About Art Nefsky

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Art Nefsky

Toronto Performance Coach, Voice Teacher & Director of Showoffs Studio

Art Nefsky is a Toronto-based performance coach, voice teacher, actor, comedian and singer with over five decades of professional experience in theatre, comedy, television, and performer training. Art is the Founder and Director of Showoffs Studio for Performers, established in 1987, where singers, actors, speakers, and non-performers learn to overcome stage fright, performance anxiety, and vocal insecurity.

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Early Performance Roots

Art’s journey into performance began early. At age two, he was discovered dancing on a cafeteria table—an early sign of a natural performer. His first formal performance came in third grade at a school assembly, where he confidently recited the metamorphosis of a tadpole into a frog despite the absence of a promised, off-stage prompter.

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Theatre Training and Creative Development

Art’s passion for theatre took shape at Willowdale Jr. High School, where an English teacher encouraged him to join the drama club. During a challenging childhood, theatre became a place of expression and belonging. His portrayal of the Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol, wearing a ketchup soaked shirt resembling blood, became legendary for its visceral realism and commitment.

At Northview Heights Secondary School, Art became President of the drama club for two consecutive years, concluding in 1972. In his final year, he expanded his stage skills by working as a magician’s assistant and performing at Toronto’s Metro Theatre on Bloor Street West.

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Ryerson Theatre Program and Comedy Career

In 1973, Art entered the Ryerson Theatre Program, studying acting, voice, mime, and performance. During this time, he created the character “Igor,” which won Best Costume at Ryerson’s Halloween event and debuted publicly at Gene Taylor’s night at the Improv at the Friars Club.

Art quickly became a feature performer in Toronto’s emerging comedy scene, sharing the stage with artists such as Rick Moranis, Gino Vanelli, Dan Hill, Marla Lukofsky, Larry Horowitz, and Steve Shuster. Within six weeks, he co-hosted “Monsters We Know and Love” on CityTV with Gene Taylor.

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Yuk Yuk’s, Touring & Television

Art was among the first comedians to perform at Yuk Yuk’s, sharing early bills with Howie Mandel, Mike MacDonald, and Bob Saget. He later toured as the opening act for Elvis tribute artists Douglas Roy and Bobby Fisher, performing across Canada and the United States.

A professional actor and ACTRA member for 18 years, Art appeared in the television series “War of the Worlds” as an alien janitor and in national commercials including Shake ’n Bake, Coffee Crisp, and Skippy Peanut Butter.

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Murder Mystery Theatre & Improv

Art became a key figure in Toronto’s murder mystery theatre scene through a long-running collaboration with Larry Zaidlin at Zaidlin’s Restaurant. This led to the creation of “Art Nefsky’s Showoffs” and later the first murder mystery dinner train in Gowanda, New York, where Art often performed multiple roles—and deaths—in a single evening.

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Showoffs Studio for Performers (Founded 1987)

Inspired by transformational Mastery Weekend Workshops and New York-based leadership training, Art founded Showoffs Studio for Performers to help people conquer fear and perform with confidence.

Art offers:

  • Private and group performance coaching
  • Voice lessons in Toronto for kids (8+) and adults
  • Intensive weekend performance workshops

Students include singers, actors, public and corporate speakers, theatre professionals, and non-performers preparing for presentations. Art specializes in helping students overcome stage fright, perfectionism, shyness, and vocal tension while improving technique and confidence.

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Television, Film & Industry Recognition

Art has appeared on CTV’s The Shirley Show, CFTO’s Eye on Toronto, CityTV’s Lunch Television, TVOntario’s More to Life, and MTV’s The After Show, where he prepared Jessi Cruikshank for a live singing challenge.

Art served as a juror at the 2023 Ekran Toronto Polish Film Festival and the 2022 Films for Peace International Film Festival, reviewing hundreds of international film submissions.

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Current Recognition

Art Nefsky is currently ranked #1 in THE BEST TORONTO’s “6 Best Voice Lessons in Toronto – 2026.”

Currently, Art Nefsky and his Showoffs have been invited to sing the National Anthem at an upcoming Scarborough Shooting Stars home game at the end of July. A weekly group vocal class will be announced shortly that will be dedicated to this performance. All students, past, present and future will have the opportunity to sing our Nation Anthem at a professional Basketball game to be televised live on CBC national television and streamed on YouTube.