What's a good way to...?

Question

Remember lines for a play? I have to memorize some lines for a play by tomorrow, and was wondering if there was an easier way to do it. Any suggestions? How do YOU memorize lines?

Answer 1

With regard to memorizing monologues, there are different ways, but you might try this.

Read it over several times to your self and aloud to get the jist of what it is about, know the characters in the play, understand why your character is saying what he or she is saying, know the meaning of EACH AND EVERY word in the context of the era. Understand what your character is doing in the scene. Understand what his/her objective is in saying what he/she is saying or in behaving the way they are. If you have time to read the entire story, it is a plus. It will help you understand better what you are saying and why and how your character probably feels about what he/she is saying.

All that alone, should help you feel more comfortable. Then you might start as if you are inching along. First start with the first part of the first sentence, then move on memorizing it until you can go all the way through the entire monologue.

Once you have it down pretty good, even if it's not perfect, put the paper down and rehearse it remembering what you can, but concentrating more on the FEELING of what you are saying. If you don't remember the exact words, use your own word. Sort of improvise. Do that a couple of times and then go back to finishing to memorize to perfection.

This is not the only way, but this is a way that works for me. There are other twists and things to consider, but this is a quick guide for you that might help you memorize your lines.
This whole process might take a day or it might take a week. It depends on you, how long and complex the monologue is, on your ability to memorize and other things as well.
If you are totally at a loss, you might try what I suggested.

Tony
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com

Answer 2

Line by line with someone being the other characters. Read the entire play through a couple times. Get into the part...be that character, then begin reading each line...reciting it, and have someone else read the other lines. There must be continuity to not only learn the lines, but to understand the scene...the play...and your character.

Answer 3

Well it's definitely hard if you only have one day, but the best way if it is last minute is to keep saying it over and over. Break each bit down by sentence and gradually work you way through it. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Try writing out any lines you can't remember.

Answer 5

Too late.