When SPAO started, (first meeting February 1989) each show was held at the Stillwater High School Auditorium. "You Can't Take It With You" presented that fall was a huge success. After the great turn out for that first show each production following was measured by it.

Our next few shows only brought in around 300 patrons each for our one weekend run. We had no idea that 300 was a wonderful turnout for area theatre. We were discouraged. We didn't quit - We tried harder. Each succeeding show got bigger and better. It wasn't long before people from all over wanted to become a part of that newly established theatre group "The Stillwater Players Among Others". Many memories and friends were made at the auditorium, those first shows laid the pavement for the success of SPAO for 16 years.