On June 26, 2026 at Lincoln South Rotary Club we heard about Pinewood Performing Arts from Tami Lambie who is the Sponsorship Coordinator.
Tami started by sharing that she was in the production of "42nd Street" about 10 years ago. She immediately became a fan of Pinewood Performing Arts (PPA). She was asked to become a volunteer and then became a member of the Board. She also performed in "Legally Blonde" a few years later and talked about how hot it was for that production. You never know what to expect with an outdoor event. She shared that her father had performed in "The King and I" at PPA when he was young.
She shared the basics about PPA:
The Pinewood Bowl Tradition was started, and is maintained by, volunteers who work the whole year to preserve the unique experience.
The mission is to provide quality entertainment to all of Lincoln and the surrounding communities.
They work to keep the ticket prices low and provide free tickets to at-risk youth/families through partnerships with non-profit organizations. Their commitment to the Lincoln/surrounding areas includes sourcing local shops and tradespeople for the sets, costumes, props and make-up. They also have space for local vendors to set up food / drink booths which provides them with additional exposure.
They are a 501(c)3 and take donations.
We heard some of the history from Tami:
The amphitheater was built in 1947 after the war. Easter Sunrise Service was held there and then the Singfest Committee (which had been holding Sunday evening services on the Capitol Building) started the summer civic concert series. They invited the writer of Faust (from NWU) to perform - the show was a hit! The summer tradition started with Pirates of Penzance’ as a community production.
They continue to invite all vets to the productions - a tribute to them and the purpose of the bowl being built.
By "passing the hat" they were able to add equipment and upgrade space such as adding dressing rooms and sheds. In the 1980s they were able to start charging a modest fee to attend.
PPA puts on a musical every summer with the only dark year being 2020. They provide semi-professional learning opportunities for the performers. Tami shared that it is great to see how excited the students are - they love the idea and enjoy performing - and they are learning.
Prices are kept low to provide opportunity for as many as possible to attend these Broadway-type performances without the cost of travel. PPA is working to enhance the opportunity for all patrons to enjoy a night under the stars on their terms.
Each performance costs as much as $125,000. Lighting alone may be $100,000 and the rights to use the play may be as much as $20,000. They are already working on next year's event.
Tami said that PPA is working to become self-sustainable - working on endowments but also continue to solicit through ads, sponsorships and grants, Give to Lincoln Day and generous donors.
She pointed out that PPA is not affiliated with the summer concert series put on by Pinnacle Bank Arena
The next performance is "Annie" - Thursday July 9 through Sunday July 12 and again Thursday July 16 through Saturday July 18, with all evening performances beginning at 8:00 PM (gates open at 5:30 PM). Tickets are available online (and are cheaper than if you buy "at the gate")
The PPA events are family events so no alcohol or smoking. There are a few benches buy many people bring a picnic and set up on the grassy area. There is wifi service at Pinewood Bowl.
BIO
Tami Lambie is currently the Sponsorship Coordinator for the Pinewood Performing Arts.
Quote from 2025 Facebook post:
Tami Lambie – Performer, Volunteer, Donor, Sponsor, Audience Member
"It has given me back the magic of the stage. You forget how fun and exhilarating it can be to participate in so many levels. Being on the audience is even the best!!"
From the first rehearsal to the final bow, people like Tami help bring our Pinewood family to life every summer. It’s more than a stage—it’s a community built on passion, heart, and a whole lot of joy.
"It has given me back the magic of the stage. You forget how fun and exhilarating it can be to participate in so many levels. Being on the audience is even the best!!"
From the first rehearsal to the final bow, people like Tami help bring our Pinewood family to life every summer. It’s more than a stage—it’s a community built on passion, heart, and a whole lot of joy.