01 Nov How to Memorize Lines Quickly : 4 Tips
Memorizing lines quickly is an important part to being a valued actor. Actor understand that repetition, repetition, repetition is the key to memorizing well. Let’s say you have an audition tomorrow at 3pm, and it’s 5pm today. Therefore, you need to learn and memorize your lines. You also need to eat, sleep, and be 100% ready for the audition.
Different Learning Styles
We all have different learning styles. Some of us learn by hearing; others are visual; many are doers; and some of us are tactile and learn quickly by writing things down. Here are 4 different tips and tricks you can use to memorize lines quickly:
Memorize lines quickly by: Get somebody to rehearse with you.
Find somebody you can rehearse with. Anyone will work. You don’t need a trained actor to work with you. This method is the most realistic as it mimics what happens in the audition room. The reason you don’t need another actor to read with you, it can be your mom, neighbor, etc., because many times you will read with the casting director who is not an actor. And casting directors are known to deliver lines in a flat, monotone manner.
Memorize lines quickly by: Recording your lines.
Recording your lines. You can use a line learning app. I know many actors like which is Rehearse.com. You can upload your script to the app straight from your email inboxes. It can also record your voiceover auditions that you can send directly to industry professionals. If you don’t want to use an app, you can use the voice recorder on your smartphone. I highly recommend saying the other actor’s lines when you record. This way you better understand your cues and the circumstance, situation, and the nuance of the scene.
Best for Audio Learners
This method is extremely effective for audio learners who like to listen to their lines out-loud. If it’s a monologue, it’s especially helpful to listen to your voice say the words.
Memorize Lines Quickly By: Write your lines down.
Write your lines down on a piece of paper in your own handwriting. This is my favorite. This is an old-school, tried and true method. Write it down on a piece of paper in your own handwriting. There is something kinetic about this that connects physical actions with the brain. I can’t tell you how it works, I just know it does. If the scene is not too long, you write down the other person’s lines too.
Memorize Lines Quickly By: Repetition, over and over again.
For many actors, just repeating it without any help works! I used to repeat my lines when I took a walk, when I put on my makeup and so on. Select whichever method you like, no matter which one you use, you will be better prepared for your auditions. And good luck out there!