Lights, Curtain, Courtesy! A Guide to good theater etiquette!

Written by Anna Olson |

We’ve all been there! You arrive at the theater prepared to be immersed in the production. As you’re engrossed in a moving monologue or captivated by a high energy dance number, the unthinkable happens. Someone’s phone goes off, there’s a late arrival and they have to cross in front of you to get to their seat, the person next to you is clearly sick and is constantly coughing in your direction… You get the idea! Something happens that takes you out of the “moment”. While we are certain that you yourself would never make such an etiquette faux pas, we are sharing this blog of the do’s of theater etiquette for those that may need a refresher to help make your theater experience a positive one!

  • Do… show up early! No, you don’t have to arrive an hour before showtime. Doors usually open a half an hour before showtime so that there is plenty of time to enter, find your seat, use the restroom, and order a concession or two.
  • Do… use the restroom beforehand. You never know when needs must, but take advantage of the restroom before the performance and intermission.
  • Do… turn off your cell phone! Emergencies do come up, but please remember to turn off your phone and set it to silent.
  • Do… remove your hat. We absolutely support that you want to express your fashion through your headwear! Unfortunately, that fashion statement may be blocking the view of those behind you.
  • Do… refrain from taking videos or photos during the performance. One word: copyright and two words: accidental flash.
  • Do… abstain from side conversations. The audience is there to experience the performance, not hear about your latest workplace drama.
  • Do… stay home if you are sick. While we will be sad that you cannot attend, the health of the audience, cast, and crew, is a priority. Rest up in the comfort of your own home!
  • Do… applaud! In plays and musicals, the “blackouts” cue that applause is welcome. It is also encouraged to applaud following each musical number. Please show your appreciation for the cast and crew!
  • Do… remain in your seat for the duration of the curtain call. And may we be so bold as to suggest a standing ovation?

Join ASPI for their December 2025 production of A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens, Jr. Tickets are not yet on sale, so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss a single update!

The Stage is Set: ASPI’s 2026 Season Has Been Revealed

ASPI is thrilled to announce our 2026 season lineup, featuring three unforgettable shows that promise laughter, inspiration, and a touch of holiday magic. We’re excited to share what’s coming to the stage next year-and invite you to join us for a full season of live community theater right here in Abrams!

Kicking off the year in style is Legally Blonde the Musical (February 26–March 8, 2026). This high-energy, pink-powered musical follows Elle Woods as she heads to Harvard Law to prove she’s more than just a pretty face. Filled with catchy songs, humor, and heart, this PG-13 show is the perfect way to start the season with a burst of fun and empowerment.

In the spring, we’ll take a powerful turn with 1776 the Musical (May 7–17, 2026). This Tony Award-winning classic brings history to life with music, wit, and emotion as our founding fathers struggle to draft the Declaration of Independence. With its blend of humor and humanity, 1776 reminds us how much courage and compromise went into the birth of a nation.

Finally, we’ll wrap up the year with a dose of holiday nostalgia in Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play (December 3–13, 2026). Presented in the charming style of a 1940s radio broadcast-complete with live sound effects and music-this adaptation brings a classic Christmas story to life in a whole new way. It’s a heartwarming celebration of belief, kindness, and the magic of the season.

Season Tickets for 2026 are on sale now, offering the best seats, convenience, and 10% savings compared to individual ticket prices. Don’t miss a moment of this incredible season-secure your seats today and experience the joy of live theater all year long!

Mini Camp, Major Talent!

On Sunday, August 17, Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. hosted its very first Audition Kids Camp, and what a day it was! With more than 36 young performers, ages 6–16, filling the theater with energy, talent, and creativity, the camp was truly a celebration of youth theater in our community.

Throughout the afternoon, students rotated through breakout sessions in improv, music, acting, and choreography, led by a fantastic team of instructors. The camp wrapped up with a mock audition, giving each participant the chance to put their new skills into practice while receiving encouraging feedback from peers and instructors.

Each camper also received a special camp t-shirt, which they proudly wore throughout the day-making everyone feel part of the team and a part of this exciting new tradition.

Of course, no camp is complete without some fun in between! During break times, music filled the theater and even sparked an impromptu sing-along to “Let It Go”-a moment that had both kids and instructors smiling from ear to ear.

The success of this year’s camp has us excited for the future. Our goal is to bring this event back next summer, growing it even bigger and better. To make that happen, we’re looking for local businesses who may be interested in sponsoring this camp and helping us continue to provide affordable, high-quality opportunities for young performers. If you or someone you know would like to partner with us, please reach out at theater.aspi@gmail.com.

ASPI is proud to invest in the next generation of performers, and we can’t wait to see where their journeys take them-on our stage and beyond!

6th annual silent auction

ASPI’s 6th Annual Silent Auction

December 10 – 14, 2025

Abrams Spotlight Productions is thrilled to announce our 6th Annual Silent Auction and we need your support. This exciting event is a crucial fundraiser for ASPI, and your contribution will make a real difference!

You can place your bid HERE!

In 2020, the ASPI Silent Auction was introduced as a response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. With the inability to stage live shows for the community, there arose a critical need to find alternative means of generating funds to sustain the theater operations. Thus, the Silent Auction was conceptualized and has since garnered increasing interest and support each year! The event is hosted entirely online, so bidders do not need to come to the theater to participate.

Popular items in the past include a charcuterie board, a sunset sailing excursion, and Brigette’s “famous” chocolate-covered peanut butter balls (which have sold for more than $100!) Gift cards consistently sold at face value or even more, and there were intense bidding wars for memorable props from previous shows, such as the Haynes sisters’ blue peacock feathers from White Christmas.

ASPI is currently accepting donations for this year’s auction. We are in need of baskets, gift cards, and various services. If you are unable to put together a donation, you can contribute money which will be used to purchase gift cards and offset the fee for using the online bidding platform. For inquiries or to donate items, you can contact the theater at theater.aspi@gmail.com or by calling the box office at 920-826-5852. We will gladly arrange for the pick-up of any donated items.

The 6th annual Silent Auction will open on Wednesday, December 10 at noon and close on Sunday, December 14 at 8 pm. Please mark your calendars!