Train. Work. Play.
opportunities for film professionals on every level
Whether you are a veteran actor looking to sharpen your skills or an emerging filmmaker just getting started, we have training for every age and level. Our unique training programs follow a hybrid training model, with both classroom time and on-set training. All of our projects also receive IMDb credits, so with every production lab, you are also building your film resume.
Classes and Workshops for Adults
Classes for Actors:
directed by Candice Neu
Actors rehearse and perform a professionally filmed scene with a partner. Each scene is rehearsed on camera with direction and feedback, then filmed with professional lighting, sound, and editing. Final clips are delivered as reel-ready files.
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Week 1: Partner Pairing, Scene Selection, & Table Reads; Line rehearsals--focus on character and pacing
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Week 2: Blocking & Rehearsal – focus on movement and physicality
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Week 3: On-Camera Practice – with feedback and adjustments
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Week 4: Filming Day!
4 Weeks. Mondays 6:45pm-8:15pm
Feb 2-23 GENRE: ROM-COM
Session 2 will open for registration on Feb 15
(Runs Mar 9-23)
Member rate: $125
Non-Member rate: $250
TRACKS: ACTOR
Acting for the Camera 2: SCENE STUDY
with Candice Neu
This hands-on class is designed for actors ready to apply their skills in a weekly on-camera scene study format. Each week, students will work with a new scene — sometimes as a cold read, sometimes with preparation — to build flexibility, confidence, and on-camera instincts.
Scenes are recorded in class for playback and feedback (single-camera setup). This class is focused on skill development, not reel production.
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New Scene Each Week — mix of cold reads and prepared scenes (can bring current work as well)
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Practice taking direction, hitting marks, and adjusting performance for the camera
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Review recorded takes in class to analyze choices and growth
4 weeks. Mondays 5:30pm-6:30pm Feb 2-23
Free for members
$80 nonmembers
TRACKS: ACTOR
The Living Instrument for Actors
with Monique Candelaria
The Living Instrument is an actor’s lab and a life practice. It’s about learning yourself from the inside out. Through exploring chakras, elements, animals, and verbs, you will discover how your energy, body, and instincts shape every moment. On stage, on screen, and in every part of your world, you’ll uncover the truth already within you and bring it to life.
8 Weeks. Wednesdays 6:30pm-8:30pm
$300 for members | $375 non-members
TRACKS: ACTOR
Clubs & Meetups:
Clubs are always free for members. Nonmembers can drop in for $10. Fall clubs start September 2nd.
Writer's Circle: Meets weekly to talk about current projects and organize table reads.
Saturdays @ 9am
Film Society Social Hour: Weekly gathering to talk shop or just connect with film-minded friends.
Tuesdays @7pm
Pitch Perfect: gathers weekly to practice pitches and receive feedback. Fridays @ 10am
Want to see a different club or want to lead one yourself? Clubs are member-led and driven! Send your ideas to: info@katharsismedia.org
100% of the proceeds from our memberships, classes, clubs, and events go to support career pathways in film and television and to support local producers and New Mexico based productions.
Classes for Filmmakers:
Intro to Production Sound
Clean audio is one of the most overlooked — and most critical — elements of a professional film. In this 4-week course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of capturing high-quality sound on set, even with limited gear or experience.
Each week combines practical skills with hands-on learning, including:
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Mic types & placement (boom, lav, handheld)
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Set etiquette & sound team workflow
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Monitoring, levels, and recording basics
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Troubleshooting common issues in real-world environments
Perfect for filmmakers, aspiring sound mixers, or anyone who’s ever ruined a great take with bad audio.
Wednesdays 6:00pm-7:30pm
Feb. 4-25
Free for Members
Non-Member rate: $80
TRACKS: SOUND / FILM TECH
Intro to Cinematography
This course is designed for filmmakers and camera operators looking to sharpen their visual storytelling skills and achieve more cinematic results. Through a mix of instruction and guided practice using the Sony A7R III (or your own DSLR), you'll build a solid foundation in composition, exposure, camera movement, and the visual choices that shape story and tone. Each week focuses on a key aspect of cinematography, with comparisons across narrative, documentary, and branded content styles.
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Week 1: Framing, composition, and visual storytelling
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Week 2: Aperture, ISO, shutter speed & white balance
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Week 3: Lighting, color, and mood
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Week 4: Narrative vs. documentary shooting styles
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Week 5: Review, feedback, and next steps
Equipment provided or bring your own
Thursdays 6pm-8:00pm
March 5-26
Free for members | $80 non-members
TRACKS: Camera Operator; Director
Writing for Television 101
This in-depth course is designed for writers ready to dive into TV structure and storytelling. Participants will study five-act structure, character arcs, beat sheets, and dialogue. Each student will receive a private script consultation to workshop their original pilot or develop an existing script.
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Week 1: Concept, Logline & Series Overview
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Week 2: Five-Act Structure & Beat Sheets
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Week 3: Character Development & Arcs
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Week 4: Dialogue & Scene Work
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Week 5: Workshopping Drafts & Common Pitfalls
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Week 6: Industry Next Steps + 1:1 Script Consult (Scheduled Outside of Class)
6 weeks. Mondays 3:00pm-4:15pm
March March 9- Apr 13
Member rate: $100
Non-member rate: $200
TRACKS: Writer
Waffle Brunch & Learn: Monthly networking and seminar with a different topic and speaker each month. DIY Waffles and coffee / tea provided. Bring a dish to share (or just yourself!).
Free for members. $15 nonmembers.
4th Saturday of the month @10am
NO Brunch & Learn in January!
February 28th Topic:
HOT SETS TOUR & OPEN STUDIO
Brunch & Tour: 10am-11am
Open Studio until 2pm