Memorization Tips

UPDATE:

I just realized, I set the Charley's Aunt blog as readable only by the cast. That's because I included personal information in some of the links. (We have no personal information in the links here.)

So, here is the appropriate contents of that old posting:

Here is a site with a lot of tips for memorizing lines. I use two main methods from the site, which I've quoted below. However, maybe you can find a tip there that will help you even more.

From Jannie: Here is a huge tip for people who want to learn to memorize lines. What you need to do is have your lines out infront of you so that you can see them clearly. Then you read your first line outloud. After you are done, then close your eyes and repeat it without looking. Then read the next line outloud. HERES THE CATCH. then you have to close your eyes, repeat the first line you said and then say the second line. after a while all of the lines will just start naturally flowing out of your mouth.

Another thing you can do to memorize lines is to use a tape recorder. Read the lines of each scene into the tape recorder. All the lines, not just yours. Say the lines in a flat, monotone voice. Try not to use any inflection at all. Record the other characters' lines in a normal speaking volume, but record your lines in a whisper which is loud enough to hear, but noticeably softer than the other characters' lines.

Play the recorded scene over and over, bit by bit. As you hear your lines, try to speak them with the recording. Talking soft enough so you can hear the recording. As you start to remember your lines, say them louder and louder until you are speaking louder than the recording. If you are uncertain, simply get quieter again so you can hear the recording.

Remember, we're off book on March 15. That's two weeks, with no other rehearsals interrupting your flow...that should be plenty of time. We're going to work on character on Saturday and it will help a great deal if you can remember your lines so that we can refer to lines that occur at different parts of the show. Take about 30 or so minutes each night and use the techniques in the post above, and you'll be amazed at how quickly the lines are learned.