Commercial Audition workshop with David Smith & Special Q & A with Walter Alza


Details: In Person – May 24 11am to 1pm, Cost: $299
* David has completed dozens of commercials and earned over $30,000.00 in the past two years while acting part-time. He holds a full-time job and has a family. To date, he has worked on nearly 50 professional jobs.
Why others should pursue this: There is both an art and a science to commercial auditioning. First, understanding the bigger picture is essential, and knowing where actors fit into this larger landscape. There is significant money to be made in this industry when one understands it and knows how to navigate it.
What we will cover:
- The flow chart from corporation to ad agency to casting director down to the actor. Understanding the game you’re playing and how to operate within it.
- How to make yourself more valuable to the corporations that need commercials and the agencies that hire and film the commercials.
- The specific mindsets that set actors apart when auditioning for commercials
- What a commercial audition actually is.
- The 3 types of commercials there are.
- SOC auditions vs commercial auditions with dialogue
- How to interpret your audition sides to bring out your specific voice/ interpretation that will set you apart.
- Why should a company pay you $10,000.00?
The technical side of the audition:
- Your camera, your lighting, your sound, your background, how to dress.
- Your slate
- Editing your audition
The Callback (part1)
- What it means when you’re called back
- What they want to see
- How to prepare for your callback
- The mentality to enter the callback with
- What to expect when you show up
- What is expected of you in the room
- How to always win in a callback
You’ve booked the job. Now what?
- How to read your call sheet
- The secret to using the wardrobe fitting to making filming day go smoother
- How to show up
- What to expect when you show up
- The difference between filming for film and television vs filming a commercial
- How to make them want to rehire you
About David Smith
David Smith has appeared in dozens of commercials. He’s worked with brands such as; NFL, Tim Hortons, Telus and J.P Wiser’s to name a few. His ability to give grounded performances whether in film/tv or in a commercial keep him steadily working in the industry.
David has studied with Alza Acting Studio for many years and still uses the things he learned there when auditioning and filming. Having grown up in Kitchener, ON he now makes Hamilton his home.
About Walter Alza
Award-Winning Artist | Actor | Director | Writer | Producer | Acting Coach
Walter Alza is a versatile and celebrated talent known for his work in film, television, and theatre. He has co-starred in major productions such as Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and appeared in over 120 episodes of television across Canada, the USA, and internationally. Additionally, he has been featured in more than 200 interviews and media appearances on television, print, and radio, both for his acting work and his impactful role in the entertainment industry.
Walter Alza has done Dozen US & Canadian National Commercials including Budweiser and Miller and Over dozens of voice over and ADR jobs and.
Notable Media Quotes
“Alza is a scene-stealer.” — CTV E-Talk Daily (on Get Rich or Die Trying)
“Walter is a ‘scene stealer’ for his portrayal of the vicious Colombian gangster Raoul in the drama Get Rich or Die Trying, starring 50 Cent and directed by Academy Award-nominee Jim Sheridan.” — Entertainment Tonight Canada
“Walter Alza is delicious as the testosterone-driven, boorish waiter ‘Slavic’ in At The Hotel.” — John Doyle, The Globe & Mail
“Walter plays the modern-day Don Juan, Andreas Maradona, in Metropia.” — The Globe & Mail
“Walter Alza gives an impressive performance as the hot-blooded Yugoslavian Igor and the quiet Italian workman in ‘Three and a Half.’” — The Toronto Sun
“Walter Alza represents an emerging trend in Canadian programming.” — The Mississauga News