“Act One is all you need to succeed in Hollywood as a writer. Don’t waste your time in a four-year screenwriting program. You can do it better and faster with Act One.”

We hear this a lot from alums about our writing program.

How are we different? Better?

First, we draw from a large (amazing!) team of teachers who are also professional, working writers. They come off the lots, off the set, and out of the writers rooms to teach you the basics (character, dialogue, formatting, structure) and more advanced topics. Each teacher has a unique and compelling angle on the industry and how to succeed. They share their industry “secrets” openly and are driven to make you the best writer you can be.  The wealth of their knowledge and expertise is unparalleled… and yours for the having.

Second, our community of teachers, mentors, and writers are, in large part, professionals who hold Christian values and desire to see those instilled in their creative work, no matter what genre or storytelling arena. They offer a transparent and supportive environment in which to tell redemptive stories grounded in a Biblical worldview. We’re not talking about faith-based content (although we definitely support that), but rather transforming mainstream culture with works of truth, goodness, and beauty in the world around us… through all types of stories.

Third, we don’t mess around. Our training is concentrated and extremely thorough. We incorporate a variety of teaching modalities—  lecture-style, video-based, writer panels and interviews, small groups, real world writing exercises, and mentorships with professional working writers. We focus on getting you to mine great ideas, find your voice, develop truly memorable characters, work within script structure and format, and so much more.

Last, (and maybe best), once you go through Act One we welcome you as part of a life long community of entertainment professionals. Act Oners are a close-knit group who continue to support and encourage each other in our professional creative journeys. After you complete the program, alums helps alums by forming writing groups, locating jobs, encouraging each other, and offering continuing education and support in becoming competitive storytellers.

During the year we offer two programs: Spring and Fall. More information below.