The Lafayette Society for the Performing Arts will be trying something different with the opening of its new season show “Arsenic and Old Lace” next week with a picnic before each show.

“For the first time, Lafayette Society for Performing Arts is having picnic theater. It’s a phrase we coined and we compare the concept to that of Chastain Park” Amphitheatre in Atlanta, said LSPA board director Debby Baker.

Tables will be setup in the LSPA Black Box Theater and doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for patrons to bring in picnic suppers and beverages of choice. They will have until 7:15 p.m. to finish their meals and asked to have all food, utensils and drinks should be stored away before the show starts at 7:30 p.m. to not distract the actors.

“We think this will offer an opportunity for our guests to enjoy a meal while visiting with each other before the play begins,” Baker said. “We haven’t done this before, but it sounded like fun, so we’re going to try it.”

Ticket prices for the picnic theater are still the same - $15 for adults and $10 for students. There will be limited seating because of the tables, so reservations are required.

Picnic time will be available before each performance of the show, which runs Oct. 4 to 6, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m., and Oct.7 at 2:30 p.m.

Reservations may be made by calling LSPA at 706-882-9909 or going by the LSPA office at 214 Bull St.