PEM Acting · The Perdekamp Emotional Method
A progressive, in-person journey from authentic emotion to embodied character to integrated monologue and scene work.
Your body already knows what emotions are. PEM is the method that removes what's in the way — and teaches you to access it with precision, safety, and repeatability.
Each PEM Intensive is a standalone 2-day workshop — and each one deepens the last. Together, they form a complete arc from emotional foundations to fully embodied scene work. All actors begin with Intensive 1.
The leading alternative to method acting. Learn PEM's body-based approach to accessing all six primary emotions — safely, quickly, and repeatably — without relying on emotional recall or personal trauma.
Go beyond emotional access into full character embodiment. Train your body and nervous system to transform into another human being — and safely step back out again.
Where everything comes together. Apply PEM's full system to monologues and scene work — allowing character, emotion, and physiology to lead the text and create performances that are impossible to look away from.
Want the full PEM experience? Book PEM Intensives 1–3 and save 15%. Join us on a remarkable journey from emotion, to character, text and scene work. Walk in a good actor, leave unstoppable.
"I've been booking more jobs since doing PEM." — KJ Snyder
PEM Intensives run across Los Angeles and New York. All actors begin with Intensive 1 — book individually or save 15% with a full package.
Book a single intensive or save 15% with a package.
Intensives I, II & III
Intensives I & II
"PEM has been the only acting class that I've wanted to stick with since I finished at Yale. It's some of the best training out there. Since working with Sarah Victoria, I've booked some big jobs — and I think I owe a lot of that to PEM."
"It was like my body became a map. I could simultaneously trust the emotions in my body, and was also constantly surprised by the sensations, impulses, and voice that followed. My character emerged quite naturally."
"I have never found a better acting technique that has allowed me to fully become a character with such depth, ease, specificity and nuance within the performance."
"Just the small amount that I have had of PEM has given me an ocean of depth to explore."
"I believe that PEM is the next evolution of acting — and I'm so excited to continue learning and applying it as I grow and expand as an actor."
"From my first contact with PEM, I knew it was a game-changing approach to acting — one that foregrounds the actor's health and wellbeing without sacrificing rigour and expansion."
All PEM Intensives are facilitated by Sarah Victoria, Master PEM Instructor, alongside a team of certified PEM teachers across both cities. After booking, we'll reach out to request your headshot and resume.
"PEM prioritizes safety, consent, and craft over shock or emotional provocation. Actors are supported throughout, and most report finishing the workshop feeling both relaxed and energized."
— Sarah Victoria, Master PEM InstructorDo I need acting experience to attend?
No prior PEM experience is required for Intensive 1. Actors of all levels — from drama students to working professionals — are welcome. After booking, we'll reach out to request your headshot and resume.
Can I jump straight to Intensive 2 or 3?
No. All actors must begin with Intensive 1, which provides the essential physical and emotional foundation everything else builds on. Equivalent private coaching may also satisfy the prerequisite — contact us to discuss.
Is this emotionally safe?
Yes. PEM uses a physical, body-based approach specifically designed to avoid emotional mining or personal trauma. The method is grounded in actor wellbeing, safety, and consent throughout.
Will this help with film, TV, and auditions?
Absolutely. The techniques taught are designed for real performance conditions — supporting both subtle and intense emotional work under camera and live performance pressure.
Does PEM work alongside other methods?
Yes. Many actors use PEM as a powerful addition to their existing toolbox. It integrates seamlessly with Stanislavski, Meisner, and other approaches — and can also be studied as a complete acting system.
The pathway to embodied, authentic performance starts here. Book your place in New York or Los Angeles — after booking, we'll reach out to request your headshot and resume.
Upcoming dates, early access, discounts, and events — delivered to your inbox.
Stay informed about PEM Intensives, discounts, and other PEM events and classes in-person and online to both expand your skills as an actor and to work deeply with your body and wellbeing.