Cognitive Performance Lab - Pay-What-You-Can, Drop-in, Weekly, In-Person Monologue Workshop - Cognitive Performance Lab

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

A drop-in, weekly, in-person, 3-hour monologue class to support the actor in building the next level of their craft, employing a variety of techniques along with lots of individualized attention to discover valuable new tools for each actor. We’ll also introduce cognitive science concepts, connecting traditional acting methods with a modern, comprehensive understanding of the human instrument. Designed to be flexible, this class is ideal whether you’re just stopping by for some audition prep with an audience, or developing your own in-depth curriculum to expand your toolbox.



The class is pay-what-you-can. Participants can optionally add a 1-hour, 1-on-1 virtual coaching session each week at a discounted rate of $15. One free virtual session is available when signing up for 4 or more classes in advance.



Actors of all levels are encouraged to join. All monologue material is welcome.



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 will still get the virtual coaching discount. Please only sign up if you are certain you will attend so I can prepare for each class.



Be prepared to perform in class. Bring a copy of your monologue for me (or email it to me before class if possible) and a notebook to class.



This is a pay-what-you-can class, but the cost should not be conflated with the value of instruction being offered, or the standard of effort expected. Show me your best, so we can make your best, better.





WHEN + WHERE:

Tuesdays, 7-10PM

April 4th through May 2nd



Located at Studios 797:

797 8th avenue

New York, NY, 10019

3rd Floor, Studio 2



The first session is 5 weeks. If there is continued interest, another session will be booked, possibly on a different day of the week.





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.



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]”.

Please specify which dates you would like to attend.



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



CONTENT + OVERSIGHT:

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



This class is being run independently with no affiliation to any theater or school, meaning that there is no institutional mechanism to provide accountability for any possible inappropriate conduct. As such, I have appointed an Oversight Officer to audit a portion of the class, and provide a contact point for students to anonymously voice any concerns that may arise. The Oversight Officer has complete disciplinary authority, including the ability to remove students, impose additional rules on classroom exercises/conduct, or dismiss me entirely and facilitate remaining classes as a group-run workshop.





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, andrewkatzman.com, and contact me anytime at andrew.katzman@gmail.com.