For more information about the artists, please click on the images below.
J.B. McLendon
Playwright, Writer
Annapolis, MD
Leland Cheuk
Writer
Brooklyn, NY
J.B. McLendon
Playwright, Writer
Annapolis, MD
J.B. McLendon is thrilled to be returning to the island he called home for 10 years to delve further into another of his artistic passions: writing. Thought Key West art lovers are more used to seeing him in front of the footlights, his 30+ years in the performing arts have led him down many artistic paths between acting gigs.
His first play, The Present, was produced in New York, Los Angeles, and his hometown of Annapolis, MD. He has also had work produced in Key West. He won a playwriting competition with On The Rock Productions, and a scene of his was included in their production, Roshambo. And his monologue, Another Day In Paradise, was presented as part of Key West Fringe’s production, Key West Characters. He has several projects currently in the works, including a collection of short stories/monologues, and his first screenplay.
If all goes well with this residency, he hopes the product of his efforts will be a gift to Key West that will be shared and enjoyed for generations to come.
Leland Cheuk
Writer
Brooklyn, NY
A MacDowell and Hawthornden Castle Fellow, Leland Cheuk is an award-winning author of three books of fiction, most recently NO GOOD VERY BAD ASIAN (2019). His work has appeared or is forthcoming in publications such as NPR, Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Salon, among other outlets. He is the founder of the indie press 7.13 Books. He lives in Brooklyn and teaches at the Sarah Lawrence College Writing Institute. You can follow him on Twitter @lcheuk and at lelandcheuk.com.
Hugh's View Rooftop
With one of the tallest buildings – and most spectacular views – in town, the Hugh’s View rooftop terrace serves as The Studios’ creative space in the sky. The terrace sits four stories above street level and offers panoramic views of the island. The Kitwald Stage glows in the golden twilight of our sunset performances.
Hugh’s View offers:
—Smaller audience sizes
—Outdoor environment
—Intimate experiences
—A rooftop bar that opens one hour prior to show time
Helmerich Theater
With original seating from its days as a Masonic temple, the Helmerich Theater has been updated to also include floor seating. As a black box theater, the set up is intimate but professional, and sets the stage for concerts and performances that leave guests feeling like they really got to know the performer.
Helmerich Theater offers:
—More space and comfortable chairs
—Indoor comforts
—Intimate experiences
—A walk-up counter bar that opens one hour prior to show time
Residency Interest
The period for applying to 2021/22 residencies is now closed. We will begin accepting residencies for the 2022/23 season, which runs from September 2022-August 2023, in January 2022. If you would like to be notified by email when the application period opens again, please fill out this form.
With one of the tallest buildings – and most spectacular views – in town, the Hugh’s View rooftop terrace serves as The Studios’ creative space in the sky. The terrace sits four stories above street level and offers panoramic views of the island. The Kitwald Stage glows in the golden twilight of our sunset performances.
With original seating from its days as a Masonic temple, the Helmerich Theater has been updated to also include floor seating. As a black box theater, the set up is intimate but professional, and sets the stage for concerts and performances that leave guests feeling like they really got to know the performer.