Programs

Join The Joe and Benita North Creative Community Program: Where Art Comes to Life!

Are you ready to unlock your creative potential? Whether you’re a child or adult, the Creative Community Program offers an exciting 8-week journey in the world of Performing Arts and Visual Arts — tailored for individuals of color.

What You'll Learn

Performing Arts

Stage movement, characterization, voice techniques, and more!

Visual Arts

Painting, drawing, composition, color theory, and perspective.

Why You Should Sign Up

Build New Skills

Gain confidence in both the performing and visual arts.

Express Yourself

Discover and expand your creative voice.

Real-World Application

Showcase your talent in a live performance and art exhibit.

Whether you’re exploring the arts for the first time or looking to hone your skills, this program offers a supportive and enriching environment for children and adults alike.
Artist-Painting-image

Creative Community Youth Acting Program

Programming Dates
Saturdays, September 6 – November 15
Time
1:30 – 3:30 pm
Performance Date
November 22, 2025, at 3 pm, Location TBD
Program Location
Riverside Community Center, 3061 E Riverside Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33916
Supplies
  • Comfortable Clothing
  • Supplies Provided
8-week Course Fee Youth: $15
Register

Event Details

Unleash your child’s inner star! Our Kids Acting Class is a fun, supportive, and confidence-boosting program designed for young performers of all experience levels.

Students will explore the fundamentals of acting through games, improvisation, character development, voice work, and scene study. They’ll learn how to express emotions, memorize lines, build stage presence, and work as part of an ensemble all while having a blast!

This 8-week course culminates in a performance of the play “Getting Rid of Jayskunk” for family and friends, giving every student a chance to shine.

What They’ll Learn

  • Confidence and self-expression
  • Basic stage techniques and acting
  • Improvisation and storytelling
  • Character building and script work
  • Teamwork and creative collaboration

Instructor

NIKIA NICOLE CAVANAUGH

aka "Ya-Ya"

Performer, Playwright, Author, Director, Voice Actor

Philadelphia, PA/Miami, FL | theyayaclub@gmail.com | @TheYaYaClub

BIOGRAPHY

Nikia Nicole Cavanaugh, affectionately known as "Ya-Ya," is a dynamic and multifaceted artist from the West Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia. Her passion for the arts began at just three years old, encompassing a wide range of creative disciplines including dance, acting, singing, and writing. Over the years, she has brought her talents to theater stages and short films, captivating audiences with her versatility and authenticity.

In 2006, Nikia founded The Ya-Ya Club, a creative platform aimed at entertaining and empowering youth through engaging storytelling, live performance, and character-driven narratives. As part of this mission, she has written and published several children's books, such as Femi the Traveler and Spooky Spatilla, stories that reflect her commitment to imagination, learning, and cultural enrichment.

Since 2013, Nikia has directed original children’s stage plays, combining education and entertainment to inspire confidence and creativity in young performers. Her work in youth theater continues to leave a meaningful impact on audiences and communities.

Expanding her creative scope, Nikia entered the realm of adult content creation in 2018. Her work in this space aims to enhance intimacy and romantic expression through storytelling tailored for mature audiences demonstrating her bold range and creative flexibility.

She is also an accomplished voice actor, lending her vocal talent to character roles, audiobooks, and multimedia projects. Her engaging presence extends to social media, where she connects with a diverse audience, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her vibrant creative journey.

MEDIA INQUIRIES

Contact: Nikia Cavanaugh

Email: theyayaclub@gmail.com

Instagram: @TheYaYaClub

nikia-image

NIKIA NICOLE CAVANAUGH

aka "Ya-Ya"

Performer, Playwright, Author, Director, Voice Actor

Philadelphia, PA/Miami, FL | theyayaclub@gmail.com | @TheYaYaClub

BIOGRAPHY

Nikia Nicole Cavanaugh, affectionately known as "Ya-Ya," is a dynamic and multifaceted artist from the West Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia. Her passion for the arts began at just three years old, encompassing a wide range of creative disciplines including dance, acting, singing, and writing. Over the years, she has brought her talents to theater stages and short films, captivating audiences with her versatility and authenticity.

In 2006, Nikia founded The Ya-Ya Club, a creative platform aimed at entertaining and empowering youth through engaging storytelling, live performance, and character-driven narratives. As part of this mission, she has written and published several children's books, such as Femi the Traveler and Spooky Spatilla, stories that reflect her commitment to imagination, learning, and cultural enrichment.

Since 2013, Nikia has directed original children’s stage plays, combining education and entertainment to inspire confidence and creativity in young performers. Her work in youth theater continues to leave a meaningful impact on audiences and communities.

Expanding her creative scope, Nikia entered the realm of adult content creation in 2018. Her work in this space aims to enhance intimacy and romantic expression through storytelling tailored for mature audiences demonstrating her bold range and creative flexibility.

She is also an accomplished voice actor, lending her vocal talent to character roles, audiobooks, and multimedia projects. Her engaging presence extends to social media, where she connects with a diverse audience, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her vibrant creative journey.

MEDIA INQUIRIES

Contact: Nikia Cavanaugh

Email: theyayaclub@gmail.com

Instagram: @TheYaYaClub

Nikia Nicole Cavanaugh

Creative Community Adult Acting Program

Age Restrictions
16+
Dates
8 Saturdays, 9/6/25 – 11/15/25
Time
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Program Location
Riverside Community Center, 3061 E Riverside Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33916
Performance Date
November 21, 2025 at 6:30 pm, Location TBD
Supplies
  • Notebook and Pen
  • Comfortable Clothing
  • Scripts provided
8-week Course Fee Adult: $25
Register

Event Details

Ever wondered if you had what it takes to act on stage? Well, you do! And here is your chance to learn how.

In this 8-week beginner’s acting class, you will learn stage movement, voice and diction for the stage, and character development, culminating in a scripted performance for your family and friends.

What They’ll Learn

  • Develop New Abilities: Strengthen your skills in both performing and visual arts.
  • Boost Confidence: Grow more self-assured as you explore creative expression.
  • Find Your Creative Voice: Uncover and refine your unique artistic perspective.
  • Apply What You Learn: Demonstrate your talents in a live, real-world performance.

Instructor

SONYA MCCARTER

Sonya McCarter holds a B.A. in Speech Communications, an M.A. in Oral Interpretation of Speech, and an M.A. in Theatre Arts. With over 14 years of experience directing novice and professional artists, she has taught more than 10 acting courses focused on empowering artists of color, with many graduates now active in local arts. In 2023, she received the MLK Legacy Presidential Award for her contributions to arts and cultural representation in Southwest Florida. Sonya is the founder of Bridging the Gap Center for the Arts; a nonprofit creating space for BIPOC artists to grow and thrive. Her passion lies in fostering engaging, inclusive, and impactful artistic expression that celebrates cultural diversity and shared human connections.

sonya-image

SONYA MCCARTER

Sonya McCarter holds a B.A. in Speech Communications, an M.A. in Oral Interpretation of Speech, and an M.A. in Theatre Arts. With over 14 years of experience directing novice and professional artists, she has taught more than 10 acting courses focused on empowering artists of color, with many graduates now active in local arts. In 2023, she received the MLK Legacy Presidential Award for her contributions to arts and cultural representation in Southwest Florida. Sonya is the founder of Bridging the Gap Center for the Arts; a nonprofit creating space for BIPOC artists to grow and thrive. Her passion lies in fostering engaging, inclusive, and impactful artistic expression that celebrates cultural diversity and shared human connections.

Sonya McCarter

Creative Community Visual Arts Program

Supply List
All Supplies provided
Adult Visual Arts Program
  • Age Restrictions: 16+
  • Dates: 8 Saturdays, 9/6/25 – 11/15/25
  • Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
  • Art Exhibit: 11/21/25 at 6:00 pm
Youth Visual Arts Program
  • Age Restrictions: 11 – 15 yrs
  • Dates: 8 Saturdays, 9/6/25 – 11/15/25
  • Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Art Exhibit: 11/22/25 at 2:30 pm
8-week Course Fee Adult: $25
8-week Course Fee Youth: $15
Register

Event Details

If you’ve ever wanted to try painting but didn’t know where to start, this 8-week beginner course is for you! No experience? No problem. We’ll walk you through the basics—like mixing colors, using different brushes, and having fun with your own creative style.

Each week, we’ll build on what you’ve learned, giving you the tools (and confidence!) to create something you’re proud of.

And to top it all off, we’ll celebrate with a fun art exhibit at the end, where you can show off your work and see what everyone else has created too. Just bring your curiosity—we’ll handle the rest!

Instructor

CHEYANNE LEWIS

Cheyanne B Lewis is originally from Broward County but came to Lee County to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Art History at Florida Gulf Coast University. Cheyanne developed a love for art at a young age that was continuously nurtured by her siblings, Mama, Pops and paternal grandparents. She had taken art classes from her middle to college years. During high school, Lewis volunteered as an Art Handler for the local community college next to her high school from 2018-2020. During her time in college, she developed a love for making triangular metal sculptures that showcase the positive side of being black despite the negatives. This new love for sculpture made her transition from paper to metal. She continued to pursue different fields in the art world; while taking classes, trying to find a job, and maintaining her social life. She also volunteered for her university sculpture studio and art gallery. Due to her determination, positive attitude, and skills, Lewis was able to get one of her first jobs as the Sculpture Studio Assistant and the Art Program Student Manager Assistant at her college. After graduating college in May 2025 with her degree, she immediately got a paid internship with Lee County Black History Society as the Museums Intern Art Coordinator and works for the Bridging the Gap Center of the Arts. Her current goals are to work her way up to an Art Gallery Assistant/Manager and go to graduate school and pursue an MFA in Sculpture or Museum Studies to become an Art Curator.

Cheyanne-Lewis-image

CHEYANNE LEWIS

Cheyanne B Lewis is originally from Broward County but came to Lee County to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Art History at Florida Gulf Coast University. Cheyanne developed a love for art at a young age that was continuously nurtured by her siblings, Mama, Pops and paternal grandparents. She had taken art classes from her middle to college years. During high school, Lewis volunteered as an Art Handler for the local community college next to her high school from 2018-2020. During her time in college, she developed a love for making triangular metal sculptures that showcase the positive side of being black despite the negatives. This new love for sculpture made her transition from paper to metal. She continued to pursue different fields in the art world; while taking classes, trying to find a job, and maintaining her social life. She also volunteered for her university sculpture studio and art gallery. Due to her determination, positive attitude, and skills, Lewis was able to get one of her first jobs as the Sculpture Studio Assistant and the Art Program Student Manager Assistant at her college. After graduating college in May 2025 with her degree, she immediately got a paid internship with Lee County Black History Society as the Museums Intern Art Coordinator and works for the Bridging the Gap Center of the Arts. Her current goals are to work her way up to an Art Gallery Assistant/Manager and go to graduate school and pursue an MFA in Sculpture or Museum Studies to become an Art Curator.

Cheyanne Lewis

Sign Up Now to receive more information and secure your spot!

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow as an artist and become part of a vibrant, creative community.

Let your creativity shine!

Register Now

We sincerely thank Joe and Benita North of North Law Firm for their dedication to promoting arts education and accessibility for underserved communities.

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MCCARTER, SONYA

Founder/Executive Director

In 2015, very few theaters in Southwest Florida produced plays featuring the stories and experiences of people of color. When Theatre Conspiracy decided to stage The Bluest Eye, she was tasked with finding an African American director with community connections to direct and cast the play. Finding no one, The Bluest Eye became her directorial debut. Additional credits include: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Seven Guitars, A Raisin in the Sun and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, King Hedley II, Race, The Color Purple Musical, The Colored Museum, and Sistas: The Musical. And most recently, Pass Over by Antoinette Nwandu and her 7th August Wilson American Century Cycle play, Jitney.

Sonya holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communications, a Master of Arts Degree in Oral Interpretation of Speech, and a Master of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts. Her deepest commitment lies in creating a space that empowers marginalized voices to express their creativity, honor their cultural heritage, and discover the shared connections that bring us together.

BERNARD, LEMEC

Director/Treasurer

Lemec Bernard was born and raised in SWFL and attended college at the University of Central Florida. He is the Owner/Broker of Bernard Realty Group where he helps residents in SWFL buy and sell residential and commercial properties. Bernard is also the Owner and Lead photographer of Snapshot Listing where he specializes in digital content for realtors and interior designers.

CLEMONS, TIJUANNA

Director/Secretary

Tijuanna Clemons is the Senior Contract Manager with over 10 years of experience in Project Management. Having spent the previous 13 years on the implementation and review side of things, she was ready for a change. She obtained her master’s in public health degree from Florida A&M University and was fully prepared to take on the challenge. Her initial focus was on grant writing, an area quickly established as necessary to ‘close the funding gap’ for services to low-income children & families. A few years later, grant writing shifted to management where she found a niche to more inclusively apply her skills and passion for supporting underserved populations as a project manager within the Early Childhood Education industry.

Tijuanna played lead and supportive roles in numerous plays and a musical at the Alliance for the Arts Theatre Conspiracy and The Laboratory Theater in SWFL. A few of her favorite roles were “Bertha” in August Wilson’s Seven Guitars; “Doris, the Church Lady” in The Color Purple Musical, and “Mama” in Zora Howard’s Stew. Her hope is that you’ll join her in advancing theater and the arts, particularly for underserved children and families in SWFL through Bridging the Gap Center for the Arts.

HOOD, COTRENIA

Director

Cotrenia Hood is the CEO of Steel Bleu, a business coaching firm specializing in offering companies’ innovative ways to improve organizational productivity.

Cotrenia has over 20 years of proven business development experience. Her wealth of knowledge ranges from working with small businesses to major corporations and nonprofits.

Cotrenia serves on several boards and leadership councils as well as being honored as one of the 2013 Gulfshore Business Magazine’s “40 under 40”, Florida Weekly’s Annual List of Power Women and is a graduate of Leadership Collier. She lives in Naples, Florida where she and her husband, Richard, enjoy raising their two wonderful children.

LINDSEY, ANTWON

Director

Antwon is the Founder of A38 Films and is dedicated to changing lives through compassionate storytelling as a means for ending human suffering. Born and raised in Liberty City, Miami, Antwon Lindsey has always loved literature and film. A firm believer in the saying, "Don't allow your upbringing to dictate your future," Antwon truly believes that "The only person that can stop you from turning your dreams into a reality - is yourself." His mother encouraged him to write and read, with whom he'd often spend time writing stories and remixing the lyrics to their favorite songs. Many people sometimes refer to Antwon as an author, filmmaker, visionary, and even an inspiration. Still, Antwon sees his life as just someone seeking to experience the limitless expression of our collective conscious existence.

GALARZA, IVETTE

Director

Ivette is the Owner/Chief Executive Officer of Ferrer’s Custom Carpentry Services & Remodeling LLC. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY to parents of Puerto Rican descent. She moved to Florida at the age of 16 and eventually attained her Master of Social Work from FGCU. She dedicated 27 years of her life to advancing the interests of vulnerable populations across SW Florida. Her most rewarding work was serving at an agency where she was responsible for the oversight and programmatic planning of contracts in excess of $60 million, serving 7000 children across Florida. During this tenure Ivette’s work gained national recognition and she was nominated and elected as Board Chair of the National Head Start Association—one of the largest early education advocacy associations in the Nation.

In 2018 Ivette decided it was time to tap into her entrepreneurial spirit and set out to change the trajectory of how her family saw the concept of generational wealth! She got licensed as a General Contractor and joined her cousins in strengthening a family-owned and operated construction business that today has grown into a Multi-million dollar business.

DEL ROSARIO, WANER

Director

A highly motivated and multi-faceted professional with experience spanning the arts, technology, and aviation sectors, Waner Del Rosario brings a unique blend of creative vision, technical expertise, and a passion for community engagement. He has demonstrated an ability to excel in diverse environments, from captivating audiences on stage in theatrical productions such as "Clyde's" and “Noises Off” to leading and managing IT solutions as the founder of Dreniam Technology Solutions, and Technology Education Leader at Lee Health. His commitment to education and community is further evidenced by his role as a Public Speaking instructor at “Camp HSR!”, a homeschool day camp. Being a part of BTG, Waner hopes to leverage his diverse skill set to increase representation and access within the arts community, creating platforms for underrepresented voices and fostering a more inclusive artistic landscape.