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Get Writing Exercises to Apply to Your Script's Second Act!

Mastering your second act is often the most challenging and crucial part of crafting a successful screenplay. As the core of your story, Act 2 is essential for maintaining momentum, developing characters, and setting up a compelling climax. In today's competitive market, where scripts need to stand out to be noticed, optioned, or land a job, a strong Act 2 can make or break your script. As a screenwriter, you need to equip yourself with the necessary tools and insights to create an engaging and effective Act 2 that keeps audiences invested and propels the story forward.

While screenwriters struggle with Act 2, often falling into the trap of a dull, uninspired middle, despite having a solid beginning and end Common missteps include failing to develop character arcs, lacking a strong inciting incident, and not creating enough obstacles for the protagonist. Additionally, many writers overlook the importance of a meaningful sub-plot or B story that complements the main narrative. This webinar aims to address these pitfalls by providing practical strategies and techniques to construct a dynamic and coherent Act 2, ensuring your screenplay flows seamlessly from start to finish.

Guiding you on your way is Robin Galloway, a top manager and development executive for Gramercy Park Entertainment. She’s worked with Sony Pictures Entertainment, FOX, and TNT, among others.  Robin has worked with numerous writers, with credits on top-notch shows like WESTWORLD, MINDHUNTER, THE CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA, HEMLOCK GROVE, THE CLOSER, and many more. With a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of what makes scripts successful, Robin has guided numerous clients to achieve their screenwriting goals.

This exclusive, online 4-week class covers all critical aspects of writing a successful Act 2. You'll learn how to set up Act 2 using elements from Act 1, the importance of a strong inciting incident, and creating obstacles for your protagonist. You will also cover the structure of Act 2, including the art of weaving a meaningful sub-plot and how to construct a believable "All Is Lost" moment and transition smoothly into Act 3. By the end of the course, you will have a clear understanding of the pitfalls of writing the second act and will be equipped with the skills to keep your audience engaged and your story progressing effectively.

PLUS! You will receive:

• Setting up and structuring your second act handout

PRAISE FOR ROBIN:

"As a working writer for the last eighteen years, I can attest to what I believe makes a great manager... Robin is one of the most energetic, exciting, and engaged people I’ve ever met in my life. She is brilliant, creative, and has a lifetime of rich experiences, travels, and knowledge. Most of all, she leads with a warm, beating, nurturing heart. Put all these characteristics together and you have a tremendous, if not ideal advocate, partner, and guide. I can think of no writer or creative who wouldn’t benefit from having Robin launch, sustain, and extend their career." — Roger Wolfson (HEROES, CENTURY CITY, THE CLOSER, SAVING GRACE, FAIRLY LEGAL)

"As a literary manager and development executive Robin is invaluable at understanding what a writer is trying to do with their work on the page and is helpful in distilling that idea so that it translates to those in the industry. She acts as a critical resource that helps to champion the work of the writer above all else to make sure that the real reason we are telling our stories is upheld above competing interests. She's a warrior for writers!" - Christina Ham (WESTWORLD, THEM: COVENANT, THE CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA )

"I was AMAZED at how brilliantly Robin took me over the finish line with my pilot and pitch for studio execs. She provided dramaturgical insights, market insights, character insights, performance/delivery tips, and when I told her to take a red pen to it, she shaved off 25 minutes from my pitch - and it lost nothing; actually became much sharper. I turned it into the production company - to immediately receive the email I’d been waiting months for: “We love it, we’re ready to go!” - Jennifer Haley (MINDHUNTER, HEMLOCK GROVE)

SESSION 1: Setting Up Act 2

• Using elements of a solid act 1 to set up act 2

  • The Importance of a strong inciting incident 
  • Locking in your protagonist 

• Key Beats for Setting up Act 2

  • Interrogate the character arc and change at the heart of the protagonist's story 

  • Develop and explore the world 

  • Create obstacles for your protagonist 

  • Include a B story to support the A story 

• Examples from scripts

• Q&A with Robin 

• Handout – Setting Up Act 2

• Assignment for Session 2 – Outline key beats for act 2
  

SESSION 2: Structuring Act 2

• How act two fits into the 3 act structure

• Why there are actually four acts 

• Structuring act 2

• The key elements

• The structure

• The art of constructing act 2, part 1

• The B story 

• How to effectively weave in a meaningful sub-plot

• Example from scripts

• Q&A with Robin 

• Assignment for session 2 – Outline key beats for act 2

SESSION 3: Structuring Act 2 Continued 

• Structuring act 2  (continued)

• The key elements

• The structure

• The art of constructing act 2, part 2

• Crafting the midpoint into a turning point

• Examples from scripts

• Handout – Structuring act 2

• Assignment for session 4 – Outline act 2, part 2

• Q&A with Robin 

SESSION 4:  Climax

• How to construct a believable “all is lost” moment

• How to carry your narrative into act 3

• Wrapping up the 2nd act structure

• Examples from scripts

• Q&A with Robin

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with an expert in the field is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity. If you are interested, please book quickly. Once the spots are gone, they’re gone for good.

• This class is designed for all level writers and directors who want to learn how to structure the second act.
• This is an intimate, in-depth, practical, and detailed class held on Zoom where you will be interacting with your instructor.
• This class consists of 4 sessions roughly two hours in duration.
• **Your instructor will be available on email during the two sessions to answer any questions you have about your project.**
• You will be held accountable to take the lessons from each week and move your work forward.
• Plus, to stay motivated and inspired, you will have access to a dedicated Stage 32 Lounge post where you can meet, connect and communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the length of the class and beyond. Let Stage 32 help you find your tribe!
• Payment plans are available - please contact Amanda at edu@stage32.com for more information.

Screenwriters of all levels who want to master the notoriously difficult second act.

Directors of all levels who want to learn how writers structure the second act to better direct it with the writer’s intent

Monday, September 9th, 3:00pm PST

Monday, September 16th, 3:00pm PST

Monday, September 23rd, 3:00pm PST

Monday, September 30th, 3:00pm PST

"As a working writer for the last eighteen years, I can attest to what I believe makes a great manager... Robin is one of the most energetic, exciting, and engaged people I’ve ever met in my life. She is brilliant, creative, and has a lifetime of rich experiences, travels, and knowledge. Most of all, she leads with a warm, beating, nurturing heart. Put all these characteristics together and you have a tremendous, if not ideal advocate, partner, and guide. I can think of no writer or creative who wouldn’t benefit from having Robin launch, sustain, and extend their career." — Roger Wolfson (HEROES, CENTURY CITY, THE CLOSER, SAVING GRACE, FAIRLY LEGAL)

"As a literary manager and development executive Robin is invaluable at understanding what a writer is trying to do with their work on the page and is helpful in distilling that idea so that it translates to those in the industry. She acts as a critical resource that helps to champion the work of the writer above all else to make sure that the real reason we are telling our stories is upheld above competing interests. She's a warrior for writers!" - Christina Ham (WESTWORLD, THEM: COVENANT, THE CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA )

"I was AMAZED at how brilliantly Robin took me over the finish line with my pilot and pitch for studio execs. She provided dramaturgical insights, market insights, character insights, performance/delivery tips, and when I told her to take a red pen to it, she shaved off 25 minutes from my pitch - and it lost nothing; actually became much sharper. I turned it into the production company - to immediately receive the email I’d been waiting months for: “We love it, we’re ready to go!” - Jennifer Haley (MINDHUNTER, HEMLOCK GROVE)