PEM Basics is a structured series of weekly online acting courses designed to deepen emotional access, expand range, and build a sustainable, body-based acting practice.
If you’re looking for in-depth PEM training, the PEM Basics series provides a clear, progressive pathway.
This training—referred to as Emotional Basic Training—guides actors through the physical foundations of emotion, building skill, clarity, and confidence over time.
Each course runs for six weeks and focuses on one of the Six Basic Emotions, exploring:
By completing the series, you will develop:
PEM Basics forms the foundation for all other PEM training, including voice, scene work, and character development.
Aggression can be one of the most misunderstood emotions for actors. It may feel forced, stereotypical, or unexpectedly trigger other emotions such as tears.
In PEM Basics 1, you’ll explore the physical foundations of Aggression, learning how to access it authentically and technically—without strain.
Aggression supports characters who embody:
Practical Applications:
Arguments, confrontations, competition, leadership roles, battle scenes, assertive professionals
Range of Aggression:
Irritation · Anger · Power · Focus · Grit · Assertiveness · Motivation · Rage · Passion
Prerequisites: None
Maintaining genuine joy, warmth, and openness can be challenging—especially across multiple takes or long runs.
In PEM Basics 2, you’ll learn how to access Happiness at will, allowing for ease, compassion, and presence without personal vulnerability.
This work supports:
Practical Applications:
Arguments, confrontations, competition, leadership roles, battle scenes, assertive professionals
Range of Aggression:
Irritation · Anger · Power · Focus · Grit · Assertiveness · Motivation · Rage · Passion
Prerequisites: PEM Basics 1
Many actors struggle with Grief when relying on personal memory.
In PEM Basics 3, you’ll explore Grief through a physical, non-traumatic approach, allowing depth and gravitas without emotional mining.
You’ll learn to:
Practical Applications:
Breakups, funerals, devastating news, heartbreak, intense speeches
Range of Grief:
Melancholy · Sadness · Loss · Need · Despair · Desperation
Prerequisites: PEM Basics 1, 2
Chemistry does not require personal attraction.
In PEM Basics 4, you’ll learn to physically access Lust, allowing for believable chemistry, playfulness, curiosity, and motivation—without personal attachment.
Practical Applications:
Commercials, romantic scenes, flirtation, playful characters
Range of Lust:
Curiosity · Desire · Attraction · Greed
Prerequisites: PEM Basics 1, 2, 3
Fear does not need to compromise wellbeing.
In PEM Basics 5, you’ll learn how to create fear artfully, including panic and high-stakes situations—while maintaining safety and vocal health.
Fear is reframed as a supportive and energizing force, helping actors manage:
Practical Applications:
Horror scenes, chase sequences, anxiety-driven moments
Range of Fear:
Alertness · Tension · Nervousness · Urgency · Terror
Prerequisites: PEM Basics 1, 2, 3, 4
Revulsion empowers characters to say no, establish boundaries, and act from clear values.
In PEM Basics 6, you’ll explore how Revulsion supports:
This work is equally valuable for navigating the acting profession with confidence.
Practical Applications:
Moral confrontations, authority figures, decisive moments
Range of Revulsion:
Discomfort · Dislike · Disdain · Disgust · Revulsion
Prerequisites: PEM Basics 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
PEM Basics 7 integrates and applies everything learned so far.
This course focuses on:
This final course brings the series together into applied performance.
Prerequisites: PEM Basics 1, 2, 3, 4
“I first encountered PEM at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. What I love about PEM is that you actually deepen your understanding of emotions the longer you stick with the technique. You learn more about yourself as an artist and as a human being. Then you’re able to carry that into professional settings and be able to deliver the requirements of these intense situations – when the director says I need you to cry on this line or get red hot with rage on this line.”