Academic Lectures Thrive in L.A. Bars as Tickets Sell Out Fast

On a chilly Monday evening at the Zebulon in Frogtown, a unique blend of academia and entertainment unfolded as the event series, Lectures on Tap, transformed a local bar into an engaging classroom. Drew McClellan, an adjunct professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, captivated a diverse audience with his presentation on the visual elements of cinema, specifically focusing on tone and movement. The event attracted film enthusiasts and casual learners alike, all eager to absorb knowledge in a relaxed setting.

Audience members, seated comfortably with drinks in hand, responded enthusiastically as McClellan began his lecture. Using clips from films like Jordan Peele’s 2017 hit, Get Out, he illustrated how movement can evoke fear and tension. “Someone running at you full speed with perfect track form, you can’t tell me that’s not terrifying,” he joked, earning laughter and applause from attendees.

Lectures on Tap, which debuted in Los Angeles in August, has rapidly gained popularity, with tickets often selling out in under an hour. Since its inception, the series has expanded to other cities, including San Francisco, Boston, and Chicago. The concept was developed by husband-and-wife duo Felecia and Ty Freely, who sought to create a community for those passionate about learning without the pressures of formal education.

“People always come up to us and say, ‘I hated college when I was in it, but now that I’m not, I would love to come to a lecture and have access to these experts without having to feel pressured to get a good grade,’” Felecia shared. Her initiative combines intellectual engagement with a social atmosphere, making complex topics accessible to a broader audience.

The appeal of such events is underscored by a growing sentiment that intellectualism is undervalued in contemporary society. “We’re in the age of people not trusting experts, so everyone who still does wants to be in a room with their people,” Felecia remarked. “There are a lot of them. It is actually alive and well, just maybe not mainstream.”

During the lecture, McClellan presented various film concepts in straightforward terms, ensuring that both film aficionados and casual viewers could follow along. His use of clips from classic films, including the 1931 version of Frankenstein and 28 Weeks Later, created a lively atmosphere where audience members reacted with genuine fear, showcasing the effectiveness of his teaching style.

Participants like Andrew Guerrero, 26, appreciated the communal vibe of the event. “It felt more like a communal vibe, but at the same time, I miss learning,” he noted. The relaxed environment allowed attendees to absorb information without the stress typically associated with academic settings.

Tickets for Lectures on Tap events are priced at $35, making them an affordable option for those looking to engage in stimulating discussions. Ieva Vizgirdaite attended a recent lecture to celebrate her fiancé’s birthday, expressing excitement about learning in such a casual environment. “I get to sit and learn about something that I love doing with a pint? Like, that’s amazing,” said her fiancé, Drake Garber, who is interested in film production.

The nontraditional environment encourages speakers to interact more freely with the audience. “I can play with certain elements that I maybe haven’t used in the classroom,” McClellan explained. This informal setting fosters a different type of engagement, allowing attendees to ask more varied questions and participate actively in discussions.

As the lecture concluded, the bar staff quickly transitioned the space for a concert, while attendees lingered to discuss the topics presented. McClellan stayed to engage further with the audience, emphasizing the unique blend of enjoyment and education that Lectures on Tap offers. “This is a nontraditional environment to be enjoying yourself but also learning at the same time,” he said. “It’s kind of like mushing up the education into your applesauce — mushing it up in the beer.”

In an era where traditional education is facing scrutiny and the value of intellectual discourse is questioned, events like Lectures on Tap provide a refreshing alternative. They not only encourage learning but also foster community ties among those eager to explore new ideas in an enjoyable setting.