Memory...All Alone In The (Something Something...What's My Next Line???)

One of the main skills an actor needs is the ability to memorize the lines in a script.  Once you're in front of the camera, you won't have the script in front of you.  You'll have to know your lines by memory and be ready to perform.

The ability to know your lines and work without a script is known as being "off book". This topic is on my mind because Zach is waiting for a new script via email this week.

There are a variety of ways to learn your lines that don't involve sitting in a room and talking to yourself.  Here's some different techniques to help you keep from getting bored and disconnected from the material:

• Record your lines - One of the beautiful aspects of modern technology is the ability to consume media anywhere at any moment.  Record yourself reading your lines and then listen to the recording in the car, at the gym, walking around the neighborhood or cooking dinner.  You'll be amazed at how easily you'll retain the info even when you're handling other tasks.
• Run lines with other actors - It never hurts to have another set of ears when running a script. Your scene partner might have some insights into the script you missed because you've so close to the material.  The person running the lines with you can handle reading all of the stage directions out loud so you can focus on your lines.  Also, it never hurts to see how your take on the scene plays with an audience (even an audience of one).
• Practice the first two or three words of each line - Think of this as a mental shortcut.  Knowing the first few words of each line will help jog your memory because you've created a mental index of the order of the lines as well as the next set of words in the lines.  You're not necessarily skipping any important dialogue as much learning where everything goes (and in what order) in the script.
• Don't learn all of it at once - Depending on the size of your part, learning your lines can be a very daunting prospect.  Break the script down into sections and then memorize the various parts at different times of the day.  After you've memorized everything, run the entire script from start to finish.  Not only will you know your entire part, you won't be as mentally fatigued from learning everything at once.
• Write down your lines - Are you a visual learner?  It might seem like extra effort to write down your lines while studying them from a script where the words are already written down in front of you.  This technique can be a huge help for actors who are better at learning from visual cues.  The act of writing down the words helps you learn the rhythm of the scene.  Should some of the lines all run together in one big paragraph?  Or should each line be separated so you decide when to take pauses in your line readings?

The art of memorizing lines is not one that has an easy solution that fits every situation.  Mix and match the above examples to find out what method works best for you.  You'll enter each audition with more confidence because you won't have to worry about remembering your lines.

Break a leg and book that part!

This actor has a new script to lean later this week.