MEMORIZATION TECHNIQUES

Sadly, there is no shortcut to memorizing your lines. And just rehearsing in class and rehearsal WILL NOT be enough. In order to fully get your lines DLP (Dead Letter Perfect), you must speak them aloud over and over and over again, including meaning, understanding, character, and blocking. It is best if you actually memorize BEFORE your first rehearsal! Here are some ideas that might help you:

  • KNOW what you are saying. If you don’t know what the lines mean, and what they mean to your character, it is like memorizing gibberish.

  • Listen to your fellow cast members. It is not enough that you know what you are saying; you must know what your cast mates are saying as well. Acting is also reacting.

  • Memorize one chunk of text (one beat) at a time. Repeat that section only until you have it down. Then, move on to the next.

  • If you are an auditory learner (i.e. you can memorize songs really well), RECORD your lines. Use your phone or computer to record yourself. Once you’ve made your recording, listen to your lines over and over again. Try variations at different stages in the process:

    • Record your cues and your lines

    • Record just your lines

    • Record just your cues (this is the most like rehearsing)

  • Try writing down your lines. This accesses another part of your brain compared to simply reading and can help the lines sink in to your memory.

    • Write your cues and your lines

    • Write just your lines

    • Write just your cues and test yourself by trying to read them and answer with your lines.

  • You don’t have to have your scene partner present to rehearse. Rehearse the script with someone just reading the cue lines for you. Grab a friend or family member and say, “Will you run lines with me?” Then, practice with that person. It’s a rite of passage for every actor!

  • Practice your lines anywhere and anytime: in the shower, in the car, in your room, in the bathroom… even before you go to sleep. All of these are good times and places to run lines. It is especially good to practice lines while physically doing something else (like vacuuming or making dinner) so your lines flow out naturally without you having to think about them.

  • It’s a scientifically proven fact that “memory is aided by physical movement” (Helga Noice). So, in rehearsal, or even on your own, run your lines while going through your blocking. Going through the physical movement at the same time as the words helps to cement the words into your memory.

  • Try a “speed through” of your lines – saying them all as fast as you can. You may lose a little diction (though you shouldn’t) or not be able to do the blocking, but the quick pace keeps your from overthinking it, and lets the lines flow naturally.

  • Once you know your lines, don’t always start from the beginning. Do you really know your lines backwards and forwards? Try starting in the middle or even at the end.

  • The more you rehearse and access your lines and cues (in any manner) the better you will remember your lines.

  • Remember, practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. If you rehearse saying

    the lines wrong each time, that’s how you will remember them.

  • Use your phone to download your script, highlight lines, record yourself, etc. The more accessible your lines, the more likely you’ll practice.