I enjoy being given a certain amount of freedom in order to interpret or to come up with stuff, but I do enjoy collaboration. I seek and thrive on projects where I am going to learn from the people I'm working with.
In a costume, you need very exaggerated body language - as you say, sort of mime-type skills.
All chefs are like Jewish mothers. They want to feed you and feed you and impress you. It's an eagerness to please.