PROVIDED
This October, the Alliance for the Arts is celebrating its 50th anniversary by inviting thrill-seekers, Halloween enthusiasts, and the simply curious to step into a world where theatre meets terror at 13 Nights of Stage Fright. The inaugural series runs from Oct. 18 to Nov. 1, anchored by Curtain Call Carnage, a fully immersive, indoor haunted walk-through maze – a chilling theatrical nightmare with a storyline as gripping as it is gruesome.
One of the Alliance for the Arts’ 13 Nights of Stage Fright characters. PROVIDED
One of the Alliance for the Arts’ 13 Nights of Stage Fright characters. PROVIDED
PROVIDED
Events and Programming Director Michael Hebler, a lifelong fan of haunted houses and immersive storytelling, began developing the project in March 2025 with a clear vision: to create a one-of-a-kind, community-centered experience that blends theatre and terror. While the haunted maze serves as the ticketed main attraction, Hebler notes that many evenings will also include a free, community-focused Sideshow. Each Sideshow will feature its own theme and mix of live entertainment, contests, games, and interactive experiences–ensuring that no two nights are ever the same. Some nights are designed to be family-friendly, while others cater to a more mature audience.
“Being a lifelong storyteller, I’ve always been drawn to the kind of tales you can really sink your teeth into–especially horror,” says Hebler. “It’s where atmosphere, emotion, and artistry collide. Curtain Call Carnage is my love letter to the stage and to Halloween and my warning to anyone brave enough to enter it.”
The Story
Fifty years ago, Giddy Grims, star of the Giddy Grims’ Theatre Playhouse, watched in horror as his troupe, The Hysterical Harlequins, along with his brother, Ziggy, descended into madness during a live performance massacring the audience in a frenzy of chaos. No explanation was ever found, and Giddy disappeared without a trace. Now, under a mysterious new owner, the playhouse (renamed Giddy’s Encore Theatre) is reopening in time for the Alliance for the Arts’ 50th Anniversary celebration. Guests are lured to the premiere but warned to stay away from the backstage entrance, where unsettling activity and sightings have been reported. Step inside Curtain Call Carnage… if you dare to become part of the final act.
One of the Alliance for the Arts’ 13 Nights of Stage Fright characters. PROVIDED
Featured activities throughout the event
Depending on the night, guests may encounter dance parties, spooky markets, themed contests, carnival-style games, art displays, gripping video presentations, roaming performers, flash mobs, and a tribute museum to the legendary ZombiCon Fort Myers. Whether you choose the thrill of the maze or simply soak in the eerie sideshows, there’s something for every level of Halloween spirit.
Sideshow night themes and dates
• Night 1 – Double Feature: Rocky Horror Picture Show outdoor screening + Curtain Call Carnage exclusive preview
Saturday, Oct. 18 from 5 to 10 p.m.
One of the Alliance for the Arts’ 13 Nights of Stage Fright characters. PROVIDED
* Curtain Call Carnage Haunted Maze exclusive preview from 5 to 7 p.m.
* Outdoor Rocky Horror Picture Show Film screening at 8 p.m.
• Night 2 – Grand Opening Carnival & Fundraiser
Sunday, Oct. 19 from 6 to 9 p.m.
A spooky carnival atmosphere to kick off the haunting season.
• Nights 3 & 4 – Bare Bones
Tuesday, Oct. 21 & Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Streamlined maze nights at a discounted rate. No sideshows. Discounted tickets.
• Night 5 – Less Scare, More Care: Community Night
Thursday, Oct. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m.
No scary maze this night. This is a softer, family-friendly version with trunk or treat, games, arts & crafts, and more community activities. Free to attend.
• Night 6 – Hollywood Horrors
Friday, Oct. 24 from 7 to 10 p.m.
A tribute to iconic horror film characters with contests, games, a “dead” carpet, and more gore and glimmer-themed fun.
• Night 7 – Rise of the Undead
Saturday, Oct. 25 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Zombie-themed night featuring costume contests, a homage to ZombiCon Fort Myers, and a ‘thrilling’ surprise.
• Night 8 – Ink Night
Sunday, Oct. 26 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Celebrating tattoos and body art with eerie inspiration.
• Night 9 – Bare Bones
Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Discounted maze admission. No sideshow.
• Night 10 – Spooky Stories Night Market
Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 5 to 8 p.m.
* Maze from 6 to 9 p.m.
Night market featuring authors, storytellers, and ghostly tales.
• Night 11 – Full Scream A Head
Thursday, Oct. 30 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Step into the most intense night of Curtain Call Carnage! For thrill-seekers craving more, the Full Scream Experience features the Buried Alive Simulator and a touch-allowed haunted maze (18+ only with a signed waiver). The extra-scare experience is completely optional. All attendees can still explore the haunted maze and enjoy the night at their own comfort level.
• Night 12 – Monster Mash Halloween Dance Party
Friday, Oct. 31 from 7 to 10 p.m.
A classic Halloween party featuring music and dancing with DJ Joe Wisdom. Enjoy exciting games, a thrilling costume contest, and more.
• Night 13 – The Final Act
Saturday, Nov. 1 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Closing night for a final maze run. No sideshow.
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Vendors will be featured on select nights, including Oct. 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 31. From artisan goods to specialty merchandise, these evenings are perfect for small businesses, local authors, and corporations to showcase their products to a lively Halloween crowd.
Curtain Call Carnage promises an unforgettable fusion of live theatre, immersive horror, and community fun. Dare to walk the haunted halls or simply enjoy the sideshows and become a part of our community’s history. Not recommended for ages 12 and under. Ticket prices vary and start at $10 for members. Enjoy a $2 discount at the door when you show proof of purchase from Calusa Nature Center’s Haunted Walk.
Please note: Curtain Call Carnage is designed as an immersive theatrical horror experience and includes strobe lights, fog effects, loud sounds, simulated gore, confined spaces, and other intense scare elements. While created with artistry and storytelling in mind, some scenes may not be suitable for all guests. Guests enter at their own discretion, refunds will not be issued for incomplete experiences.
For tickets, vendor applications, and event details.
Alliance for the Arts is at 10091 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers.
About Alliance for the Arts
From yesterday’s vision to tomorrow’s masterpiece, a legacy of art and soul. The Alliance for the Arts is celebrating 50 years as a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. For more information, please call 239-939-2787, visit ArtInLee.org, follow on Facebook, MeetUp and Instagram.