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We’re always afraid that our materials will look “outdated” because the setting is 20-40 years old.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

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.

Multitask to the Max

The owners are also the writers, directors, actors, bartenders and host. Are they insane??

Owner Jeff Querin serving our popular LEMON SPARKLE champagne cocktail.

And that’s just the night of the show.

We won’t even mention the countless administrative tasks during the week!

How do they not lose their mind? More importantly, how can they possibly give a memorable performance?

Writers + actors Jeff Querin and Stephen Wayne in SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY, 2018

Practice.

“Earlier on, our bartender couldn’t make it one night,” says Querin. “So Steve and I jumped behind the bar and started slinging wine and snacks before the show.”

“It instantly felt like a cocktail party,” states Jeff.

Actors Becca Anderson and Stephen Wayne in SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY, 2018

Most actors wait in the wings. Some have a routine of meditation and quiet. Not these guys.

Jeff and Steve get to know you, solve any problems, make sure everyone in the room is seated and ready for the show.

Writers + actors Stephen Wayne and Jeff Querin in SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY, 2018

And then they jump on stage and, remarkably, become different people.

"The key to multi-tasking is being fully committed,” say Wayne. “Literally <hahaha>.”

Actor Becca Anderson in SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY, 2018

Surrounding themselves with talented people helps as well.

Actor Becca Anderson has performed numerous shows since 2015 and now heads Casting and Social Media, alongside her full-time day job!

It’s contagious!

Actors Stephen Wayne and Jeff Querin in SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY, 2018

Compartmentalizing. That’s the key.

If you’re skiing down the slope, you don’t focus on the trees. You follow the snow.

Follow the path and your skills will carry you through…. usually.*

For tickets…

*Unless a transformer blows and the entire block loses electricity. But even then, we ended up doing the show by the light of the audiences’ phones (This actually happened!).

Owner Jeff Querin in SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY, 2018

Storefront Theater

Combine a night club and immersive theater — throw in the familiarity of an Irish pub — and you’ve got 34 West in downtown Charleston.

A view from Pinckney Street

We always gravitate toward intimate, avant guarde venues, like the immersive experience at NYC’s McKittrick Hotel or the Jalopy in Brooklyn.

There’s something very “alive” about a small space doing great things. It makes you feel like you’re witnessing something incredibly special.

Simply Irresistible, 2019

Owners Jeff and Steve traveled to Northern Ireland a few years back where they frequented charming pubs in remote parts of the country.

They were struck by how the whole community, young and old, came together each night to celebrate and reflect on the day.

Quick pic of writer/actors/owners Stephen Wayne and Jeff Querin with friends

One of our favorite sights to see are audiences from all walks of life coming together to experience live theater in such an intimate space.

It’s electric and indescribable to see stellar performances up close and personal. You’re smiling continuously and you don’t know why.

You start saying things like “This is my happy place!” and “I want to see everything!”

Pre-show festivities at the bar

It feels very much like a cocktail party.

Before the show you can mingle with friends. Chat with your neighbor. Maybe enjoy a champagne cocktail made by one of the actors.

Owner/Writer/Director/Actor Jeff Querin showing audiences to their seats

And then the extraordinary happens.

The cocktail party becomes an immersive theatrical experience. The audience watches a whole new world open up in front of them.

Audiences aren’t asked to sing or participate in any way — but rather, to open their imaginations to the story.

Actors Stephen Wayne rides on the roof of the car as Becca Anderson peels away!

People leave wondering what they just stumbled upon. Was it a cabaret, a broadway show?

The answer is ‘kinda’ and ‘it could be.’

Our actors have performed around the country and off-Broadway. The stories are original, so you’ll never be able to see something like this anywhere else.

Actresses Becca Anderson and Beth Curley

AND the venue is quite charming. A broadway producer friend, Greg Nobile, once characterized it as a “storefront theater” concept.

He added that it was one of his “most memorable and enjoyable theater experiences ever!”

We couldn’t agree more!

For tickets…

Post-show discussions with owners Jeff Querin and Stephen Wayne

Sold Out Since 2017

How is that even possible??

Actor/Writers Stephen Wayne and Jeff Querin with Becca Anderson, Tabitha Ottiwell, Nakeisha Daniel and Nick Fancher.

An average of 4 shows a week. We opened in 2014. Started selling out in 2015. By the end of 2016, we were always full.

But there’s only three actors, you say. There’s barely a set, says they. No one has ever heard of these shows!

And that’s exactly why it works.

Actor writers Stephen Wayne and Jeff Querin with John Black, 2017.

The short answer: Audiences want to see whatever is next.

They know it’ll be entertaining, compelling and completely hand-crafted from scratch just weeks before.

It helps that the owners are also the actors and the ones who seat you. They might even serve you a drink beforehand.

Where’s Stephen Wayne?

But there may also be a few key ingredients to selling out every show…

1) We treat each night like it’s our last.

2) Our actors care about the audience (i.e no divas aloud!).

3) The shows aren’t cynical. Life’s about redemption and second chances.

4) Story is key. The set may fall down but if the story is there, we can do anything.

5) We’re in downtown freakin’ Charleston. I mean, come on, y’all!

Maybe our streak will continue. Maybe not. That’s never been the priority.

All we care about is presenting an incredible show just for you. Hope to see you soon!

For tickets…

Actors/writers/Owners Jeff Querin and Stephen Wayne with Becca Anderson, Tabitha Ottiwell, Rebecca René Kelley, Dylan Menges on confetti duty