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:
Acting for the Camera 1:
with Candice Neu
This is a theory-based course for those interested in pursuing acting as a career. Each week covers a foundational topic to build your understanding of the craft and the industry:
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Week 1: The Business of Acting – getting started, agents, headshots, and Actor's Access
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Week 2: Script & Character Analysis – techniques to understand story and build strong character choices
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Week 3: Vocal Qualities of the Actor – expressing emotion using pitch, pace, and volume
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Week 4: Acting Techniques – overview of major methods used by professional actors
4 weeks:
Mondays 5:30pm-6:30pm Sept 8-29
Free for members
$80 nonmembers
TRACKS: ACTOR
Audition Technique:
with Candice Neu
This course covers the technical aspects of creating a good self tape, what to expect in both self tape and live auditions, how to apply adjustments in the moment, and covers the differences in auditioning for different types of roles. Also provides guidance for submitting and navigating Actor's Access and EcoCast, and provides hands on practice through sample scripts with tape review.
4 weeks.
Mondays 5:30pm-6:30pm Oct 6-27
Free for members
$80 nonmembers
TRACKS: ACTOR
Acting for the Camera 2:
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 Nov 3-24
Free for members
$80 nonmembers
TRACKS: ACTOR
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
Session 1: Sept 8-29 GENRE: Suspenseful Sci-Fi
(LOST SIGNAL SIDES)
Currently registering for Session 1.
Session 2: Oct 6-27 GENRE: Horror / Thriller
Session 2 will open for registration Sept. 23
Member rate: $125
Non-Member rate: $250
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.
Thursdays @7pm
Pitch Perfect: gathers weekly to practice pitches and receive feedback. Wednesdays @ 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.
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
September 27 topic: Special FX Makeup
Classes for Filmmakers:
Preproduction Lab:
This course walks filmmakers through the essential steps of preparing a short film or video project.
Each week focuses on a core area of preproduction, from script breakdown to budgeting and scheduling. Students will leave with a complete preproduction starter packet for their own short or demo project.
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Week 1: Script Breakdown & Shot List
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Week 2: Scheduling & Location Planning
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Week 3: Budgeting Basics / NM Tax Prep
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Week 4: Casting Plans & Production Prep
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Week 5: Resources & Q&A
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Wednesdays 1:00pm-2:30pm
Oct. 1-29 (5 weeks)
$50 for Members.
Non-Members: $150
TRACKS: Producer, UPM, POC
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
Wednesdays 1pm-2:30pm Oct 1-29
Free for members | $80 non-members
TRACKS: Camera Operator; Director
TV Pilot Workshop
with Jess Carson (The Flash, Batman Unburied)
Work directly with professional television writer Jess Carson in this intensive workshop designed to elevate your original pilot script. This course includes two rounds of feedback and guided rewrites to help you polish your script to industry standards.
Writers will receive direct notes from Jess in the first session and continue refining their work over the following weeks.
NOTE: Participants must submit a completed pilot script no later than one week prior (or at time of registering for late registrants) to the first class. Feedback begins in session one.
Tuesdays at 5:30pm-6:30pm MST on ZOOM
4 Weeks | Zoom | Sept. 8-29
$150 Members | $250 Non-Members
Space is limited
TRACKS: Writer
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Creating the Pitch Deck:
with Jess Carson (The Flash, Batman Unburied)
This workshop guides you through building a pitch deck that sells — not just tells — your original television series. From crafting a compelling logline to outlining season arcs and visual tone, you’ll learn how to translate your story into a pitch-ready presentation that gets attention in the industry. Students will develop their decks week by week with guidance from Jess, culminating in a complete pilot pitch deck by the end of the course.
Tuesdays at 5:30pm-6:30pm MST on ZOOM
4 Weeks | Zoom | Oct. 7-28
$150 Members | $250 Non-Members
Space is limited
TRACKS: Writer
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. Wednesdays 3:00pm-4:15pm Sept 10-Oct 15
Member rate: $100
Non-member rate: $200
TRACKS: Writer
Directing for the Camera Lab:
This hands-on course is designed for emerging directors ready to lead scenes with actors, cameras, and a clear creative vision. Students will learn essential directing skills, including visual storytelling, shot planning, blocking, and working with performers — then apply those skills by directing a short scene in class.
Each participant will direct one scene with professional actors and receive in-the-moment feedback from the instructor. Students will also observe and crew for each other’s scenes, simulating a collaborative set environment.
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Week 1: Directing Fundamentals – composition, coverage, blocking, working with actors
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Weeks 2–4: Student Directing Labs – two students direct each week; peers assist and observe
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Week 5: Instructor Demo + Group Scene Review + Final Q&A
Wednesdays 3pm-5pm. Oct. 22-Nov 19
5 weeks. Limited to 6 students.
Member rate: $90
Non-Members rate: $175
TRACKS: Director