I have a mantra that I say before every audition and every meeting- a gift from Eden [Bernardy]: "They're throwing the party for me... I hope they're ready for excellence, because that's what I'm going to bring." In other words... the writer has written the script, the director has a clear vision and the casting director is ready for the "right" actor- the guest of honor, so to speak- to walk through the room... and I have to believe that guest is me. It sounds narcissistic, but it is what we need. Actors are human beings who are willing to put themselves in incredibly vulnerable places and peel back every layer of our mask to show the world our humanity. It's an unbearable thing. So one needs a cheerleader, and most of the time, it may well be oneself.