My name is Nick Hoffa and I’m an acting teacher, director, and working actor. I’ve got 20 years experience in front of the camera, but also over a decade working as a director and teacher for established Hollywood people, newer actors, adult professionals, and teens.
Nine years ago, a friend who works in the corporate world asked me to help her find an acting class; she was looking to strengthen her presentations and sharpen her performance skills. Unfortunately, I had no idea where to send her. We may be smack in the middle of the acting capitol of the world, but it's hard to find classes that aren't geared toward the concerns of 19-year old aspiring stars.
And so, with that conversation as a springboard, I developed a six-week course for non-actors. AFNA is entering it’s 10th year and has become useful as professional development for film industry directors, writers, etc as well as non-industry people looking to grow personally and professionally. In the most fun and non-judgmental way, we dive into improv, acting exercises, and paired scenework. Folks bring a range of experience levels but, on the whole, it is a beginner group looking to:
Develop skills that can help in their professional lives (presentations, effective communication, etc)
Learn about the acting process (especially helpful for film industry people who are not actors but want to understand the process better)
Learn how they're perceived (what they may be communicating with posture and gestures)
Discover what acting can teach you about yourself
Stretch some creative muscles and have a blast
Come join us! Scroll down for some testimonials from directors, editors, graphic designers, corporate trainers and more. Connect with me to ask any questions or to sign up.
Details
FAQ
When and where is the class?
The workshop is from 7-10pm on Thursday and runs for six weeks. We meet at The Pico, a lovely theater complex in the Rancho Park area of LA ( just SW of Century City). Click here for upcoming classes.
What is the cost?
The workshop is $425 for the full six weeks. But I always reserve spots each session for discounts - a buddy rate, an early bird rate, a film industry rate. If you need the help, please contact me and let’s see if we can work something out.
I’m an Eastsider - is it too far for me?
Nah - It’s LA so, of course, traffic is traffic, but class is very close to the 10 and you are going “opposite” at that time of day. Parking is also relatively straightforward.
How many people will be in the class?
Typically between 10-14 participants. I like to keep it small so everyone gets the chance to work a lot and get individualized attention.
What do we do in class?
A cliche that applies to AFNA: we take the work seriously but don’t take ourselves too seriously. You’ll work hard but laugh a lot. OK, some details…
Each week builds on the prior week, adding a different acting skill each class so that by the end of the six weeks you have a real understanding of an actor’s technique.
When the class is over, here is a sample of what you have accomplished:
learned some very stupid and fun theater games
performed one small partnered scene
participated in many small exercises to drive home that week’s lesson
written a very short piece
performed a culminating final scene that allows you to put it all together
Want more specifics? Reach out.
This sounds fun but I’m a little freaked out. What if I’m terrible or a nervous wreck?
Almost everyone is nervous the first class. But within the first 20 minutes, it will lessen considerably. I don’t believe anyone learns anything if they are tense, so I strive to create a relaxed and mistake-filled space. Everyone’s learning, everyone’s screwing up - including me. As long as we are doing it together, you’ll have a good time.
Upcoming classes
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Late Summer Acting for Non-Actors
August 21-September 25 7-10pm
The Pico, 10508 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
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AFNA at the Pasadena Playhouse
Sept 30 - Nov 4th, 7-10pm
Very excited to partner with the Tony-Award winning Pasadena Playhouse for a a session of Acting for Non-Actors.
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AFNA 2.0
Coming late fall
This 4-week 2.0 version is for people who have taken Acting for Non-Actors and would like to keep learning and having a blast. A start date will be announced soon.
TESTIMONIALS
Jody Hahn, Sitcom Director
As a television sitcom director who came up through the ranks, speaking “actors’ speak” has been the most challenging for me. By putting myself in the role of the actor, I experienced firsthand how receiving well-constructed acting notes can completely change a performance. Watching Nick give notes to the other actors in the class and seeing the results was invaluable. I learned where my “wheelhouse” is and challenged myself to go beyond. I can’t wait to take class with Nick again. He’s awesome!
Tara Miele, Film and TV Director
I can’t say enough good things about Nick Hoffa and his amazing acting class. As a director, returning to the craft of acting after over a decade away, I was more than a little scared. But Nick made diving back in incredibly easy. He is warm and easy going, and he approaches acting in such a grounded way that it makes the whole process very accessible. He creates a safe environment and at the same time, challenges you to push past your comfort zone. It was really fun, a little scary, and ultimately totally transformative for me.
Sasha Meyer, Graphic Designer
As a total newbie to the acting world, I found Nick’s class to be just what I needed: exhilarating and SO MUCH FUN. I’d wanted to take an acting class for many years, just as a hobby, but it’d always been a bit intimidating in Los Angeles. Luckily, I found Nick's class. He did a perfect job of challenging me, finding material I could relate to, and making me feel completely at ease. I learned so much about different methods of acting and about my own strengths and capabilities. I have to say that after taking his class, I have the “bug" and truly look forward to taking another with him!
Kristin Windell, TV Director
Nick is a generous teacher who is willing to work to make sure each person gets what they need from his class. AFNA was the perfect environment for me, built on support and trust. He gives you the honesty, encouragement and standards needed to further your craft. All that AND it was fun!
Cricket Buchler, Corporate Trainer and Keynote Speaker
More than anything, I appreciated the safe non-judgmental space where a group of smart, driven professionals (with little to no acting background) felt free to play with this craft. The change in our performances over just a couple months was astounding. In addition, I learned so much about what it means to be a performer in my own line of work as a public speaker. I’m so glad I treated myself to this experience!
Stacey K. Black, TV Director
"I've taken Nick's class 3 times and I cannot wait for the fourth. As a director, I believe it is crucial to try to understand an actor's process and put myself in their shoes. It can be scary! Anyone who wants to understand what it feels like to be asked to make sense of a script, to make a character believable, to show yourself, to be vulnerable in front of a group of people, and do all that while trying not to be self-conscious, should take this class. Also, it's just a hell of a lot of fun!"
Benj Thall, Editor, Actor
Authenticity! That is what you get from Nick Hoffa and what he is able to cultivate in his students. Having recently returned to the craft, Nick’s classes have been instrumental in boosting my confidence not only as an actor and director... but as human being.
David Bertman, Editor, Director
Nick is a fantastic teacher/actor. I’ve been surrounded by professional actors my entire career. When I started directing I wanted to experience life in their shoes. Nick's class allowed me to feel the excitement (and challenges) of being an actor in a supportive non-pressure-filled and safe place. I have since re-taken his class because besides the awesome education, it's a lot of fun!