Explain the “Barbara Deutsch Approach” – what does that mean?

Ms. Deutsch does not have a ‘technique’, or a set of rules to which her students must adhere. Instead, her approach is to work with people individually and to help them not to copy someone else’s process. Everyone is different, and although two people may want the same result, the way they go about achieving that result is very different.

She uses a number of different tools to help the individual reveal their extraordinary qualities and to exude enthusiasm and energy in any meeting. She also helps each student to recognize what their competitive edge is, so that they may always count on that characteristic when they walk into an audition.

Barbara has a gift for being able to observe carefully and listen thoughtfully to the individual, to help them recognize their own unique talents and dreams, and then to simplify their challenges and illuminate the path to success.

Is a person born with star quality, or can it be learned?

Barbara believes that some people have an aura that others can see – a natural characteristic that one could call ‘star quality’. Other people have to work harder to create this characteristic. Both types, however, can achieve success. She believes that with determination, hard work and following your heart, you can create star quality. The key is to listen to your calling, to listen to your heart’s desire, and not to be afraid of failure. One of the most empowering ideas from this workshop is that, with the diligent will to persevere, anything is possible.

What are the biggest mistakes artists make?

-Gossip
- Spending too much
- Believing their own press

When should a person say to themselves “It’s time I tried something else”?

A: When they are suffering. Frustration is one thing, but it is an obstacle that can be overcome. However, there is no movement in suffering – it is a fait accompli. It is crucial to determine if there is room for one’s career to grow, or if the pursuit is causing the individual pain and suffering that might outweigh the benefits of potential success.

Barbara has a wonderful quote about failure, perseverance, and success:

“He failed in business in ’31. He was defeated for state legislator in ’32. He tried another business in ’33. It failed. His fiancée died in ’35. He had a nervous breakdown in ’36. In ’43 he ran for Congress and was defeated. He tried in ’48 and was defeated again. He tried running for the Senate in ’55. He lost. The next year he ran for Vice President and lost. In ’59 he ran for the Senate again and was defeated. In 1860, the man who signed his name A. Lincoln was elected the 16th President of the United States. The difference between history’s boldest accomplishments and its most staggering failures is often, simply, the diligent will to persevere.”

Quitting one’s [acting] career outright can most certainly be replaced by doing something else for the moment. Sometimes the pursuit of a dream can become exhausting, and at times like these it may be necessary to take a break, to refresh and recharge oneself. One caveat: many actors make the mistake of trying something else and then telling themselves, “I’m not an actor anymore”. Just because you have stopped to take a breath and develop another part of your character does not mean that your dream has evaporated. She believes that if you listen to your heart, it will guide you.

Is there really a “key to success”?

The two keys to success are to connect authentically, and to communicate in the moment. Barbara coaches her students to talk seriously about what they love when they are in meetings or auditions. Being present in the moment, and being able to communicate honestly and enthusiastically, makes an artist extremely seductive and hireable. This openness and vulnerability gives artists the extra edge to get hired.

Feedback from Barbara’s students

It is hard to describe exactly why Barbara’s approach is so effective, but I found it refreshing. Her style truly is like a jazz riff: free flowing and creative and surprising, and I liked that. Using humour and common sense, her words draw you in… Just like the advice that she gave me, not to talk AT your audience, she has a gift for involving each and every person in the process of becoming more self-aware. I think every person in that class knew what he or she had to do to make their career more fulfilling – we just lacked a bit of direction. Barbara’s gift is helping us to see ourselves differently, to look at the world and its challenges from a different perspective. She disarms our fears and replaces them with a stronger sense of self, which translates into confidence. Subtle but effective.
- Barbara Margetts, TV Director / Producer

Barbara has a gift for being able to observe carefully and listen thoughtfully to the individual, to help them recognize their own unique talents and dreams, and then to simplify their challenges and illuminate the path to success.
- Catherine Braund, Singer / Actor / Dancer / Producer