Advanced On-Camera Acting
For experienced actors ready to deepen character work, sharpen on-camera choices and move beyond performance plateaus. Five focused weeks of advanced scene work, close-up technique, director-actor communication and professional screen preparation.
Go deeper.
Get more specific.
Advanced is a progression, not a starting point. The class is designed for actors who already understand fundamental scene work and want more demanding on-camera training.
Advanced Scene Work
Work with more complex material, deeper character objectives and stronger moment-to-moment choices. The goal is not to “perform more.” It is to become more specific, grounded and responsive.
Director-Actor Communication
Learn how to understand direction, make fast adjustments and translate notes into playable action without losing connection to the scene.
Film & Television Camera Craft
Refine close-up work, listening, reaction, physical control and the relationship between internal character work and what the camera actually captures.
“When Walter acts, you see the intensity of a beast in him. He is a force of nature — and that force is in the room when he teaches.”Jim Sheridan Academy Award-nominated director · Get Rich or Die Tryin' · In the Name of the Father
“I highly recommend this studio. I owe my current success to them. This studio is where my journey as an actor began. Aside from the skills and techniques of acting that you learn, the most valuable things I got out of here are the work ethic, discipline, and character you build along the way, which prepares you for auditions and work on a real set.”Alex Ozerov-Meyer Canadian Screen Award Winner · Brilliant Minds · The Americans
The Advanced Curriculum
Multi-camera recording and playback are used to help actors see what is actually translating to the screen and where adjustments can make the work stronger.
Advanced Scene Study
Layered scenes that demand stronger objectives, listening, emotional shifts and moment-to-moment specificity.
Character Development
Build behavior, inner life and playable choices that remain truthful and readable on camera.
Director-Actor Language
Understand direction, adjust efficiently and keep the work alive while responding to notes.
The Craft of the Close-Up
Refine reaction, stillness, focus, physical control and emotional specificity for the lens.
Movement & Biomechanics
Explore how physical behavior, spatial awareness and movement affect screen performance.
Bold Choices & Adjustment
Take stronger risks, respond quickly and develop the confidence to make committed choices under pressure.
Walter Alza
Walter Alza is an award-winning Actor · Writer · Director · Producer · Acting Coach whose professional screen career began in 1991. His experience includes 120+ film and television appearances, including an ongoing lead role across almost 90 episodes of Metropia.
- Get Rich or Die Tryin' · directed by Jim Sheridan · with 50 Cent and Terrence Howard
- Special Correspondents · with Eric Bana and Ricky Gervais
- Metropia · ongoing lead role across almost 90 episodes
- Flashpoint · At The Hotel · Due South and many more
- ReelWorld Trailblazer Award recipient
- Conducted agent showcases for Casting Workbook for many years
What That Experience Adds
Advanced training is shaped by real screen experience: working under time pressure, adjusting to direction, understanding what reads in a close-up and knowing how quickly actors must adapt on a professional set.
The Alza Method
Walter's approach combines his professional on-camera experience with selected elements influenced by Meisner, Stanislavsky and Chekhov. At the advanced level, the work becomes more specific, more demanding and more focused on what actually translates to camera.
Industry Perspective
Over the years, the studio has hosted casting directors and other industry professionals. Walter also conducted agent showcases for Casting Workbook for many years, giving him additional perspective on how actors are seen and evaluated professionally.
Actors who trained at Alza.
“Within only a few months of training with the Alza team through their classes and privates, I managed to land a main role in a television series. The Alza method works — trust it!”
Jadiel Dowlin Daytime Emmy Award nominee · Annedroids · StarFalls
“I highly recommend this studio. I owe my current success to them. Alza prepares you for auditions and work on a real set. The class culture is positive and high energy. A real family-like vibe.”
Alex Ozerov-Meyer Canadian Screen Award winner · Brilliant Minds · The Americans
“I strongly recommend training at Alza. After my first session of classes and privates with Walter, I landed a lead role in a feature film, a principal TV role, and signed with a top agency!”
Natalie Film & television actor
“Along with critical on-camera skills, this studio installs deep discipline, work ethic, and character—preparing you perfectly for real production sets.”
Alicia Dea Josipovic Actor · DegrassiA class for actors ready for more demanding work.
Advanced may be right for you if…
- ✓You have solid prior acting training or equivalent professional experience.
- ✓You understand fundamental scene work and want greater depth and specificity.
- ✓You want to strengthen your on-camera craft and close-up work.
- ✓You want to respond to direction more quickly and confidently.
- ✓You are ready for direct feedback and challenging material.
You may need a different level if…
- •You are brand new to acting or have very limited formal training.
- •You are still building the fundamentals of scene study and on-camera technique.
- •You are unsure which level is appropriate. The studio can review your background and recommend placement.
- •You need a more introductory or developmental starting point before Advanced.
Training built for the camera.
Alza Acting Studio's Advanced Acting for Film & Television class is designed for experienced actors looking for advanced scene study and character development on camera in Toronto.
The five-week program focuses on scene work, character development, director-actor communication, close-up technique, movement and the ability to adjust quickly while staying connected to the material.
On-Camera Technique
Multi-camera recording and playback allow actors to evaluate what is actually translating to screen. The goal is greater specificity, truth, control and responsiveness rather than simply doing “more.”
Professional Perspective
Walter Alza's screen career began in 1991 and includes 120+ film and television appearances. That professional experience informs the studio's approach to camera craft, set preparation and director-actor communication.
Advanced Film & TV Acting in Toronto.
- Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Five-week session
- $399 + HST
- In person near Yonge & Bloor
- Prior training or equivalent professional experience required
- Placement may be reviewed before confirmation
- Advanced scene study and character development
- Director-actor communication and close-up technique
- Multi-camera playback review
Not sure whether Advanced is your level?
Register or contact the studio with your training background and links to previous work. If Advanced is not the best fit, the team can guide you toward the appropriate class level.
View Schedule & Register →Advanced Class FAQs
What experience do I need for Advanced?
Advanced is intended for actors with solid prior training or equivalent professional experience. Placement may be reviewed, and the studio may request a short meeting, demo link or examples of previous work.
When does the class run?
Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for five weeks. Tuition is $399 + HST. Visit the schedule page for the current start date and availability.
What will I work on?
Advanced scene study, character development, director-actor communication, close-up technique, movement, script analysis, bold choices, fast adjustments and professional screen preparation.
Is the class filmed and reviewed?
The program uses multi-camera recording and playback review so actors can evaluate what the camera is capturing and make more precise adjustments.
Can working actors take the class?
Yes. The class is suitable for experienced and working actors who want continued on-camera training, provided the level and placement requirements are appropriate.
How do I register?
Visit the Schedule page to see current dates and availability. Registration is confirmed once payment and any required placement review are completed.
Push your screen work further.
Five weeks of focused advanced on-camera training for actors ready to deepen character work, sharpen choices and become more responsive to the lens and to direction.
View Availability & Register →Wednesdays · 6–9 PM · 5 Weeks · $399 + HST · Yonge & Bloor, Toronto
Video Reviews
& Testimonials
Josipovic Star of 100+ Episodes of Degrassi
Award-Winning Actress
Ozerov Brilliant Minds · The Americans
Award-Winning Actor
Dowlin Nickelodeon · Annedroids
Actor, Director & Producer