the Steep Canyon Rangers, Seldom Scene, and Sara Watkins talk about returning to the venue, plus Lime Kiln Director Spencer McElroy breaks down each date with WNRN’s Patrick Coman, tells stories from behind the scenes, and plays music from all the upcoming 2021 artists.

The Lime Kiln Theater is rooted in and inspired by the magic of a natural, outdoor theater. In 1967, two Washington and Lee University students, Tommy Spencer and Don Baker, produced A Midsummer Night’s Dream in an abandoned, turn-of-the-century lime quarry and kiln located in Lexington, VA. Fifteen years later, Tommy Spencer convinced the owner of the site containing the quarry to donate the use of the land for the establishment of an arts organization. After thousands of volunteer hours to clear the brambles, thickets, and rubble and to build the stage, the first season was presented in 1984.

From that summer season of one play, 12 performances, and an audience of 2,000, Lime Kiln expanded to an annual season peak of 74 performances of four plays and 23 concerts for an audience of nearly 25,000. Through Lime Kiln, artists have created and premiered 20 original scripts, and helped develop eight works by other playwrights. In February 2012, the theater temporarily ceased operations due to challenging economic conditions. 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.