SPOTLIGHT 26: A Summer Block Party
Step back to the summer of ’78—where the streets come alive and the dance floor never stops.

 

This summer, Mountain Theatre Company invites the community to experience Spotlight 26, an immersive, high-energy celebration inspired by the music, culture, and joy of its world-premiere production Dancin’ in the Street.

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At its core, Spotlight is Mountain Theatre Company’s signature annual fundraiser, a night where celebration and impact go hand in hand. Every level of participation directly supports the work on our stage and expands access to theatre across our community. The more we raise together, the more we are able to do for our artists, for our audiences, and for the next generation of theatre lovers.

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Designed as a modern evolution of the traditional gala, Spotlight transforms the night into a fully immersive, multi-environment summer block party where guests don’t just attend, they step inside the experience.

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The evening unfolds across three distinct settings, each offering its own atmosphere, flavors, and soundtrack, creating a seamless progression from relaxed gathering to full celebration.

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Guests begin the night in The Sunset Lounge, reimagined as a cool 1970s basement hangout, an intimate, effortlessly stylish space where the tone is set with warmth, music, and conversation. Local guitarist Mick Mayer provides a soulful instrumental backdrop while guests enjoy a curated selection of passed hors d’oeuvres, including miniature crab cakes with tomato tartar, prosciutto-wrapped dates stuffed with blue cheese, and fresh mozzarella, basil, and grape tomato skewers finished with balsamic drizzle. Signature cocktails include the Basement Old Fashioned, a rich, bourbon-forward classic, and the Hi-Fi Collins, a bright and refreshing blend of gin, lemon, and soda, creating a relaxed and welcoming start to the evening.

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As the night builds, guests are guided into The Soul Street Party, where the atmosphere expands into a lively neighborhood celebration. Under strands of glowing lights, the space comes alive with Motown and soul favorites, communal gathering areas, and an array of chef-curated food stations designed to evoke the flavors of a summer block party with a refined touch. Offerings include pulled pork sliders with pickles, Rosewood pimento cheese with crackers, miniature broccoli corn muffins, and a fresh garden salad with watermelon, cucumber, feta, and house dressings, alongside elevated bites such as trout BLT selections with arugula, heirloom tomato, and lemon zest aioli. Guests can enjoy a range of beverages, including the Boogie Nights Margarita and the Sweet Tea Smash, along with beer and wine as the energy of the evening continues to build.

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Then, as the celebration reaches its peak, the theatre doors open to reveal the final destination: Avenue 54.

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Inside, the stage of Dancin’ in the Street is transformed into a dazzling disco dance floor, where guests are invited to step directly onto the set and become part of the action. Under shimmering lights and spinning disco balls, a live DJ spins the iconic hits of the late 1970s, featuring music from legendary artists such as Donna Summer, Bee Gees, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Throughout the evening, members of the Dancin’ in the Street cast appear with live vocal moments, blending performance and party as guests dance the night away together on stage.

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Signature cocktails keep the celebration going, including the Last Dance Martini, a vibrant mix of vodka, passionfruit, and vanilla, and the Midnight Mule, a crisp, refreshing blend of vodka, ginger beer, and lime, perfect for keeping the dance floor moving late into the night.

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Late into the evening, a final round of indulgence keeps the energy high, with assorted petit fours, Earl Grey lemon triangles, and rich triple chocolate brownie bites, offering a sweet finish to a night designed for celebration.

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Adding to the immersive nature of the event, each guest receives an interactive Spotlight bracelet upon arrival. More than entry, the bracelet guides guests through the evening’s environments and ultimately becomes part of the experience itself, illuminating and pulsing in sync with the music during the Avenue 54 dance party, transforming the entire room into a sea of light and movement.

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Spotlight 26 is designed as an all-inclusive evening of hospitality and celebration, where guests can enjoy curated cuisine, signature cocktails, and premium beverages throughout all three event spaces.

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100% of the proceeds from Spotlight 26 benefit the Mountain Theatre Company Community Club, in partnership with Cullasaja Women’s Outreach.

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Together, these efforts ensure that students across Jackson, Macon, and Rabun counties can experience live theatre at no cost, while making it affordable and accessible for local families to enjoy the kind of Broadway-caliber entertainment typically found far beyond our region.

 

In a community where so much of the audience is driven by tourism, this work ensures that the people who live here have the opportunity to gather, connect, and share in meaningful cultural experiences together. These are the moments that build lasting memories, strengthen community ties, and ensure that live theatre remains a vibrant and accessible part of life on the Plateau.

 

By joining us for Spotlight 26, at any level, you are not just attending a celebration, you are directly investing in the future of theatre in our community. The greater the support, the greater the impact, and the more opportunities we can create for audiences of all ages to experience the magic of live performance.

 

For one night only, the stage extends beyond the theatre and into every corner of the celebration, inviting guests to step inside the music, the movement, and the magic.

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​ADMISSION OPTIONS

 

Block Party Pass — $250
Full access to all event spaces and experiences, including your interactive Spotlight bracelet, which guides your journey through the evening and becomes part of the Avenue 54 dance floor experience

 

Premium Block Party Pass — $350
Full access to all event spaces and experiences, including your interactive Spotlight bracelet, plus a Mountain Theatre Company lapel pin and tote, beginning the limited-edition MTC Collection created exclusively for Spotlight 26

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VIP Block Party Pass — $500
Full access to all event spaces and experiences, including your interactive Spotlight bracelet, plus a Mountain Theatre Company lapel pin and tote, and an MTC blanket and Bluetooth speaker, completing the limited-edition MTC Collection created exclusively for Spotlight 26,

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VIP Guests also receive access to:

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• Reserved seating for live performance moments on Avenue 54
• A private backstage tour hosted by Scott Daniel, offering an inside look at Dancin’ in the Street, a preview of Showstoppers, and an exclusive preview of Season 89
• A complimentary glass of Prosecco, available exclusively during the tour​.​​