Howard Roland Teen Creative Writing & Storytelling Residency
July 11 - July 14
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 writing
- Fiction
- Non-fiction
- Poetry
- Spoken Word
An 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:
- Workshops
- Break-out groups (by interests)
- Professional feedback sessions
- Time to write
- Time to appreciate ACA’s 69-acre campus on Turnbull Bay estuary
On 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 tuition
3 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: Kevin Deane (comedy)
Kevin is a hilariously funny comedian who reaches out to all ages and parodies our shared human experiences. He is well-established in the southeast region and has been featured at ACA’s #GREATNESS Creative Arts Mentorship program in Volusia County Public Schools with Justin Lang. Kevin co-hosts the popular comedy podcast “All Jokes Aside” and is a rising star of Central Florida.
Guest Writer: Mareya Norris (screenplay /theater)
University of Central Florida graduate in theater studies.
Guest Writer: Jai Eagle (lyricist)
About Howard and Lenore Roland
Howard 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.