What is the fastest way to memorize play lines?

Question

I have a really big part in this school play and I have the hardest time memorizing my lines! What is an easy way to remember them? I've tried writing them down, just sitting down and reading them for an hour, I've also tried recording them and listening to them for a long time and they all don't work! I need help and fast!

Answer 1

I am actually a perfessional actor from canada and I do theatre and the best way to memorize is the following.

First read the whole script or whatever
Then work on scenes or parts by reading them over. As you read begin getting a sense of the character and what these words mean emotionally. When you make an emotional path while trying to memorize the lines stick into your muscle memory instead of brain. They will start flowing like second nature instead of have to think about it. This will also make you a better actor becuase you don't look like your scanning though your brain looking for lines! Eventually when you are close to off book spit out the lines while juggling or moving around or cooking, brushing teeth. This is prove to you that they are muscle memry and help stick them into your body further. Dont listen to anything language based as it will mess up the patterns for memorizing....

well..


Hope I was of help! HAPPY MEMORIZING!

Answer 2

One of your helpers, who writes very well, got it nearly right.
First, you have to read the play six times.
Sorry, but it takes exactly that many times through so that you can understand what the words mean, what motives are being enacted, what the "context of ideas and values" is out of which the author drew the words and ideas he used--good ones or bad.
After those six readings, you've probably done some already, begin reading your own lines, aloud.
Have someone else read the other person's lines in a scene once you start memorizing whenever you can.
Try to get some meaning out of what you're saying, or eventually going to be saying without the play in hand;
but don't worry about getting everything exactly 'right" at this stage--some great actors are good readers at first, others are not.
The bottom line is, everyone can memorize lines.
Know that you can do it too. Worry about eventually doing the lines well, not whether you can learn them immediately or even fast.

One more point: if you'll be walking in the play, walk as you read the line; if you'll be seated, sit; if you're standing, stand.

Keep everything simple--you're getting inside the character
so the outside will eventually be what happens because of the meaning, motives of the lines, purposes of the character--and then somebody else will believe you, because you know WHY you're reading the lines and gesturing a certain way. "Break a leg".

Answer 3

The best i can offer is this, especially in Shakespeares, DO NOT memorize in any emotion or character voice. I repeat; MAJOR NO NO. I went for years memorizing this way until a director showed me a much more affective way; If you memorize parts of your lines, bit by bit, in completely mono-tone voice/ robotic voice, it sets into your brain so easily. You compliate it more for yourself so much more by memorizing through emotions or character voices. It gives your brain too much to proccess. While if you're trying to memorize a long, never ending paragraph: Break it up into thrids. (or fourths, how ever long the damn thing is!) and memorize the first part. Then when you have that down, add on the second part and combine the two, then memorize them together. Keep this going until you finish. I hope this ahs helped, good luck!! :)

Answer 4

Memorize them scene by scene. I found that that was the best way for me. Re-read the same scene over and over, and practice them over and over trying without the script till you have it down. Then you can move to the next one. It will help some if you can have someone help you every once and awhile to read the other parts. Just be sure you know somewhat all the other lines so you know when yours come. Soon you'll have the whole play down pat. Don't worry, it won't take as long as you think.

Answer 5

The best and most efficient way to memorize your lines from a play is to read the ENTIRE PLAY over and over and over again...which, by the way, you should be doing anyway, all through the rehearsal period.

The more you know about the characters, and the more you know about the sequence of events throughout the play, the more NATURAL the lines your character speaks will seem. Ultimately, you'll reach the point where the words they say will appear inevitable, given the circumstances.

Answer 6

Try going cold turkey. Just don't rehearse with them for once. It'll force you to get so into character that the lines will come naturally, as though you're having an actual conversation. Getting into character is the most important thing. After that, lines are easy. Just think about how the character you're playing would relate to the conversation you're having. If you DO forget you lines, a little improv never hurt anyone. If your coactors are any good, they'll help you out as much as they can in a performance. ( "Do think maybe....?" Lines like that. They'll prompt you a bit.)

Answer 7

Hi Emma - congrats on the role! The best way to memorize is the associate the lines what your actions. For instance if your line is about a baby - imagine yourself holding the baby, or doing whatever you are doing in the scene. Really feel and freeze yourself in every moment. If you are walking a certain way while saying a particular line, capture that image in your head, and the next time you're up to that line, the image should come to you. I'm sure you can do it! They gave you the big part for a reason!

Answer 8

I've been involved in over 60 productions and I've had to learn lines for full-length 2 character plays. The best tip I can give you is to record your scenes on a good old fashioned tape player. When you get to your lines, just mouth them SLOWLY. Then when you play back the tape, you insert your lines. It's like having the rest of the cast at your disposable for line readings AND you can do it whenever: cleaning your room, excercising, eating, etc.
Good Luck!
WR Garrity
Playwright/ Lyricist

Answer 9

1.Look into a mirror and read aloud to your image for about 10-15 minutes, pausing every once and awhile. Smile. Breathe. Use a different tone of voice.

2. Take each line and set it to your own melody. We all remember lyrics to songs quite easily--this might work for your lines. Good luck, you'll be fine. Practice!

Answer 10

Say them out loud! Say them as though you're speaking to the character at/to whom they're directed in the play. Think about their context in the play, and how they function as logical dialogue in the play; don't try to memorize them in a "stand-alone" sense, or they simply won't click.