TRICKS TO MEMORIZE YOUR LINES
TRICK #1: The traditional moving piece of paper. I bet everyone has done this memorizing trick. You highlight your part(s) and fold a separate piece of paper. You move it down the page as you come to each of your lines. You pause while your line is covered, and then you reveal it to see if you got it right or what you need to work on. This is the first way I learned. And, it’s very useful.
TRICK #2: Use index cards. Here’s a technique I use in almost every single show I’m in. Buy a stack of index cards. First, be sure to number the cards! On one side, write down the character’s name and his or her line before yours. (Note: If the line is something short, like, “Yeah!” then write two). On the other side, write (preferably in a different color ink) your line that follows. If you need to, separate them into Acts (for longer plays and musicals). When you’re done, go through them like flash cards until you’re ready to... brace yourself ... SHUFFLE THEM. Yes. Try to do them out of order. This trick not only creates memorization but sharpens your memory recall for your cues.
TRICK #3: Use your voice memo on your phone or any other recording device. This is especially good for scenes between two people. Record only the other person’s lines. Read them out loud. Then give a silent pause in the spot where your line will be spoken. Be sure to give about 1 ½ times the amount of time for yourself. I like to slowly (almost in slow motion) “mouth” my line so I know I’m recording enough space to remember it. That way, if I make a mistake, I have enough time to fix it before the next line is played. Play and practice over and over until you can go through the entire recording smoothly.
TRICK #4: For monologues, do the same thing as Trick #3 with your voice memo or recording device. This time, though, say your monologue and act it out. Then play it over and over while you go about your day. Have you ever wondered how quickly you learn the lines of a song? It’s because you listen to it over and over and over again. Do the same with your monologue! It works!
TRICK #5: When you’re at least 90% memorized, ask someone to “read lines” with you. But make it fun for them too. Tell them they are more than welcome to act out the other roles. If you wait until you know at least 90%, it will be way more fun for your reader, and way more rewarding for you. Here’s a tip for this trick: make sure you’re ready! Otherwise, it can be frustrating and a real bummer for you both. Advanced memorizers: when you are 100% ready, ask your reading partner to say the lines fast, and you do the same. This will really solidify them and make you even quicker.
TRICK #1: The traditional moving piece of paper. I bet everyone has done this memorizing trick. You highlight your part(s) and fold a separate piece of paper. You move it down the page as you come to each of your lines. You pause while your line is covered, and then you reveal it to see if you got it right or what you need to work on. This is the first way I learned. And, it’s very useful.
TRICK #2: Use index cards. Here’s a technique I use in almost every single show I’m in. Buy a stack of index cards. First, be sure to number the cards! On one side, write down the character’s name and his or her line before yours. (Note: If the line is something short, like, “Yeah!” then write two). On the other side, write (preferably in a different color ink) your line that follows. If you need to, separate them into Acts (for longer plays and musicals). When you’re done, go through them like flash cards until you’re ready to... brace yourself ... SHUFFLE THEM. Yes. Try to do them out of order. This trick not only creates memorization but sharpens your memory recall for your cues.
TRICK #3: Use your voice memo on your phone or any other recording device. This is especially good for scenes between two people. Record only the other person’s lines. Read them out loud. Then give a silent pause in the spot where your line will be spoken. Be sure to give about 1 ½ times the amount of time for yourself. I like to slowly (almost in slow motion) “mouth” my line so I know I’m recording enough space to remember it. That way, if I make a mistake, I have enough time to fix it before the next line is played. Play and practice over and over until you can go through the entire recording smoothly.
TRICK #4: For monologues, do the same thing as Trick #3 with your voice memo or recording device. This time, though, say your monologue and act it out. Then play it over and over while you go about your day. Have you ever wondered how quickly you learn the lines of a song? It’s because you listen to it over and over and over again. Do the same with your monologue! It works!
TRICK #5: When you’re at least 90% memorized, ask someone to “read lines” with you. But make it fun for them too. Tell them they are more than welcome to act out the other roles. If you wait until you know at least 90%, it will be way more fun for your reader, and way more rewarding for you. Here’s a tip for this trick: make sure you’re ready! Otherwise, it can be frustrating and a real bummer for you both. Advanced memorizers: when you are 100% ready, ask your reading partner to say the lines fast, and you do the same. This will really solidify them and make you even quicker.