Academic Lectures Transform L.A. Bars into Engaging Classrooms

On a chilly Monday night at Zebulon in Frogtown, Los Angeles, a unique blend of entertainment and education unfolded. Drew McClellan, an adjunct professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, captivated an audience with an engaging lecture on cinematic techniques, drawing connections between film and the emotional responses they evoke. Attendees, sipping cocktails, eagerly absorbed insights about the art of visual storytelling, demonstrating a growing trend where academic lectures are increasingly populating bars and informal venues.

McClellan’s presentation was part of Lectures on Tap, a series designed to transform local bars into makeshift classrooms. This initiative allows experts to discuss varied topics—from Taylor Swift’s narrative style to the implications of artificial intelligence in healthcare—creating an inviting and relaxed atmosphere for learning. No grades are given, and the casual setting encourages attendees to engage with complex ideas without the pressure typically associated with academic environments.

“I hunted for these tickets,” said Noa Kretchmer, 30, who has attended several Lectures on Tap events since its Los Angeles debut in August 2023. “They sell out within less than an hour.” The series, which also operates in San Francisco, Boston, and Chicago, originated from the vision of husband-and-wife duo Felecia and Ty Freely. After relocating to New York City, where Ty pursued psychology at Columbia University, they sought a community that embraced intellectual curiosity.

At the heart of their mission is a desire to rekindle the joy of learning outside traditional settings. “At the end of every lecture, 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 access these experts without feeling pressured to get a good grade,’” Felecia explained. She is known for her “brainy content” on social media, which includes topics such as closed-eye visualizations.

The rise of events like Lectures on Tap reflects a cultural shift in how people engage with knowledge, especially in an era marked by declining trust in experts. “We’re in an age where intellectualism is often demonized,” Felecia remarked. “Everyone who still values it wants to be in a room with like-minded people.” Ty added, “It is actually alive and well, just maybe not mainstream.”

During the lecture, McClellan illustrated key film concepts using clips from notable films, including the 1931 version of Frankenstein and 28 Weeks Later. His ability to break down complex ideas into engaging discussions left the audience both entertained and informed. “This is how you scare the crap out of people,” he quipped, while explaining the visual impact of a character looking into darkness.

Audience members expressed appreciation for the relaxed environment. “I felt really comfortable, and I loved the social aspect of it,” shared Andrew Guerrero, 26. He noted that the informal setting allowed him to absorb information without the anxiety of traditional learning. “I can retain more because I’m not pressured to really hold on to it.”

For Ieva Vizgirdaite, attending the event was a special occasion to celebrate her fiancé’s birthday. After weeks of trying to secure tickets, she was thrilled to find an opportunity to deepen their shared interests in film. “I didn’t go to college, so I don’t have any prior experience with lecturing,” her fiancé, Drake Garber, 29, stated. “But the fact that I get to sit and learn about something that I love doing with a pint? Like, that’s amazing.”

The informal nature of Lectures on Tap not only benefits attendees but also provides speakers a chance to connect with their audience in new ways. “I can play with certain elements that I maybe haven’t used in the classroom,” McClellan noted, highlighting how the relaxed atmosphere encourages more dynamic interactions. After the talk, many attendees moved to the back patio to continue discussions over drinks, further fostering a sense of community.

As the event concluded, bar staff quickly cleared away chairs in preparation for a concert, marking the seamless transition from education to entertainment. McClellan lingered to answer additional questions, embodying the spirit of Lectures on Tap. “This is a nontraditional environment to enjoy yourself while learning at the same time,” he said. “It’s like mushing up education into your applesauce—mushing it up in the beer.”

The success of Lectures on Tap serves as a testament to the appetite for intellectual engagement in casual settings, reinforcing the idea that learning can be both enjoyable and accessible.