What is a good method for memorizing spoken lines?

Question

like in a play

Answer 1

Try to learn lines versus memorizing them. If you learn lines they will stick with you. If you memorize you will quickly forget.

The difference is which side of the brain you use. Learning lines uses your right side of the brain, and is the same technique you use when you learn a song, or learned the alphabet. Memorizing lines uses the left side, and usually consists of reading the same thing over and over again. It only lodges in your temporary memory.

One way to learn lines, versus memorize, is to figure out some plausible reason why the character would say something and use the words they say, versus something else. This also serves to build the character you're portraying.

An example of the above is try to picture yourself learning the words behind "The Star Spangled Banner", the U.S. National Anthem, without understanding what the song is about. Once you know the story behind the song, the lines become much easier to learn. You undoubtedly learned the alphabet by singing a song.

I learned this technique from a director who had studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. Prior to working with the Director, I had a had time learning lines. If I had to dial an unfamiliar phone number I had to have the phone number in sight to dial it. After I learned this technique I dialed a friend while looking at the phone number and picturing the friends face; hoping to remember the phone number at a later date. Six months later I needed to dial the friend again, pictured her face, and the phone number popped in my head.

Answer 2

If you memorize and recite your lines it'll look like your reciting memorized lines. If you really understand what's going on in the scene no matter what you say it will make sense and be much more entertaining. The audience won't know what the line was supposed to be anyway. If all of the actors realize this your scenes will always makes sense even if someone blows a line.
I was in a class with a guy who insisted on having every line exactly as written. I used to change one or two words intentionally just to watch him panic. Learning your lines is important, but it's the least important thing to a real actor.

Answer 3

I memorize line by line and then write them out. I keep doing this until I can write them perfectly. If your lines consist of dialogue with your character and another, I also memorize the other character's lines. This not only helps you learn your cues, but also helps if someone screws up during a performance. You'll be able to get back on track much easier.

Answer 4

There is a thing called the spacing effect where if you wait between practices you retain half again as much learning as cramming. I've read that a sleep period between memorizations up remembering a bunch. If the play place is available practice your lines at the performance area.

Answer 5

well u don't have to memorize each single word... try to have an idea of what it is saying then try to memoirze it. its a lot easyer. but if u have a hard time memorizing stuff.. have somelse do it or try to memorize it as soon as u get it.
or... have someone else read the play then let them let u read ur lines so then its easyer to get it,

Answer 6

commence with the final line. study it memorize a sprint, then pass back one line then study that plus the final one possibly 10 situations in case you prefer working backwards. That way by utilising the time you paintings each and each of the before to the commencing up as quickly as you begin it is going to grow to be extra common as you pass on no longer much less( in case you have been only conscious of the commencing up from practising it lots ) reliable success

Answer 7

I prefer trying to learn them myself, then trying over and over while someone else reads along and corrects my mistakes. My teacher likes to record the whole play on a tape recorder by reading all the lines and leaving blank spots for his own lines. That way, you can practice on your own without reading it, and get a feel for when to say things.

Answer 8

Well when i do that for play production( my schools drama club) i read it about three times, then read aloud a few times then try to say without the script, and then when i just cant seem to remember more of it, i try to give it a tune and make it a song and thats help SO much trust me

Answer 9

It depends on how you take in information. If you do by seeing, read over and over again, then try repeating them with your hand over the words. If you learn by hearing, listen to your lines. If you learn by FEELING...um...good luck...

Answer 10

record yourself on tape. say your line to yourself (which gives you enough timing to get the line out) and then speak the other person's line on tape, etc.

when you go back and listen to the tape, you say your line out loud and then you listen to the next line being spoken... it's very effective.