In 1987, the North Country Center for the Arts transformed the paper mill in Lincoln (the former industrial center of the community, officially closed since 1980) into the Papermill Theatre, and produced its first professional mainstage season. Productions of the inaugural season included Carnival, Harvey, Deathtrap, and Cabaret.

Over more than two decades, the Papermill Theatre would perform over 80 professional productions in the historic paper mill building and establish a reputation for excellence, winning many New Hampshire Theatre Awards and becoming a vibrant center for the arts in New Hampshire and New England.

After years of success in the restored paper mill building, NCCA played its final summer season in the Papermill Theatre in 2009, producing Smokey Joe’s Cafe, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and On the Town.  That fall, the paper mill was demolished, making way for the new facility that would house the NCCA performing arts companies of Lincoln — Jean’s Playhouse.

Read the full history of Jean’s Playhouse here.