Hello, I'm Steve Hohman, Creative Director for Haus of Improv, which specializes in helping attorneys take control of their focus, narrative, and witness through improvisation, acting workshops, and private trial consulting.
I graduated from San Diego State University with Bachelor's degrees in Theatre Arts and Communications (Media Management). These fields might seem like an odd combo, but they've been surprisingly useful in my career.
I've had a colorful career as a teaching artist, working with arts education organizations all over Southern California. From the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Orange County to The Old Globe, Playwrights Project, Junior Theatre in San Diego, and All the Arts for All the Kids in Fullerton, I've taught students of all ages. It's always exciting to see that spark of confidence and expression light up in my students.
For a decade, I was an improv instructor with The National Comedy Theatre in San Diego, where I also created numerous specialized improv programs for senior citizens, children, and professionals. This extensive experience helped me hone my skills and develop unique training approaches.
As a professional improvisation actor, I sharpened my skills with the prestigious Upright Citizens Brigade in LA. I was also a key member of San Diego's longest-running improv show, performing as part of The National Comedy Theatre's MainStage cast for over ten years, where I even served as Managing Director. Thousands of hours on stage have taught me a lot about the art of live performance and crafting meaningful experiences.
In the legal field, I spent seven years as a witness in Roger Dodd's Trial Skills Clinics, creating challenging scenarios to help lawyers improve their cross-examination skills. My partner, Olivia Espinosa, and I now create realistic witness simulations and have been cross-examined over 1,500 times. As trial consultants, we've contributed to over $38.3 million in verdicts and settlements, refining case narratives through training, simulations, and courtroom coaching.
These experiences have given me the expertise to develop improv training that makes cross- examination second nature and helps lawyers craft powerful narratives.
