In 1966 he gained entrance to GITIS - the Russian Academy of Theatre Arts, where he studied for five years under the tutelage of Maria Knebel.
Influenced in particular by Konstantin Stanislavski's acting system and sharing his purpose of "turning audiences into eavesdroppers, peering through an invisible wall on to the lives of real people.
Watching how people live ensures that self-understanding and growth can continue.Accordingly, the technique evolved with the creation of realistic, audience-enlightening theatre as one of its guiding principles.
[8] During his tenure as principal of The School of the Science of Acting, Kogan engaged in frequent correspondence with The Stage newspaper, challenging the ethics and techniques of various drama training institutions and bodies.
A funeral service was held at The Russian Orthodox Church in South Kensington attended by family and friends as well as many of Sam's students.