The Art of Working with Actors: Lessons from AWD Icons
Directing is as much about understanding people as it is about camera angles, blocking, and story structure. Nowhere is this more true than when working with actors. The relationship between a director and their cast is built on trust, respect, and the shared goal of bringing characters to life in the most authentic way possible.
AWD Icon Members have worked with everyone from emerging talent to Oscar winners, across genres and formats. Their collective wisdom offers a masterclass in the art of collaborating with performers.
Build Trust Through Respect and Preparation
Tara Miele (Lessons in Chemistry, Wander Darkly) believes trust and respect are the most crucial parts of the actor-director dynamic. “If you show up prepared, really listen to your actors, and give them a safe space to play and fail,” she says, “you can create really exciting work together.”
Preparation doesn’t just mean knowing your shots—it’s about having a clear vision while staying open to discovery. As Miele notes, collaboration thrives when actors feel supported and respected, and when they know you’re committed to helping them deliver their best work.
Learn the Actor’s Craft Yourself
Rachel Goldberg (Gen V, Agatha All Along) started out as an actor and says the best thing a director can do to improve their skills with actors is to take an acting class. “You will learn SO much about what works and what doesn’t,” she says, “and you’ll gain immense respect for actors and how vulnerable they must make themselves.”
She also recommends directing theatre—many plays, if possible—to develop your ability to explore blocking, pacing, and character arcs over extended rehearsal periods. That practice translates directly to more confident, nuanced directing on set.
Be a Psychologist on Set
Bethany Rooney (Arrow, Chicago P.D.) stresses the importance of quickly assessing each actor’s personality, process, and needs. “The actors are in such a vulnerable position… It helps to present yourself authentically as open to their needs while giving the accurate impression that you have the strength and intelligence needed to be their leader.”
This balance of empathy and authority doesn’t happen by accident—it’s honed over time, with every project sharpening your ability to read people and adapt your communication style accordingly.
Prioritize the Character’s Truth
Christine Swanson (The Clark Sisters, P-Valley) approaches every character, no matter how small, as essential to the story. She digs into the script to find the emotional beats that will resonate with audiences, then works closely with her cast to modulate performances for the right impact at the right moment.
Sometimes this means taking creative risks, like casting real gospel singers instead of trained actors for The Clark Sisters. While it required extra coaching, the choice paid off in authenticity and set the film apart from other biopics.
Direct the Audience, Not Just the Actor
Jen McGowan (Rust Creek, Star Trek: Discovery) sees her job as directing the audience’s attention, emotions, and reactions—not just the actors in front of her. “Every piece is a conversation with an audience,” she says. “I am not interested in making things that are not seen.”
For McGowan, staying engaged with a project beyond the edit is vital. Seeing how an audience responds helps her refine her communication on future projects, making her even more effective in guiding performances that resonate.
Practical Tips for Stronger Actor Collaboration
From the collective advice of these Icons, a few universal strategies emerge:
Do your homework – Understand your actors’ past work, process, and strengths.
Speak their language – Learn acting vocabulary and reference tools like beats, objectives, and tactics.
Create safety – Actors need space to take risks without fear of failure.
Stay adaptable – Every performer is different; adjust your approach to fit the moment.
Honor the story – Keep performances rooted in the truth of the script, not just in “what looks good.”
Think about the edit – Capture variations, pauses, and nonverbal moments that can elevate a scene in post.
Learn More at Back to Set
If you want to sharpen your skills in this area, don’t miss our Directing Performance Masterclass with Tara Miele at Back to Set. This hands-on session will dive deeper into the actor-director collaboration, offering tangible tools for shaping truthful, layered performances under real-world production constraints. You’ll see how preparation, communication, and trust can transform not just a single scene, but an entire project.
And don’t miss the AWD ICON Member Panel, where powerhouse directors—including Tara Miele, Rachel Goldberg, Christine Swanson, Jen McGowan, and Bethany Rooney—share candid insights from decades in film and television. From career-defining moments to lessons learned the hard way, this conversation will inspire, challenge, and energize you to take your own directing journey to the next level.
Join us in Los Angeles for two days of immersive workshops, panels, and networking with top industry talent.
🎟 More info and tickets: backtosetla.com