Handcrafted

Everything we create is handcrafted for you… even the lettering!

The concept was two actors telling the whole story, so Menges Design put the whole story into the look!

Columbus-based artist Dylan Menges is a wunderkind of sorts.

He creates the brand design for each show. He’s refreshed our logo. Polished the website. All of it with care and precision.

And all of it — by hand.

Menges Design goofing for Nick Fancher as he sets lights for our photo shoot.

Before Jeff and Steve write a script, they have a concept. We’ll schedule a photo shoot and fly Dylan down to Charleston for a few days.

Then we’ll play.

Our actors will improvise. Dylan and Nick will throw out ideas. The theater turns into this affirming-collaborative-brainstorming-creative incubator.

Menges Design was given the concept of “Friends meets Seinfeld” for our upcoming show. Result!

Once we have the images, Dylan will invest time with several zooms, chats, and texts— discussing the story of the show and the vibe we want to portray.

A big component of our productions is the genre. Sometimes we throwback to the 1970’s or 1990’s, like the image above.

We’re always afraid that our materials will look “outdated” because the setting is 20-40 years old.

How do you convince people to buy tickets for a show about a washed-up soap opera star without it looking like a washed-up soap opera???

We asked Menges Design to make a 70’s logo that didn’t look cheesy or antiquated. Result!

By hiring someone who takes the time to listen and understand… and who’s capable of hand-drawing what you need.

All of our shows are handcrafted to give a mood without having to be completely literal. Too literal and there’s nothing left to the imagination.

For example, Stephen Wayne’s suit (above) is not from the 70’s. No bellbottoms. It’s actually very modern.

But pair the suit with a disco ball, “electric” lettering, neon pink show quotes, and you instantly get feelings of dance, good times and hopefully some fun humor— all in the blink of an eye.

Notice the varsity stitching Menges Design gave our John Hughes-inspired comedy. Result!

And that’s what it’s all about. At a moment’s glance, we want you to instantly want to be a part of the evening.

We know your time is precious and your free time is even more sacred.

That’s why so much thought goes into creating these stories, the characters, the logos— even the menu!

Handcrafting everything is the only way to ensure you have an inspired night out in downtown Charleston, unlike any other.

Because you deserve it.

For tickets…

To follow Dylan’s latest projects…

We asked Menges Design for “spooky not scary” for our fall show. Result!


From Stage to Screen

First it was a play. Then it was a short film. Now we’re creating a 10 episode series.

Owners-writers-actors Jeff Querin and Stephen Wayne with Ian Maddox and Kris Kuhlman

Owners Jeff Querin and Stephen Wayne flew out to West Hollywood this last week to visit with a few members of 34 West Film’s creative Team.

Ian Maddox and Kris Kuhlman are a delightful duo AND our eyes and ears on the ground in L.A. (More about them in the months to come!)

Pre-gaming with writers Jeff Querin and Stephen Wayne

What are we creating, you ask?

Here’s the pitch… A zombie outbreak in a 1950’s diner. Think Wandavision meets Shaun of the Dead.

(from left) Jeff Querin, Nakeisha Daniel, Becca Anderson, Stephen Wayne

It’s called LOVE POTION and you can view our short film (made during Covid with our “quarantine bubble” AND with the help of Steve’s Dad’s camera!) on our Films tab.

Sure, turning a play into a short film is one thing but how do you create an entire series out of a 15 minute short?

The super-short answer: It was there the whole time.

Actors Nakeisha Daniel, Becca Anderson, Jeff Querin

When we write any of our plays in Charleston, the only way the characters and storyline are captivating is if an entire world of conflict has also been created.

The audience may never know all the details, but they don’t need to know. It’s the difference between watching an ordinary theater play or watching a compelling story with a triumphant conclusion.

Actors Becca Anderson and Stephen Wayne

LOVE POTION is the first of about 15 sellout, tried-and-tested stories from 34 West being adapted.

Which show are you most interested in seeing transferred to screen??

Upcoming performances in Charleston…

View the 15-minute short film…

15 Minutes could save your life…







Greatest Hits

Over the past 7 years, actors-writers Jeff Querin and Stephen Wayne have created close to 30 never-before-seen stories. Why not revisit the best of these and make them even better?!

You’ll see four amazing productions (each have had their own spinoff stories or sequels) over the course of the year. Starting with last year’s 4-month sellout…

Set on the sound stage of the fictitious 70’s show “All My Days”, this hilarious musical was affectionately dubbed a disco-infused soap opera. Tickets will sell out quickly for this limited engagement January through February.

This March through May experience an 80’s teen comedy about the adults with ADDICTED TO LOVE. Set in the faculty lounge of Arden High (note the forrest of Arden reference? Inspired by Shakespeare’s As You Like it). A bounty of epic tunes are peppered throughout this nostalgic hot tub time machine of a musical.

Its Friends meets Seinfeld. Enough said. Our 2018 hit sold out 3 months and returns this summer for what is sure to be,… well, a “must see!”

One of our most requested shows returns for a limited engagement in October. Not a musical (what?!), this innovative production parodies every famous Hitchcock moment in one extraordinary tale of intrigue and deception.

Owners Jeff and Steve bring the year to a close with a riotous trip to Moonshine County, where a few town outcasts help save Christmas… and each other. Tickets are expected to sell out long before the run begins.

We hope you’ll join us for a joyful year of live theatre. We’ve never been more excited to share with you delightful stories that’ll make you laugh and smile long after you visit 34 West. For tickets…

See you then!