When preparing an audition tape, it's common for actors to seek guidance from coaches to fine-tune their performance. However, involving too many voices—whether from acting coaches, friends, agents, or peers—can lead to confusion, overthinking, and a diluted performance. This is often referred to as the “too many cooks in the kitchen” problem. While feedback can be valuable, over-coaching can strip away the actor’s authentic instincts and result in a performance that feels mechanical or overly rehearsed. A strong audition tape should showcase the actor’s unique interpretation of the role, emotional truth, and clear choices. This topic explores how actors can recognize when they’re receiving too much input, how to choose the right kind of support, and how to trust their own creative instincts. It offers insider tips on how to work effectively with one trusted coach (if needed), maintain artistic ownership of the role, and avoid the common trap of trying to please too many perspectives—ultimately creating a more compelling and truthful audition.