Howard Fine

Howard Fine (born November 28, 1958) is an American acting teacher, theater director, and author. He is the founder of the Howard Fine Acting Studio in Hollywood, California.

Early life

Fine was born in Providence, Rhode Island, the youngest of five children. His parents, Max, an American GI, and Nelly, a Holocaust survivor, were married in Shanghai before returning to the U.S. Due to a fluke scheduling conflict between French and German classes, Fine ended up taking his first theater class in high school. His drama teacher spotted his directing talent and gave him his first play to direct, Edward Albee's The Sandbox, at age 16. He was first introduced to the work of his mentor, Uta Hagen, while in high school. His teacher taught from Hagen's first book, Respect for Acting, and would take the class to New York to watch classes at Hagen's studio. Fine and Hagen remained close friends until her death.

Career

Early career

After completing graduate school in Boston, Fine moved to New York City, where he landed his first teaching job at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. After one semester of teaching, he was promoted to head of the Acting Department at the age of 24, making him the youngest head in the studio’s history.