Memorizing Lines of Script or Copy

Hi,

A big issue facing many actors is their ability (or inability) to memorize lines effectively before an audition. They feel fairly certain they know their lines, they're feeling good about the audition, they stand in front of the camera, perform their slate brilliantly and then the casting director shouts; "Action" and then.....and then.....silence and a blank stare. O No! What happened? You knew the lines in the audition waiting room. Where did they go? Now you're flustered and no matter how hard your try, the vibe for your audition has changed. I'm sure something like this has happened to many of you and if it hasn't yet it probably will.

Following are 3 methods (from total of 9) for memorizing lines that I cover extensively in my auditioning book. I am certain they will help you when it comes to memorization. Give them a go and see how they work for you.


Firstly, before even looking at your script, make sure you are somewhere where you can work (yes, this is your work) uninterrupted. Tell any friends or relatives close by that you are working and would prefer not to be disturbed. Have everything handy you think you will need, paper, pens, water, snacks, etc. Get rid of any distractions; radio, TV, Xbox, etc.

Secondly, read the copy (script) completely twice without trying to memorize anything. Just get a feel for your character (who you are auditioning as), the other characters (if there are any) and what is happening in the scene(s). Try to determine the genre of the script and more importantly understand what is the advertiser’s message in the commercial?

Next, try one of the following memorization techniques and commit to it. If you find you just aren’t getting it, then try another one until you find the one or two that do the trick. If none of these work for you, then don't worry I will be covering other techniques in later posts.

3 Simple Memorization Techniques:

1) Underline or highlight 1 or 2 key words in each line of dialogue that hold some meaning for you in that line. These will be your anchor words to those sentences. Try to choose the words that best sum up that sentence and its objective. Associate each of those words with the line and what’s happening at that moment. Once you have your anchor words chosen, read the lines from the script, noting those key words. Soon you will only need to think of those anchor words and the lines will come to you much easier.

A tip here would be to use interesting words or action words in the line. Stay away from any basic words unless they are the only words being spoken of course.


2) Read & record the script onto an MP3 player, recording device, tape machine or your mobile phone if it has this function. Then just listen to it back three or four times. Next, listen a few times while reading the script at the same time. As you begin to feel comfortable with your lines, start to take the script away and say your lines at the same time as they are heard on the machine.

Eventually, you should be able know what lines are coming up and repeat them. At this stage, you may like to re-record the scene, however with your lines spoken silently in your head while recording. Then when you play the machine back, say your lines during the blank spaces. This will put extra pressure on you to remember your lines however will pay off in the end while also helping you to come in on the right cue.

The beauty of this technique is that once you have recorded your scene, you will be able to listen back almost anywhere; in the car, on the bus, on the subway, in class, in the bathtub, exercising or just before you go to sleep. I have even fallen asleep with the headphones still in my ears and the MP3 player on repeat. I may have woken up with a dead battery and the earphones somewhere in the bed, but my recall of the lines was excellent, and that’s the main thing.

MP3 players are dirt cheap these days and well worth any expense. I keep one MP3 player solely dedicated to recording lines of dialogue and nothing else.


3) Use Post It™ Notes. If you don’t have a lot of lines to memorize, you can place Post It™ notes around your house. Every time you see the note, say the lines out loud. Put them wherever you feel you will see them often. Some great locations might be the bathroom mirror, on the refrigerator, by your telephone, on the bathroom door, your bedside clock, and the TV remote.


I hope you find success with one of those methods. Through proper memorization of copy, you will eliminate one extra concern when you go to audition which will naturally provide you with more confidence and the ability to concentrate on what you need to do.

Action = Success!