A few letters of praise from the students.
(Copies of all letters on file)
To Whom It May Concern,
I have known Geoff Hoff since 1989, as a director, as an actor, and now as my acting teacher. I've always found him to be hard-working, intelligent, fair, and a man of integrity. As a teacher, Geoff is patient, concise, and remarkably insightful. I have acted for 27 years, and have studied with several teachers. I'm happy to say that Geoff is one of the best teachers I have ever worked with. I've watched him work with students at radically different levels of experience, and he is equally effective with all of them. His people skills allow him to work with each actor individually, and give them the unique attention they need so that they can improve, no matter what their starting level of expertise. He is truly an outstanding teacher.
Linda K.
It was quite by accident that I first encountered "Passion for Acting" - a chance recovery of Geoff Hoff's brochure - "An Ongoing Class for Actors Who Love What Actors Do"...
As a novice, trying to gain confidence late in life in a new career, I have found security and safety in Geoff's class.
"What is Passion? Passion is not a death sentence."
"What is acting? Acting is not international diplomacy."
"What is the course? The class is not nuclear physics."
"What are the dreary details? You are not required to be angst-ridden."
Who is the acting coach? Geoff is not a brain surgeon."
Quite honestly, I believe that Geoff has actually put the above quotes into a comprehensive method that creates an environment so totally understandable my initial fears washed away within the first two weeks! I couldn't imagine how enjoyable the process of learning acting could be!!!
Sincerely,
Morton G.
TESTIMONIAL FOR PASSION FOR ACTING
July 30, 1999
Slightly over a year ago I had the good fortune to be included in the cast of a live cabaret which performs weekly in Hollywood. I had virtually no prior acting experience. My character does not have much stage time, but I give it my best effort
About four months ago I decided to take Geoff Hoff's Passion for Acting class. Having never taken an acting class, I did not know what to expect. Before the first class, Geoff gave me an overview of the class and what he wanted me to get out of it. I was a bit nervous, but ready to jump in. It was fun. We did exercises in the beginning which immediately put me at ease. The other students, who were all at different levels in the class and their careers, made me feel right at home.
One of the things I like best about the class is Geoff's enthusiasm. He truly has a "Passion for Acting." But mostly, I feel he has a passion for actors. His excitement is contagious. I enjoy listening to the students talk before class about their past week and the auditions they had and how they were able to overcome fears and inhibitions (in acting and everyday life) by practicing the philosophies Geoff teaches.
In the four months of classes I've taken, never have I heard Geoff belittle anybody's performance nor have I heard him correct anyone in a negative manner. He doesn't teach you how to act, he teaches you to learn how to be an actor. Already, I believe my character in the cabaret has deepened and developed a richer personality.
Geoff always makes himself available to the students. You can call him at home and he will gladly listen and give advice if necessary. And this is not an act. He is supportive and inspirational and I recommend him highly.
Sincerely,
Steve M.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Geoff Hoff is an excellent acting instructor. I should know -- I studied at Strasberg, UCLA, and with casting agents and with theater and television directors teaching private classes for more than 17 years, most of whom advised me to go into acting professionally. I did not do so because my time was consumed with serving as Chairman of the Board of an award-winning equity waiver theater (whose work made the "Best Bets" section of the Los Angeles Times) and in supporting my daughter in college.
I felt Geoff's class would be the perfect venue to stick my proverbial toe back in the water. The makeup of the students in his Wednesday night class ranges from newcomers to the very experienced. It makes for a very interesting mix. And Geoff has actually shown me a way to work unlike any other previous instructor. He raises your level of awareness in many areas through a variety of in-class exercises and what he calls "finger" exercises to work between classes. Working with him has made me feel very comfortable in front of an "audience" even after years spent in other endeavors. I have found the work I'm doing with him has been very valuable. Two bonuses: It's great to feel energized at the end of class, even though I generally have spent a long working day before I get there. And, frankly, the class can be just plain fun!
Geoff has my wholehearted recommendation as an acting instructor.
Carol A.