246 The Main

Backstage Pass

Each issue of Scenes From the Hat will feature a theater and exploring the theater's beginnings, evolution over the years, and goals for the future - plus some fun facts along the way.

A little southwest of Lynchburg lies the tiny town of Brookneal, Virginia. Nestled in Campbell County, Brookneal is also on the border of Halifax County and nearby Charlotte County. This rural area is an idyllic setting with sweeping views of the Virginia countryside. At first glance, one may pass through Brookneal as a conduit between more populated cities. But right in the heart of town lies a hidden gem: 246 The Main, Brookneal's very own community theater. It's easy to find - the address is 246 Main Street!

Housed in a former plastics factory, 246 The Main opened its doors in August 2014 after a year of renovations. Owners Carl and Donnalynn Davis are both retired; Carl was a firefighter for the City of Lynchburg and Donnalynn worked in geriatrics administration at The Masonic Home of Delaware before moving to Virginia in 2000. Donnalynn has been drawing, dancing, skating, writing, and sewing since she was very young. She holds a degree in Communication Design, is an award-winning studio artist, and has taught art in Wilmington, DE, at the Brookneal Community Center, and now at 246 The Main.

Her theater background is diverse, starting in church, school plays, and dance recitals, then creating the costumes and choreography for her high school theater group. Eventually she moved into local amateur theater in many capacities and produced her own works while teaching skating in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. She also had a successful seamstress/costuming business there and in Delaware, serving dance studios, competitive skaters, and entertainers.

Donnalynn and Carl Davis

After arriving in the small town of Brookneal, Donnalynn saw it depressed due to the textile and tobacco industry failing. It was also devoid of the cultural opportunities that had been afforded her in her hometown. It was Donnalynn’s dream to open a theater to bring light entertainment and creative advancement. Thus, 246 The Main was born.

Donnalynn and Carl worked to repurpose the building on Main which now seats 134 with a capacity for 225 for special events. It is a modified thrust theater, having seating on three sides and an open hardwood floor stage. It also boasts high tech computerized lighting, projection, and sound systems. Over the years, there have been a variety of shows and events in the venue including plays, musicals, operas, Christmas concerts, art openings, book signings, educational ops, and benefit events. These are key pieces of the 246 mission to offer cultural and growth opportunities to its community. In addition, 246 The Main also holds a week-long Summer Drama Camp and camp show every year for ages 5 to adult with exciting kick-off guests from all over the country as well as foreign. They are proud to say they have were honored to receive grants five years running from the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation for their camp efforts. 246 also offers many weekend training workshops for individuals to hone skills such as how to write scripts, direct, make costumes, and gain many other skills used in theatre.

Cast of Clare Voyant, 246 The Main's first production in 2014

(an original work written by Donnalynn Davis)

Annie, 2016

The Main holds a semi-formal Claque Awards Gala every January in recognition of actors who have been voted on by audiences the previous year as their favorites. The event has entertainment, music, clips of shows, and a soup-to-nuts free dinner for casts and crews, which is live streamed on Facebook for those curious to see the chosen. Some lucky audience members win tickets to attend the event by raffles and drawings. In addition, The Main has been featured in two nationally recognized publications, Guideposts and Mature Living, locally in The Orator, and Virginia Lawyers Association (Donnalynn was commissioned by Campbell County Historic Society to write the comedy, Short Circuit, a play combining the antics of two Campbell County Judges, Johnston and Burkes). Most recently, 246 The Main was voted Best Theater behind The Academy of Fine Arts in 2023 News & Advance Reader’s poll

246 The Main is also available for traveling theater groups, and it is proud to say it is open to new writers who want a chance to see their original works performed. One writer, David Walton, has had three of his works performed at 246 The Main: Closing Arguments, When It Snows in Miami, and The Big Big Boom at the Boonie County Fair. "246 is a wonderful theater that has taken a chance on an unknown writer and unknown plays," says Walton. "It's extremely difficult to find a place willing to showcase emerging writers and their work, for that alone I'm grateful. However, in addition to producing my plays, the creative minds responsible for the theater's success have also allowed me to direct my own works too. As a result, I've built a base of actors and an audience who enjoy working with me and who anticipate my next project."

Essie, Sing!, 2016

The Message from Jacob Marley, 2015

The Big Big Boom at the Boonie County Fair, 2023

Fiddler on the Roof, 2015

2024 marks 246’s 10th anniversary on Main Street. The season is a dedication to shows from seasons past and includes The Sound of Music, Clare Voyant, Catch Me If You Can, and The Message From Jacob Marley. Furthermore, 246 The Main has taken part in many charitable organizations including raising money for local charities such as The Alzheimer’s Assoc, Isaiah 117, the needs of several individuals who struggle with illnesses/burn victims, and the Brookneal Fire Department to name a few.

246 is always looking on the horizon for great opportunities and unique ways of serving the area through entertainment and education. This year, Donnalynn has been commissioned to write a play based on Patrick Henry of Historic Red Hill that will commemorate our Nation’s 250th birthday. This will be a multi-location production in South Central Virginia which the Commemoration Committee is hoping will delight, educate and excite all who attend. 246 The Main will take part in this, as will schools, colleges, and other locations.

Finally, Carl and Donnalynn are forever grateful for the community support over the past ten years, for their attendance, encouragement, monetary and countless prop, fabric, and costume donations, and their love and loyalty of and for the arts in this small theater. A dream realized now continues to bless because of the community it serves.

Rehearsals are underway for the upcoming production of The Sound of Music.

Performances are March 22-24, 29, & 30, 2024

For more information, you can visit 246 The Main Cultural Arts Theatreat 246 Main Street, Brookneal, VA 24528, or at their website at www.246themaintheatre.com. They also have a Facebook page, so check it out for further updates. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting their box office at 434-376-2461 or visiting lynchburgtickets.com.