ABOUT

Our Mission

We value the building blocks of improvisation and its fundamentals, knowing any group or individual that can communicate at a high level, can overcome any obstacle.

Haus of Improv is dedicated to teaching students and professionals the techniques of improvisational acting as a valuable art form and tool for cultivating creativity, collaboration and communication skills.

The foundation of Haus of Improv is built upon well-rounded, diverse theater artists dedicated to creating a positive, FUN and safe environment that encourages a community spirit for active, supportive and engaging learning.

Steve Hohman

Creative Director

Steve graduated from San Diego State University where he received Bachelor’s of Art degrees in Theatre Arts and Communications (Media Management). As a professional improvisation actor, Steve Hohman honed his improv skills with the prestigious Upright Citizens Brigade (LA) and has been part of The National Comedy Theatre’s MainStage cast in San Diego since 2011, where he previously held the position of Managing Director.

As a teaching artist, Steve has taught with arts education organizations throughout Southern California including Segerstrom Center for the Arts (Orange County); The Old Globe; Playwrights Project; Junior Theatre (San Diego) and All the Arts for All the Kids (Fullerton).

For seven years, Steve performed as a witness in Roger Dodd’s Trial Skills Clinics. He has continued this work by assisting lawyers in their deposition, trial, and witness preparations.

Olivia Espinosa

Education Director

A bilingual actor, playwright and director, Olivia graduated from San Diego State University with a B.A. in Theatre Arts. In addition to performing professionally, she has spent the last 15 years working with law and medical schools to help prepare students for real-life encounters with clients and patients.

As a playwright, she credits her students in detention facilities and foster youth group homes for the courage to become a playwright herself. In 2017, Olivia was honored as the recipient of Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s most prestigious award- The Phil Killian Directing Fellowship. Currently, she combines all her skills as a member of Los Angeles’ Native Voices at the Autry Artist Ensemble, giving voice to Native American, Alaska Native and First Nations playwrights.

History

Haus of Improv was founded in 2015 by Steve Hohman and Olivia Espinosa to teach improvisational acting techniques that increase communication, creativity, active listening skills and collaboration to professionals and students alike.

Together they bring over 20 years of experience working in arts education, while also working as professional actors. Most notably, Steve and Olivia have been cross-examined over 1,200 times by some of the world’s most prominent lawyers, which helped them understand the real power of constructive communication and “Yes, And”, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Haus of Improv specializes in teaching customized improv classes focused on creating fun and effortless exercises that are tailored-made for each group, allowing participants to completely absorb these skills and techniques to benefit their personal and professional lives.