Alliance for the Arts

Sat, Oct 18 · 9:15 AM EDT

Photography Workshop – Portrait Fundamentals: Light, Posing and Composition

Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL, US

You must register on our website prior to attending this course. Click here.

Master natural light portrait photography using any camera – from DSLR to smartphone. This hands-on workshop teaches practical techniques you can use immediately to create compelling portraits anywhere.

What You’ll Learn:

• Natural Light Mastery: Work with window light, golden hour, overcast skies, and even harsh midday sun
• Flattering Posing: Position subjects of all ages and body types for confidence and natural expression
• Professional Composition: Apply rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing techniques that elevate your images
• Problem-Solving: Handle challenging lighting and uncooperative subjects with confidence

The workshop includes live demonstrations, partner practice sessions with instructor feedback, and a final shooting exercise with group critique.

You’ll Walk Away Able To:

• Assess and use any natural light situation effectively
• Pose anyone for flattering, natural-looking portraits
• Compose stronger images that draw the viewer’s eye
• Troubleshoot common portrait problems on the spot
• Create professional-quality portraits with whatever camera you own

Prerequisites: Basic camera operation or smartphone photography comfort

Sat, Oct 18 · 10:00 AM EDT

Step By Step Acrylics with Pat Smelkoff

Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL, US

You must register on our website prior to attending this six-week course. Click here.

Unleash Your Inner Artist – One Brushstroke at a Time!
Ready to dip your toes (and brushes) into the colorful world of acrylic painting? Join the fabulous Pat Smelkoff, a patient and passionate instructor who knows how to turn nervous newbies into confident creators!
In this fun and friendly class, you’ll learn the basics of acrylics—like color mixing, brush techniques, and how to bring a blank canvas to life. Whether you can barely draw a stick figure or you’ve dabbled a little but want more structure, this is the perfect place to start.
Expect laughs, creativity, and a no-pressure environment where mistakes are just happy little accidents. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a finished painting and a big smile (plus some paint on your hands—it’s all part of the fun).
No experience needed. All supplies provided. Just bring your imagination!

Sat, Oct 18 · 5:00 PM EDT

Double Feature: Haunted House + Rocky Horror Picture Show Outdoor Movie Event

Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL, US

Tickets available on our website. Click here.

One ticket, double the thrills!
Your ticket includes admission to both the Rocky Horror Picture Show Outdoor Movie Event and an exclusive preview of Curtain Call Carnage—a brand-new haunted maze where theatre collides with terror. Expect costumes, laughs, interactive fun, and truly gruesome scares. Celebrate the Alliance for the Arts’ 50th Anniversary with the ultimate Halloween kickoff:


Exclusive preview of Curtain Call Carnage—a brand-new haunted maze that mixes theatre with terror And the fun of the Rocky Horror Picture Show
Halloween enthusiasts, and the simply curious to step into a world where theatre meets terror at 13 Nights of Stage Fright, Curtain Call Carnage. The inaugural series runs October 18–November 1, 2025, a fully immersive haunted walk-through maze—a chilling theatrical nightmare with a storyline as gripping as it is gruesome.
This is a special double feature event launching the inaugural 13 Nights of Stage Fright. And It’s just a jump to the left… and a step into the biggest cult classic celebration of the year! Join us for the beloved Rocky Horror Picture Show Outdoor Movie Event and be among the first to preview the Curtain Call Carnage haunted maze.
It’s just a jump to the left… and a step into the ultimate cult classic celebration of the year!


Event Details


• Gates Open: 5:00 PM
• Curtain Call Carnage: Open 5pm-7pm | Rocky Starts at dusk

• 

  Rocky Horror Picture Show Outdoor Movie Event
• Festivities Before the Film: Costume Contest

  

  | Bingo

  

  | Vendors

  

  | Food Trucks

  

  | Drinks

  

• Film Begins at Dusk (with interactive prop bags available for purchase!)

Get ready to time warp with friends, sing along, and celebrate 50 years of outrageous fun and community spirit.


This annual fundraiser supports the Alliance’s mission of keeping the arts accessible to all. Interested in being a sponsor? Click here for sponsorship opportunities or email jen@artinlee.org
As as extra special treat, the night will include a preview of our theatrical debut haunted house: Curtain Call Carnage.

#### Important Information for Rocky Horror Picture Show Outdoor Movie Event

Please bring your chairs or blankets for lawn seating to watch the film.
A limited number of chairs will be available for rent.
Prohibited Items: Outside food, beverages, and coolers are not allowed. Pets: Only service animals are permitted during Rocky Horror.
Onsite parking is available, but limited. So, we strongly encourage ridesharing.
VIP Experience
Access to the VIP seating area (please bring your own chair)
VIP bar with one complimentary drink
Special prop bag
Access to indoor restrooms
Priority entrance into Curtain Call Carnage (must be used Oct. 18 between 5:00 – 7:00 PM)
VIP Check-in will be located in front of the entrance doors to our main building.

#### Ticketing Information

Admission
$30.00 General Admission | $25 Members
$55.00 VIP | $50 Members

13 Nights of Stage Fright is a frightening theatrical attraction designed for mature audiences. Please read the following carefully before entering:

• Recommended for ages 13 and up
• Not advised for individuals with heart conditions, light sensitivity, or respiratory issues
• This attraction includes strobe lighting, fog/haze effects, loud noises, confined spaces, and disturbing themes
• Portions of the walkthrough include stairs and uneven flooring
• Service animals will not be permitted inside the haunted house
• No photography or video recording is permitted inside the haunted house, including smartphone usage
• By entering the haunted house, you voluntarily accept all risks associated with participation, including but not limited to personal fright, minor physical contact, or psychological discomfort. You acknowledge that this experience is theatrical in nature and intended for entertainment.
• No refunds will be issued for early exit due to fear or discomfort.

The screening is open to ALL AGES. The haunted house is NOT recommended for victims 12 and under. The film and the haunted house are both rated R, parental discretion is advised.