When do characters come out of their shells, and why? What makes the actor hear those voices? How do you trust that they will come? It’s not so different from writing.
What makes us free to play and not to doubt ourselves?
What gives us the permission to “fake it till you make it” and put in placeholders for what we trust will be more complete characterizations?
What lets us do our work?

I think that the answer to all of this is in the level of safety engendered in the room by the artists. (Mere and I were just talking about differences in management styles and work environments, and how drastically those differences affect people’s work.)

Sure, there are different levels of technique. But if the place in which that technique has to work isn’t safe and consistent – if you don’t show up every day, and show up with patience and compassion – the characters may never choose to come out at all.

Lots of faith. And making the room a safe place.