BACKGROUND

The Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association was organized in 1977 by the Lincoln Club of Southern Indiana.  It was their vision to create an outdoor drama in Spencer County, Indiana, that would tell the story of Abraham Lincoln.

After eight years of hard work Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association (LBDA) was notified that a $3.2 million allocation was approved for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to construct an amphitheatre in Lincoln State Park. Lincoln Amphitheatre was constructed in 1986 and 1987.

The amphitheatre is a beautiful, 1,500-seat covered theatre located inside Lincoln State Park in Lincoln City, Indiana.  The roof, measuring 160’ x 160’, slopes from 49 feet above the stage to 36 feet above ground.  This roof offers protection from the elements and prevents cancellation of the play due to inclement weather. It is the only covered venue in the nation.

The scenic surroundings of the amphitheatre add to the ambiance and magic of the Lincoln experience.  The amphitheatre is located among the thick woods near Abraham Lincoln’s boyhood home.

The premiere season of Young Abe Lincoln, written by Billy Edd Wheeler, took place in 1987.  Young Abe continued to entertain and educate visitors until the final season in 2005.

TODAY

The Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association (LBDA) has since been restructured and began a mission to revitalize Lincoln Amphitheatre.

Lincoln Amphitheatre Mission:  “To produce an inspiring, patriotic dramatization of historical events from the life of Abraham Lincoln which portray his character forged here on the Indiana frontier.”

LBDA commissioned Ken Jones to write the debut production, which is titled LINCOLN.  Ken is an award winning playwright and screenwriter. He has had over 400 productions of his 22 plays, with 7 published, and his works are listed in several anthologies and monologue books.  Professional theatres have produced his plays across the United States, Europe and Canada.