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As a director, I also get to sit and watch actors and learn from them in a way that I don't get to do when I'm just acting.

I think acting really helps as a director. It's just no question, because you totally understand the acting process.

As far as working with actors, I feel very comfortable working in that aspect of directing.

There's something important, as an actor, about allowing yourself to be approached by people to do roles. People see different things in you.

Having a director who is also an actor makes for that very relaxed way of working and it's empowering.

My acting experience has been a benefit. What I learned from directors is how to listen to and talk with actors. I know how they think and what they need.

Being an actor really, really strengthens me as a director. There's just a certain type of understanding that comes from having been there and knowing how much is really being asked of actors that helps me.

Acting has always been very comfortable for me, so it allows me to pay attention to other parts of the process literally while I'm acting.

As a director, you have to know what actors are doing. You're the one telling them what to do. The actors' job is to come prepared to the set, but sometimes, if they're beginning actors or people who are non-actors, you have to teach them how to act.

So many actors get caught up in their technique, and to be honest, I see it really getting in the way. I see them forcing things. I definitely do my best work when I'm free of that. But I think as an actor, I work really hard in preparing the roles.