[1][2] The theatre was built by Lillith Lidseen, who moved to Clay County after her brother Edwin established a pipe manufacturing business in Warne.

Seeing the community's love of theatre, in 1979 Lidseen vowed to construct a professional venue in the town of about 400 people.

[7] Lidseen's dream for the building was that it be used for education in music, dance, and theatre, showcasing community events as well as national touring companies.

Though the idea stemmed from the need to give Licklog a home, all theatre groups in the area were expected to use the facility.

[8] The property was purchased in 1980[9] and blueprints for the playhouse were drafted in March 1981 by architect Larry Graham of Athens.

The Lilith Lidseen Performing Arts Association was founded in 2007 and raised $800,000 to buy the playhouse in 2009 and renovate it.

[14] After performing more than 100 plays at the venue, the Licklog Players moved to a strip mall and closed down following their 2014 season.

[17] The venue remains the only purpose-built community theatre in the region west of Franklin, North Carolina.