I,16: Sergei attempts to share his good fortune with his friend Likospastov and the author Yegor, who will have none of it.

I,17: Director Strizh speaks to Sergei outside the theatre.

I, 18: Sergei considers rewrites of his now five hour long play.

I,21: Sergei is amazed at how Phillipp Phillippovich judges his ticket customers.

I,24: Toropetzkaya coaches Sergei for his appointment with the great Ivan Vasilievitch.

I,24: Ivan Vasilievitch, wearing his Indian turban, greets Sergei.

II,2: Ivan's aunt interrupts the play reading.

II,2: Sergei is again interrupted, this time by Ludmilla's histrionics.

II,2: Ivan Vasilievitch gives Sergei his best advice: rewrite the play completely.