You can beat that story challenge.

Supercharge your storytelling with master storyteller Steve Cuden.

Ready to unleash the power of storytelling?

Whether you’re navigating the entertainment industry or mastering business narratives, Steve Cuden is here to help as a seasoned expert with a passion for empowering storytellers.

Whatever your preferred platform, Steve’s expertise offers a gateway to storytelling excellence.

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Books

Unlock the secrets of storytelling with Steve Cuden’s acclaimed books, “Beating Broadway” and “Beating Hollywood.” Dive into the art of crafting compelling narratives for stage and screen.

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Podcast

Tune in to “Storybeat,” Steve Cuden’s podcast where he unravels the art and craft of storytelling. Engage with industry experts, writers, and creatives as they share invaluable insights.

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Ask Steve

Have questions about the world of storytelling or screenwriting? “Ask Steve” is your direct line to seek specific advice and solutions. Your creative journey just found its guiding light!

Ask Steve

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Speaking

Invite Steve to deliver practical keynotes or conduct storytelling workshops for your event. Benefit from his extensive knowledge and help your audience learn how to craft successful stories.

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Crafting Compelling Characters: Creating Empathy for Protagonists

Effectively creating empathy for protagonists causes the audience to disregard that a character is fictional and helps them to genuinely care for the hero.

So You Want To Become a Professional Writer?

Writing is not an easy thing to do. Having the correct motivations and these essential qualities will help with the roller coaster of professional writing!

Infuse Every Moment with Conflict

When people ask, “What is the story about?” they usually want to know what the story’s conflict is. So, what is the conflict in your story? It is on you to ensure that some form of conflict is present in every moment of your tale. Every moment!

Ask Steve: Using Backstory in Musicals

One reader asks: “Does using backstory in a musical interrupt the narrative drive and confuse the audience? How do you reveal a key secret from the past?”

The 5 Most Common Types of Musicals

While all types of musicals utilize a form of storytelling, they all take slightly different approaches to the broader musical theater form. Here are the 5 most common types of musicals.

How to Craft Unforgettable Stories

No matter the storytelling genre, unforgettable stories are always about the struggles of a character reaching for a powerful goal.

Know the Screenwriting Fundamentals—And Your Audience

Mastering screenwriting fundamentals and knowing your audience sets both you and your writing free—a crucial step on the road to success.

Crafting Compelling Stories: The Importance of Playing Within the Story’s Sandbox

Discover why staying within the confines of a story’s sandbox is crucial for crafting engaging narratives and how seasoned screenwriters make it happen.

The Screenwriting Journey: A Long, Bumpy Ride to Success

Embark on the challenging journey of screenwriting with Steve Cuden. Gain insights, perseverance, and wisdom in crafting blockbuster stories for theater and TV.

Crafting Magic: Ways to Make Scenes and Moments Memorable

Discover the secrets to crafting unforgettable moments in musical theater. Learn how to captivate audiences with magical scenes.

“Steve Cuden’s years of professional experience in television and Broadway combine for a powerful, clear, strong insider’s how-to manual about story structure in musical theatre. It’s like he’s giving away trade secrets. A must-have in any serious musical theatre writer’s library!“

Scott Guy

Executive Director, New Musicals, Inc. and multiple Emmy-nominated Screenwriter