How should I go about learning lines?

Question

I'm in my first play...well...musical so most of the production is singing, but as for the lines, how should I go about learning them?

What's the easiest way you've found to memorize them?

Answer 1

I've done 2 plays very recently, and one thing I can tell you: PRACTICE EVERY NIGHT! This will refresh your memory and will help to reduce your stress level when the opening night draws closer. Don't put off practicing your lines, no matter how nervous you might be about practicing. During rehearsals, my directors tell me what I can better on and improve, and I write all of this down next to the part of the script that can be improved. If they wouldn't normally tell you, then ask afterwards so if you can't see anything wrong with the way you are saying a line or moving about, maybe they can tell you something to improve on. As for memorizing lines, you have to just trust yourself that you know them. Sometimes it may seem that it will be impossible, but your memory will probably work quicker than you may think. When you read over your lines, think about what they actually mean, like the mystery hidden underneath so you can better understand what you are actually saying in the first place. This will also help you to remember if it seems like an ordinary response that you would actually think of to say. Have a family member practice with you and hold the script while you act it out. They can tell you if they think you should change something or if you missed a line. On your own, just repeat reading over your lines and think of ways to remember them better, like a phrase or something that happened once while you were practicing. For example, if your line is like a paragraph long, just remember the first word to every sentence in the paragraph, and then it will be easier to memorize the whole thing. Also, when you start to not use the scripts during practice, try to visualize what the script looked like exactly, with all of the notes and maybe doodles on the page. This will help your brain to remember what to say, and I've found that this works VERY well with music, just memorize what the page looks like and BOOM you have the lyrics and the notes right there in your mind. Good luck, and just remember to have fun with the production, otherwise there would be no point in doing it in the first place. Break a leg out there!

Answer 2

Write them all down, over and over, until you can write them word-perfect without using the script. You know you've done it enough when it feels like they're coming from *you* and not from the page. Also, be sure to study all your cue lines carefully so you can still get your lines even if the other actor screws up.

If you know your lines very well, you can focus on *being* the character rather than on the lines.

Answer 3

Choose a image for every line.Do an association work.Senses are hand to hand with images and the result its a line.If you feel every line,if you work in a specific emotion you are going to appear your own images,so you never are going to forgett the lines.Its not about repeat like a machine.A world comes from your emotions,and thoughts.Memorizing comes from phisycal emotions.Constantin Stanislavsky is a good Master from THE SCHOOL OF senses.Actor's Studio is working with this System.Are emotionals excercises.

Answer 4

Repeat them aloud. I often record a tape with the other lines on it and suitably long spaces where my line goes. Play the tape and hear your cues then fill in the lines. Do it using the text to start with and then without. It doesn't take long with a bit of work.

Answer 5

Repeat them to yourself over and over again in our head at first, and then aloud one you think you have the basic gist of it. Look at the script for the first few times, then close your eyes and see if you can recite it. also, looking at yourself in a mirror is an excellent way to develop characterization. Break a leg out there!

P.S. I'm in a high school theater musical, too. How 'bout that?

Answer 6

I find that making a recording and leaving out your own lines tends to help if you can't rehearse with other members of the cast. Or even writing down your own lines.

Answer 7

There are many methods for learning lines. Use the one you were taught by your acting teacher.

Answer 8

copy them down until when you repeat them outloud you have them in your head!
BREAK A LEG!