• I help my students remove the defenses that inhibit impulsive behavior.

• I don't use a sledgehammer to get through to them. I don't humiliate, berate, or admonish. I nurture, nudge, encourage, support, and give corrective criticism. I also use humor to break down barriers. It is the most effective tool there is for relaxing people. People aren't defensive when they're laughing. When they're laughing, their inhibitors are down.

• I create an environment that's safe so that students lose their fear of taking risks.

• I don't use words like right and wrong. It's not about right and wrong; it's about making effective choices that serve the play.

• I provide them with specific tools that enable them to break down a script.

• A carpenter needs tools to build a table. Actors need tools to build a character.

• I don't ask them to behave like or imitate someone else. I want to see them work "from" their truthful selves. They are all unique. That's what makes them special.

• I target specific areas of their work that need improvement.

• I don't coddle them or spoon-feed them false praise. It's damaging and leads to an erosion of confidence.

• I take the work seriously. Not myself.

• I don't guarantee success, and I don't teach talent.