Beyond the 3-Act Structure

Three-act structure is the go-to for screenwriters and many novelists, giving writers a guide to creating well-formed works of fiction, but what about those writers who seek to go beyond three acts and create something new?

In this three-hour seminar, we’ll talk about alternative ways to structure your story. We’ll dive deep into Shakespeare’s five-act structure, learn how to plot using sequences, talk about alternative models used all around the world and discuss how seemingly structure-less stories still work and find what holds them together.

Pulling from examples from film and literature we’ll explore experimental structures and even explore how to go where no one has gone before and create your own.

Class Format

This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.

Covid-19 Update:

GrubStreet's space will be mask optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in-person.

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.