APPLY!Visit: https://aca.submittable.com/submit/325273/roland-teen-writing-residency-2025 Do you love to write? Do you want a unique and exciting opportunity to grow, express yourself and be part of a supportive creative community? Then this writing residency is just th......More
APPLY!Visit: https://aca.submittable.com/submit/325273/roland-teen-writing-residency-2025 Do you love to write? Do you want a unique and exciting opportunity to grow, express yourself and be part of a supportive creative community? Then this writing residency is just the thing! Why Now? Unleash Creativity: Explore different styles of writing, from fiction and poetry to essays and more! It’s an amazing space to grow their voice and unleash their imagination.Guidance from Pro Writers: Working closely with experienced writers who know exactly how to nurture talent and offer expert advice. It’s a rare chance for mentorship!Connect with Peers: Teens will meet other dedicated, like-minded young writers, building friendships and learning from one another in an inspiring environment.Get Published: Some of their work might even be published or showcased! Imagine the excitement of seeing their writing come to life and share with the world.Fun, Supportive Atmosphere: Not only will they improve their writing, but they’ll also be part of an encouraging and fun group where creativity thrives.Parents Love It Too! It’s a safe, structured environment where teens are encouraged to grow, learn, and thrive in a way that’s both fun and educational.It’s an opportunity for teens to gain confidence in their writing and life skills while doing something they truly love.Discover greater creative potential and create something amazing! Don’t miss out—this residency could be the start of something incredible!This transformative experience will guide teens to use their unique voice and creativity to move them forward in their career goals, focusing on all aspects of writing, including script writing, fiction, poetry, spoken word, non-fiction, and more. ACA is recognized for its mentorship in supporting the new generation of creatives with a high level of professionalism to elevate the talent of our youth, giving them opportunities to learn from literary experts. This summer, Atlantic Center for the Arts offers a unique 4-day/overnight teen writing residency for high-school-aged creatives. It is designed to guide teens to discover their individual voices and creativity and move them forward in achieving their writing career goals. The residency will focus on all aspects of writing: Script writingFictionNon-fictionPoetrySpoken WordAn ACA Lead Coordinator with expertise in poetry and spoken word, along with four experienced guest writers, each specializing in a different field, (poetry, fiction, screenplay/play script and comedy) will conduct the workshops and mentorship sessions. The daily schedule will include: WorkshopsBreak-out groups (by interests)Professional feedback sessionsTime to writeTime to appreciate ACA’s 69-acre campus on Turnbull Bay estuaryOn the final day of the residency, the students’ parents and ACA’s community will be invited to attend Inside Out, a showcase during which each student will present a short sample of the writing they developed at ACA. How Much Does It Cost?$300 for 4 days/3 nights, including lodging, meals, and tuition3 Qualified adult chaperones will be on-site 24/7 How Do I Apply?High school teens must submit applications to qualify for this residency. Please tell us about the writing you have done in the past and your specific interests and goals. Only 15-18 year old students will be chosen to participate (entering 9th grade through graduating 12th grade). Visit: https://aca.submittable.com/submit/325273/roland-teen-writing-residency-2025 Lead Creatives! Lead Coordinator: Justin Lang aka Justincredible (spoken word) Justincredible is known for 3 words: “Real”, “Passion”, and “Flow”. He believes art should imitate life. Born and raised in South Florida, he is a two-time author of Real Life University: The Most Relevant, Hardcore Life Lessons for Anyone Under 40!, and a musical artist and poet. Justin has served his community for eight years as an educator and counselor in public and private schools, and has been hosting live community events, facilitating workshops and serving as a Community Artist Ambassador for Atlantic Center for the Arts since 2020. As the director of the creative arts mentorship program #GREATNESS: Behind the Scenes, Justin teams up with fellow artists from all disciplines to guide the next generation of creatives. His goal is to promote literacy, self-discovery, healthy communication, and mental/physical health through the arts. Currently, he is an award winning, nationally ranked poet by the U.S. Blackberry Peach National Poetry Slam competition. Guest Writer: Raymond Jimenez (poetry) Raymond Jimenez is part of Orlando Poetry Slam which champions the cultivation of poets and poetry performance. He has been on stage and competed at various local and national events for over a decade. Through the Federated States Poets Association he has been published twice in their yearly Blackberry Peach competition. He has worked as a coach for youth teams and adults, and has been a host and organizer for events for poetry and its expression across Central Florida. As the curator and co-curator of the Fusion Fest Haiku Competition and Fusion Fest Poetry Slam, he seeks to share the experience of poetry and spoken word with everyone. Currently, He is working with others to bring the Southern Fried Poetry Slam Festival to the city of Orlando to share the unique flavors of poetry that can be found across the country. Guest Writer: Jai Eagle Jai’ Eagle, AKA “The Vibe Dealer” is a singer, songwriter, author that was born in Miami, FL and raised to the tunes of Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder, Jai’ has mixed his southern Gospel roots, the inspiration of the legends of R&B, and the mix of modern Pop to cultivate a sound that can “vibe” to anything. Currently located in Central Florida, Jai’ and his team have traveled across the US as the soundtrack to so many amazing events. Although he specializes in the sounds of Soul and R&B, his trained, diversified ear has made his sound a high-demand in Pop, Country, 80’s Rock, Gospel, and Top 40 hits. Perfecting his craft and building a literal Grammy-winning team since 2010, Jai’ has graced platforms ranging from Universal Studios 4th of July and New Years Eve celebrations, City Walk’s Holiday Mixer, Judson’s Live at Dr. Phillips Center, to a Executive Cigar Wine Down Wednesday and a current residency at Jazz Tastings, Orlando’s hottest spot for Live Entertainment. In addition to dealing vibes all around Florida, he’s released 2 albums, 2 EP’s and has fully managed tours for both albums across the state. His notable partnerships stretch from Tye Tribbett and Kierra Sheard to India Arie and Tweet. He is fueled by sharing with others was he’s learned on his journey. He believes independent artistry shouldn’t be done alone and does all he can to make that statement true to every artist he encounters. His latest project “The View From Halfway Up” is a book that supports that very notion. He’s an all around creative that’s excited to be your visions next best friend. Guest Writer: Mareya Norris (screenplay /theater) Mareya Norris is a playwright and theatre artist based in Orlando, Florida. She holds a B.A. in Theatre Studies from the University of Central Florida and studied theatre abroad in London through IES Abroad. Her original works include Another Shot, It’s a Match, and Two-Faced, which is currently in development. Mareya’s plays have been featured in UCF Project Spotlight’s One-Act Festival, and she has served as a writer, director, actor, and dramaturg across multiple university and regional theatre productions. With a background in both creative and production roles—including marketing , box office management, and dramaturgy—she brings a holistic perspective to storytelling and the theatrical process. Mareya is passionate about guiding new and seasoned writers through character development, authentic dialogue, and the creative journey from concept to stage. About Howard and Lenore RolandHoward and Lenore Roland’s longtime relationship with the ACA evolved from their passion for the arts. In “salons” held in private homes, they met the Master Artists from ACA’s residencies, took unique trips with salon members in the U.S. and abroad, and contributed financial support to the Center. Lenore served on the board, and in 2010, participated in an ACA three-week writing residency, one of the highlights of her life. A consummate storyteller, Howard created his own magic with tales about supervising the “back of the house” at some of New York’s finest restaurants, constructing new hotels for Sheraton in the U.S. and South America and working for 26 years for the Mouse. He helped to build Walt Disney World’s first two iconic hotels, the Contemporary and the Polynesian. As Disney Vice-President of Purchasing and Construction Contracts, he joined an experienced team to plan and build EPCOT Center. Early in Lenore’s professional career, she worked as an assistant editor for a textbook company, community college instructor and technical writer/editor/manager. As a freelancer, she has written newspaper and magazine articles, award-winning short stories, short plays and a full-length play. Her first published book is available on Amazon: “Under Granna’s Poetry Tree.” Both Howard and Lenore believed in ACA’s artistic legacy. In memory of Howard, who passed last year at age 88, Lenore has created the Howard Roland Foundation, which, she hopes, will support the Teen Writing Residency for many years to come.
ACA Main Campus, 1414 Art Center Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL, 32168, United States
