Cognitive Performance Lab - Pay-What-You-Can, Drop-in, Weekly, In-Person Acting Class - Cognitive Performance Lab

A drop-in, weekly, in-person, 3-hour monologue/scene study class designed to support the actor in building the next level of their craft, employing a variety of techniques and lots of individualized attention to discover valuable new tools. We’ll also use cognitive science concepts to connect traditional acting methods with a modern understanding of the human instrument. The class is flexible, ideal for expanding your toolbox with an in-depth, multi-week curriculum, or just stopping by for some audition prep. Actors of all levels are encouraged to join, and all monologue/scene material is welcome.

The class is pay-what-you-can. For each class you attend, a 1-hour, 1-on-1 virtual session is offered for $15. When you attend 4 or more classes, a virtual session is free.

There is a maximum of 8 performers in each class. Sign up in advance to secure your spot. Any open spots on the day are first-come, first-served. Others are welcome as audience and still get the virtual coaching discount. Please only sign up if you are confident you will attend.

Each person in a scene is considered a performer. You are responsible for finding a scene partner and ensuring they can attend class with you.

Be memorized and prepared to perform in class. Bring a copy of your monologue/scene for me (or preferably email it to me before class), and a notebook to class.

The pay-what-you-can cost of class should not be conflated with the value of instruction being offered, or the expected amount of effort. We cannot significantly improve your acting if you do not present your best effort.

WHEN + WHERE:

Saturdays, 1-4PM

May 27th through June 24th

Located at Studios 797:

797 8th avenue

New York, NY,

10019

PRICE:

This is a pay-what-you-can class. There is no minimum. The amount you pay has no effect on the time or instruction you receive in class.

Payment is accepted at any time via PayPal or Venmo, or by cash or check in person.

The optional $15 for a 1-hour, 1-on-1 virtual coaching session is separate from what you decide to pay for the class itself.

This class is being run completely independently. It’s just me and my belief that advanced acting classes should be accessible to ALL. I ask you to please consider the value of my instruction, what you gained, the classroom environment, what similar classes cost, and the value of this class being available to everyone. Then pay whatever you are able to.

For transparency, all my costs associated with this class (primarily rental space) are available on request.

TO SIGN UP:

Send an email to andrew.katzman@gmail.com with the subject line, “CPL Sign up [your name]”

and include the dates you would like to attend in the email.

The class will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. 5 weeks at a time are open until filled.

COVID POLICY:

We will strictly follow policy guidelines of the rental space.

I will not require masks in class, unless a student requests them (anonymously, via email, before classes begin), in which case I will require everyone to wear proper N95 or KN95 masks, except for the individual actor only while they are performing. If this still makes anyone uncomfortable, then we’ll wear masks the whole time.

CONTENT:

Students bring their own monologues and scenes to this class, which may include sensitive or explicit content, or may lead to discussion and exploration of difficult subjects related to the material.

This class may employ a variety of well-established advanced acting techniques and exercises, ranging from the abstract to the personal or highly intensive. Acting is intensive, hard work that may involve voluntary emotional vulnerability and exposure to difficult themes and imagined circumstances.

ABOUT ME, ANDREW KATZMAN:

I am a classically-trained actor, director, writer, and educator with over a decade of experience teaching theater and performance. I studied theater, cognitive science, and pedagogy for my BA at Hampshire College, and hold an MFA in performance from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Using my extensive knowledge of a broad range of acting, movement, and voice techniques, I work to listen, understand, and gain insight into each student’s perspective, and respond with a contribution that will broaden and not oppose who they are. I believe all methods are doors into the same room. I strive to help you open new doors and strengthen existing ones. Chances are I’ll find something useful for your toolbox.

You can find more info on my website, www.andrewkatzman.com , and contact me anytime at andrew.katzman@gmail.com.
Salary: n/a