What is the best techniques to use to memorize a monologue faster?

Question

How can some actors memorise the lines of a leading caracther in a three hours long play?
What is the best techniques to memorize?

Answer 1

I use a combination of sound, sight and motion. This is what works best for me. You may find another method works for you.

I start with my script. I make sure I have a copy I can mark up. If need be, I photocopy it, so I can write on my copy. I highlight my lines and read through a few times to familiarize myself with the gist of the part.

I then begin reading them aloud. That way I am both saying and hearing them. I read them over and over and then begin reading a line and looking away from the script and repeating it. Usually this is enough for me. Longer pieces I will begin to walk around the room while I do this. For some reason, *activity* helps me remember better.

Particularly difficult pieces, I will write out on cue cards. The combination of writing (another activity) and breaking down the piece into managable segements (the cue cards) really helps.

Answer 2

If you are just doing a monlogue, you can try just grunt memorizing. Just sit down and learn it line by line. Also, the more you read it, the more you will memorize it without even trying. Think about it. How many songs do you know the words to, but I doubt you sat down and tried to memorize them.

Also, when I memorize lines, I make sure I take a break. A lot. I would read lines for about 30 - 60 minutes, and then take a break to rest my brain, which usually consisted of video game playing. I would do that for about 30 minutes, and go back to the lines. Granted, this is not the fast way to do it, but I find it helpful.

Answer 3

ok i memorized a monologue tuesday night for an audition wednesday so it can be done. Read the monologue outloud and only outloud, NOT TO YOURSELF (when acting it is best to use audio learning skills) act it out...CONSTANTLY with emotion and movements, through the emotion and actions said with the lines when you practice, when you are on stage and do the same emotion/action the lines will be regenerated. break a leg

Answer 4

there are many different ways to do it...there are some yet few people who can just write it out 5 or 6 times and have ti memorzied ( i am one fo the few i started writing out a page and a half long monologue the day i was supposed to perform it and i had it memorized word for word by the time i was supposed to perform it)...some people highlight every two sentences in alternating colors and memorize two sentences at a time ( thats what my best friend does but it doesnt seem to wrok for me)

Answer 5

I find it best to have someone working with me. It doesnt have to be the other actors. But having someone look at the script and promt me really helps me memorize. Read through it a few times. If you are struggling through have them give you the first couple of words of the sentence.

Answer 6

Well, a technique I often use is to record all of the other character's lines, put in a pause for me to say my lines, and then continue. This gives you the chance not only to hear the cue lines before yours, but also allows you to take your recording anywhere with you and practice.

Good luck with your role!

Answer 7

I like to put them to a tune, or a specific rhythm songs are usually easier to memorize than say three pages of Shakespearean English. Good luck.

Answer 8

I read it by the sylables. Read it out loud to yourself in portions and sound out the sylables of every word.

Just go over it again and again.
After you learn a small portion go to the next portion and then combine and so on.

In the end read it out loud to someone else it helps.
Another thing I like to do is write my lines over and over.

good luck

Answer 9

Record it on a tape and listen to it whenever you can. also writing it or typing it over and over can help. Work with a partner that can feed you a line or correct you when you make a mistake.

Answer 10

I write it down. And then write it down again. And then write it down without looking at it. Do it in manageable chunks and repeat it to your self when you are doing the normal stuff you do each day. Don't forget to put on your i-pod so it looks like you are singing to the music instead of talking to your self!!