Annual Silent Auction Fundraiser

Welcome to The Public Theatre’s 2026 SILENT AUCTION!

THE ONLINE AUCTION IS OPEN FOR BIDDING!

Featuring great items from local businesses, artists and craftspeople.

The ONLINE AUCTION has been so successful, it is now an integral part of one of our largest fundraisers of the year.

Grab a great bargain for yourself, or a fabulous fun ideas for the warm months ahead. Bid High. Bid Often. It’s all for a great cause.

Visit the Auction

It’s Time to Bid on YOUR Favorites!

Check out over 140 items in our Online Auction.

Create your 32 Auctions account and make a “watchlist” of your favorites. If you have participated in any 32 Auction before, just sign in and add our Auction.

Everybody benefits from The Public Theatre’s Silent Auction:

Businesses and artists get valuable exposure to almost 2,000 theatre patrons who will attend the show and view the Auction. Donations can introduce customers to your business, as well as bring them directly to your door, when they purchase your item or Gift Certificate. Our bid sheets display your business name, location, web address and phone number. We are also happy to display your business cards and/or brochures alongside your donation during the Auction.
You’ll get fabulous deals on great merchandise and Gift Certificates from local businesses, while feeling good about supporting The Public Theatre.
Everyone gets great theatre at an affordable price. With probably the lowest ticket prices for Professional Theatre in the entire country, you can see high quality theatre right in your own backyard and without breaking the bank.

Can participants view the auction without an account?

Anyone can view the auction without an account. An account is only needed in order to bid on or “watch” items and to “Buy Now”.

Do participants need to create an account to bid on items?

Yes. An account is needed in order to bid on or “watch” items and to “Buy Now”.

The process is quick and very little information is required. Your name will not be displayed to the public as a bidder.

If you bid in any previous Online Auction, you already have a 32Auctions account. You can use it for this Auction too!

Bid in the Silent Auction

This spring The Public Theatre will present its Annual Silent Auction and we are inviting you to be a part of it!

Over 200 Items from many generous Maine Businesses and Craftspeople will be on display in The Public Theatre Lobby during our May show.

There’s something for everyone at The Silent Auction.
You’ll find an eclectic selection of everything from Auto Services to Vacations. You need not attend a performance to bid on our LIVE items. Simply stop by The Public Theatre, at Libson & Maple Streets in Downtown Lewiston, during Box Office Hours. The Box Office is open 12 noon – 5pm Monday-Friday, and opens at 12 noon on performance days.

Directions to The Public Theatre

Remember… BID EARLY, BID OFTEN

Here is just a sampling of the great things that you’ll find in our ONLINE Auction.

Visit the Online Auction

Online Auction

Visit our Online Auction to bid on over 150 items:

Items flagged ONLINE ONLY – are not on display at The Public Theatre. Bids may be placed online, or you may contact us as described above to place an “Absentee” bid.

When items are flagged LIVE EVENT ONLY – You may not place bids online for these items. You may follow the “Absentee” bidding instructions provided below.

Take a tour of the Live Auction Items

“LIVE” In-Person Silent Auction

In addition to items in our online auction you can also view items that will be on display in the lobby during the run of Grandma Gatewood Took a Walk, May 8-17, 2026.

BIDDING ON LIVE EVENT ONLY ITEMS CLOSES 10 minutes after the end of the Sunday, May 17, 2026, 2:00 pm performance. All Absentee Bids must be submitted by 3:00 pm.

ABSENTEE BIDDING

If you would like to place an “ABSENTEE” bid, you may call 782-3200 or Email an Auction Bid with SUBJECT: Auction Bid Item #[000] and your bid. You may also visit The Public Theatre during the hours found below.

You may submit either a PROXY BID or an EXACT BID

A PROXY BID is the MAXIMUM amount you’re willing to spend with the goal of winning the item at the lowest possible price. We will ensure that you are the high-bidder until your PROXY BID amount is outbid.
An EXACT BID is the amount you want to bid right now. Your bid amount will not change as additional bids are received for the item.

**Beyond fulfilling PROXY BIDS, we are not able to monitor all the LIVE ITEMS for bidding changes, including checking to see if your PROXY BID has been outbid. It is your responsibility to check on your bid status.

If you are not attending the show, you may visit The Public Theatre during the following hours to view the items and bid:

Fri, May 8 : 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sat, May 9: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Sun, May 10 : 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Tues, May 12 : 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Wed, May 13 : 10:00 – 1:00 pm
Thur, May 14 : 10:00 – 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Sat, May 16: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm & 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Sun, May 17 : 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm & 3:30 pm to Auction Close after the show.

Support Us with a Donation to the Silent Auction

Everybody benefits from The Public Theatre’s Silent Auction:

Your business will get valuable exposure to almost 2,000 theatre patrons who will attend the show and view the Auction. Donations can introduce customers to your business, as well as bring them directly to your door, when they purchase your item or Gift Certificate. Our bid sheets display your business name, location, web address and phone number. We are also happy to display your business cards and/or brochures alongside your donation during the Auction.
Patrons get fabulous deals on great merchandise and Gift Certificates from local businesses, while feeling good about supporting The Public Theatre.
Everyone gets great theatre at an affordable price. With probably the lowest ticket prices for Professional Theatre in the entire country, you can see high quality theatre right in your own backyard and without breaking the bank.

How to Donate to the Silent Auction

May 4 – May 17, 2026 The Public Theatre will present our ANNUAL Silent Auction and we are inviting you to be a part of it!

Vacation trips, gift certificates, coveted products and crafts—our silent auction has it all, thanks to the generous support of businesses and individuals in our community.

ONLINE bidding starts MAY 4th and a selection of items will be featured in the lobby during run of Grandma Gatewood Took a Walk, May 8-17, 2026.

The Silent Auction is our single largest fundraiser. Support The Public Theatre by donating an item or service to be auctioned off.

The Public Theatre will always give you the best value in professional theatre. Help support Maine in two great ways; supporting a local Arts organization, and promoting Maine’s diverse range of goods. You can help us make this the most successful Auction ever by joining the many local businesses who support us with donations for this event.

Can we count on your support?

You may mail us your donation, or “pledge” a donation to be picked up at a convenient date.
Should you have any questions about your donation, do not hesitate to call us at 782-2211.

Download Silent Auction Donation Forms

Any donation is greatly appreciated!

If you need more information, please call 782-2211 or Email Your Questions

Download Auction Donation Form

Silent Auction Sponsorships!

Sponsorships start at just $50!

Not all businesses have “Auction Ready” goods or services. We want to make sure everyone can support the Auction and enjoy having their business highlighted in front of thousands of our patrons.