The auditorium of the Fox West Theatre in Trinidad, Colorado
Photography Workshops
Have you ever wanted to photograph one of the theaters I feature on After the Final Curtain?
I’ve spent almost twenty years traveling around the country photographing historic and abandoned theaters. One of the questions I get asked most often is, “Can I come with you?”
The answer is yes.
I started hosting photography workshops more than a decade ago as a way to give people legal access to some of these buildings while also putting money back into them. I pay the theater owners or organizations for access, which helps with maintenance, restoration and other expenses. A photography workshop is not going to save a theater, but every little bit helps.
The workshops are kept small so everyone has room to photograph and explore the building without twenty tripods fighting for the same spot. I’m there throughout the day to help with composition, exposure, lighting, lens choices or anything else that comes up. If you already know what you’re doing and simply want time to photograph the building, that works too.
Workshops now take place at theaters around the country, from buildings that have been closed for decades to theaters in the middle of restoration. Some are local to New England and others give me an excuse to drag everyone halfway across the country.
The currently scheduled workshops are listed below. I add new dates and locations whenever I’m able to arrange access.
Location: Clinton, MA
Dates/Times: September 19, 2026
The Theater: The Strand Theatre first opened its doors in 1924 in Clinton, Massachusetts. After many years operating as a dinner theater, it closed in 2021. The lease fell through and we have another shot at this before someone else takes it over.
The Workshop: Theaters can be tricky to photograph, but that’s what I’m here for. Whether you need help with composition, exposure, or just figuring out the best way to shoot a dimly lit balcony, I’ve got you covered. I’ve spent over 20 years photographing abandoned spaces—15 of those focused on theaters—and I’ve picked up plenty of tips along the way.
The whole theater is well-lit, but I’ll have additional lighting on hand so we can experiment with shots in lower light. My goal is for you to walk away with images you’re proud of, so ask me anything
Safety: This theater is in much better shape than some of my other workshop locations, but still—watch your step. Some areas will be off-limits, and we’ll go over those at the start of the workshop. You’ll need to sign a waiver acknowledging the risks of photographing an old building. The Strand may not be abandoned, but like any historic space, it has its hazards
What to bring:
- flashlights/flash
- a tripod
- a cell phone
A confirmation email will be sent to the email address you provide when signing up for the workshop. I’ll be sending a follow up email with more details a week before the workshop.
Workshop Terms and Conditions: You will need to sign a waiver to participate in this event. By signing up for this workshop you agree not to use information obtained before or during the workshop to illegally trespass or set up alternate workshops/events. Because of the extremely limited tour spots there are NO REFUNDS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES if you have signed up for the tour, except in case of workshop cancellation by After the Final Curtain. You’re welcome to transfer your spot in the workshop to someone else, but you need to send me an email letting me know that’s happening. If the workshop is canceled due to inclement weather or issues at the theater, a refund will be offered if you are unable to make the rescheduled workshop date. I cannot be held liable for travel, rental, or other costs incurred by attendee in the event of workshop cancellation. All sales are final.
Location: Worcester, MA
Date/Time:
November 7, 2026
The Theatre: The Art Theatre opened in 1891 as Lothrop’s Opera House and is the oldest surviving theater in Worcester, MA. It went through a number of names including; The Olympia Theater, Lynch’s Pleasant Theater, Fine Arts Theater, and finally the New Art Cinema. It closed in 2006. The building was purchased by a local family a few years ago, and they intent to reopen it as a performing arts center.
The Workshop: I will be on hand to help you with any questions you may have - these buildings can be a challenge to photograph, and I’m happy to answer any you may have. I want you to leave with photos you’re proud of, so don’t be afraid to ask me anything -- I’ve been photographing abandoned theaters for almost 10 years (and abandoned buildings in general for almost 20), and I’ve picked up some tips and tricks along the way. The lobby and the orchestra level of the theater are well lit, but if you want to shoot the balcony and projection room you will need to bring your own lighting. I will have some handheld LED lights on hand that you can borrow.
Safety: Watch where you step! Safety is the first priority. There are some spots in the theater where you will not be allowed to go, and we will be going over those at the beginning of the workshop. You will be asked to sign a waiver before entering the building acknowledging that you will be in a potentially unsafe environment and that you will not hold the owners or myself liable for any harm that may come to you or your equipment. The theater has mold and peeling paint, so I recommend bringing a respirator/dust mask. If you have mold/dust allergies please take that into consideration before attending.
What to bring:
- respirator/dust mask
- flashlights/flash
- boots
- a tripod
- a cell phone
A confirmation email will be sent to the email address you provide when signing up for the workshop. I’ll be sending a follow up email with more details a week before the workshop.
Workshop Terms and Conditions: You will need to sign a waiver to participate in this event. By signing up for this workshop you agree not to use information obtained before or during the workshop to illegally trespass or set up alternate workshops/events. Because of the extremely limited tour spots there are NO REFUNDS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES if you have signed up for the tour, except in case of workshop cancellation by After the Final Curtain. You’re welcome to transfer your spot in the workshop to someone else, but you need to send me an email letting me know that’s happening. If the workshop is canceled due to inclement weather or issues at the theater, a refund will be offered if you are unable to make the rescheduled workshop date. I cannot be held liable for travel, rental, or other costs incurred by attendee in the event of workshop cancellation. All sales are final.