8 Year Anniversary

Since July 11, 2014 the following are true,

28 original plays.

6 years of sold out performances.

1 award-winning short film.

Visits from 4 different Tony Award and Olivier Award-winning producers.

400+ annual Season Pass holders.

And that’s just our time in Charleston. Owners-writers-actors Jeff Querin and Stephen Wayne started 34 West in 2000, creating 50+ original stories for the stage. They’ve performed their shows in everything from a bluegrass bar in Brooklyn to a prison in New Mexico!

However, on any given Thursday through Saturday in Charleston, you can see something extraordinarily unique in the heart of downtown. Innovation and creativity combine on the corner of Meeting and Pinckney Streets.

Take our current show SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY as a perfect example of the “magic” that occurs.

Four actors change characters in the blink of an eye. A 90’s coffee shop changes to a shopping mall then to a 5-story walkup then back to a coffee shop — all without you realizing any costly hydraulics or major pyrotechnics were not used.

That’s why people return again… and again. Not only is this particular live theater experience incomparable to ANYWHERE ELSE but no other venue allows you to have the artists make you a drink before the magic begins!

It’s a place where creativity mingles amongst a community of like minds. Part theatrical workshop, part cocktail party.

Over the past 8 years, what’s developed is an incubator of sorts; a creativity machine where love, inspiration and positivity are the gear works.

We hope you can experience one of these evenings with us soon! For tickets…

Sarah Goldman Photography

West Hollywood Meeting

We recently visited our Creative Team in West Hollywood to discuss updates on 34 West Films!

We’re developing our original stories for the screen. And so far, we’re having a blast!

Our short film LOVE POTION is racking up awards on the festival circuit. We’ve written the pilot episode for the story as well, along with a 10-episode arc. In addition, we’ve completed the script for our next short ARDEN HIGH, based off our sellout production of ADDICTED TO LOVE.

Each of these stories have a complete “universe” of lovable characters and conflicts. It doesn’t hurt that the original productions and their sequels were incredibly popular with multi-month sold out runs.

Our visit to Hollywood was highly productive and we’ll soon be pitching our wares to the masses…

However, the greatest part of our trip occurred when we least expected it…

We were staying at the Pendry Hotel in West Hollywood, which has a fabulous rooftop pool and bar. After realizing it was overcrowded, we resorted to the quiet little bar on the first floor. We chatted with a friendly man by the name of Donald Lee who just happens to be a producer on the film THE GREATEST SHOWMAN.

Jaw drop.

He’s produced an impressive roster of major motion pictures. Jeff, Becca, and Steve had the privilege of his company for an afternoon.

Moral of the story — you can try and keep up with the influencers at the rooftop pool or you can make friends with the real thing on the first floor.

Film Festivals

There’s a new arm to our company,… 34 West Films!

Actors Becca Anderson, Stephen Wayne, and Jeff Querin in our short film LOVE POTION.

We wanted to explore the world of characters that were created for the live stage production of LOVE POTION NO. 9 at 34 West Theater.

After a successful run of the production, we sought to explore how these characters translated to film. We amassed the equipment and basic lighting that would celebrate the simple nostalgia and throwback feel of small-town days gone by.

Actor Nakeisha Daniel must have fallen on the floor 10 times for our short film LOVE POTION.

After multiple test shoots, we determined that by employing our small cast of performers from the original stage play, and using the interior location of the theater which housed the production, we could create a unique piece that integrated added layers of the production history.

Writer-director-actors Jeff Querin and Stephen Wayne with Becca Anderson living their best lives.

When viewing the daily footage, we found the black and white film style further supported and enhanced the reminiscent feel of vintage thrillers the production sought to celebrate. Our hope was to set an origin story that could be explored through a serial style rollout of further installments.

Somehow actors Nakeisha Daniel, Becca Anderson, and Jeff Querin made this terrifying moment extremely funny in our short LOVE POTION.

While this film sets the stage for a brief glimpse into the lives of Murphy, Marty, Rose and Sally, the foundation this film sits on is an entire universe of secrets that these hope-filled characters are only beginning to uncover.

We turned our theater (inside and out!) into a 1950’s diner for the short film LOVE POTION.

This coming year we’ll be submitting our short film LOVE POTION to film festivals all over the world. We’ll be sure to let you know when and where you can catch the it on the big screen!

For a chance to see one of our live shows before they hit the screen, get your tickets HERE…

You’ll have to watch to see this scene-stealing moment by actor Nakeisha Daniel in LOVE POTION.

Local, Social, and Totally Charming

We think any musical is better if you have a drink in your hand. Whether that’s a nice sparkling water or one of our Paso Robles wines (One of the owners and actors, Stephen Wayne, is from that region of California and our selection of wines is a homage to his hometown).

But the whole concept of our boutique theater is that you can enjoy something at your table while taking in a creatively innovative show. You’ll feel like your apart of something truly Charleston— local, social, and totally charming :)

Because the experience begins the moment you walk through the doors. You’ve entered a room where works of art are being created on a regular basis. That kind of environment requires positivity, affirmation, and celebration. And nothing helps that process like refreshments!

Enjoy one of our popular champagne cocktails or famously obscure Dill Popcorn (pairs excellently with a glass of white!). We sure hope you can join us this fall for GROOVY KINDA LOVE in downtown Charleston. You’re face may even hurt from smiling :)

See you then!

Our 3-month Sellout Returns

Romantic-comedies are our specialty these days. And we think they pair nicely with one of our Paso Robles wines and a bowl of specialty Dill Popcorn at your table (Some prefer a nice red with assorted chocolate candies, and you know who you are...). Whichever you prefer, taking in a heartfelt-hilarious show this autumn in downtown Charleston is just about the best way to spend an evening in this historic town. Our actors and designers have been selling out most shows for the past 7 years with high-energy, innovative productions never seen anywhere else. We hope you will join us soon for a night you won’t forget! Tickets…