how do actors learn all those lines? what tricks do they use?

Answer 1

Well, it's usually just rehearsal....repeating the lines over and over and over again until they are coded into long-term memory. Most of the the time though, you need to understand what you're saying, once you understand the meaning, it'll be easier for you to memorize. Actors who perform in theatre NEED to learn all their lines, since there's no "CUT" in theatre. However, actors who perform in films can, and mostly always, learn their lines acording to what their filming schedule is...so if they're only filming scenes 14 and 20 on monday and then scenes 3 and 30 on tuesday, they'll learn the lines for 14 and 20 first and then 3 and 30...

I have never actually sat and learned my lines. i find it easier to get off book while trying to do the actions and have the emotions, whereas a very close friend of mine prefers to sit in one place and memorize all his lines. i guess it depends on each individual person...similar to how in school, each student learned...(read: memorized) the same material differently.

have a nice day :)

Answer 2

A lot of times the trick to memorizing is to think of what is happening in the play or what actions are going on. An actor can go over the script a lot or have some one quiz them on their lines. (Recording cues on tape and leaving time to say lines is very helpful.) After the actor has gone over and has the basic lines down, going through the show and thinking about what exactly is going on can help the actor stay focused and remember lines

Answer 3

There's no trick to it. You can use any of the methods already suggested, but the best way to learn lines is to figure out what the play is about. Read the script a few times, and find out what it is your character wants, and how he or she is going to get what they want.

The trouble with rote memorization is that if you go blank, you're stuck. On the other hand, if you understand the essence of the scene, you'll say the right thing regardless of whether it's exactly what's written.

Rehearsals will give you two things: repetition of the lines, and a sense of what's happening moment to moment. Memorization is the bare bones of the work. Once you start working on the reason your character is there, and responding to the other characters, the dialog will come naturally.

Answer 4

There's no trick when it comes to learning lines, but there are some things you can do to help. Record yourself reading the lines, and then play the recording when you're doing other things, like housework or studying. Also, try to rehearse your lines when your doing something with your hand. It sounds silly, but it's not just your mind that memorizes lines, but your entire body. By doing something with your body while memorizing, normal everyday movements will help to bring the words back to your memory later.

Answer 5

I can't speak for everyone, of course, only for myself. And I can't speak to acting in movies or TV, as I've only done theater, but here's what works for me.

First of all, read the play. If I'm particularly pressed for time, I'll start with my own scenes first. But as an actor, it helps me immensely to understand the story and overarching themes and spot any underlying themes or subtexts I might want to play with (within what the director likes or wants or will allow).

Next, break it down. Pick a scene (I usually work chronologically, or if I'm pressed for time, I work in the order the scenes will be rehearsed). Break it down into beats, i.e., into thoughts and thought patterns. Learn the flow of the conversation or monologue. Understand what your character's goals in the scene are. Make sure you understand your character's motivations and methods in trying to achieve these goals, or what they're saying and/or trying to say.

Next, practice, practice, practice. Rehearse your lines by yourself. Rehearse your lines with someone else. I know some actors who will record all the other dialogue, leaving blank places where their own lines go, and practice while driving to and from work. For me, it's easier to learn the the cue lines and my own lines, and practice with a live person who can correct me when I need it.

Once I have the lines down and can go to rehearsal "off book," it's much easier to develop the character, punch the jokes, play off the other actors.

In a lot of ways, monologues are easier for me, because I only have one person to worry about--myself. When working with other actors, it really is a listening game, learning to trust each other and cover for each other when someone skips a line (or a page), making sure things go smoothly and the audience still knows everything they need to know to move on.

Acting for film and TV holds a whole different set of challenges, and I'd love to try it someday.

Answer 6

Depends on the performance. If you're refering to movies, they're feed lines before the scenes or during; the scenes are very short (seconds to a few minutes, so they cut and splice the film together); movies are usually not shot in sequence, no fom the beginning to the end. Stage and live, on the other hand, placed cards, feeds and good memories.

Answer 7

I know someone who does a lot of plays. She has to read the lines over and over again. She has another person read the other part and she keeps the script with her but tries to say the lines without having to look at it. It just comes down to saying the lines over and over and over until it sinks into your head..

Answer 8

They talk to walls, they read the lines over and over again. Haven't you ever had to memorize something? Also they don't shoot all that show in one day. Usually they break it up, so they only have to know so many lines at a time and then they memorize what they need to know for the next day.

Answer 9

The recording your lines on tape and listening over and over is a good method. Also try saying your lines as fast as possible without pausing once you know them pretty well. Just speed your way through it. If you can say your lines very fast you know them .

Answer 10

Every actor is different and it depends on how their acting teacher taught them to learn lines.