Rehearsals, Part Two

This is a continuation of my discussion on the subject of rehearsals located here. 

I've talked a great deal about how important it is to memorize your lines, and since it's always a popular topic, I thought some tips on how to actually memorize lines.

It's actually much easier than some people think, but since everyone learns lines differently it's sometimes difficult for people in the acting business to get their stories straight, as the saying goes.  


First of all, some people sit with their scripts in their hands and just read over the lines.

This seems to work for them, but it's not a technique I would reccomend.

I suggest running lines with a partner.

First of all, it's harder to cheat when someone else is holding your script. 

Secondly, I've always found it beneficial to have someone say the line correctly to me. The words become more cemented in my head that way.

I believe means I'm an auditory learner, and a lot of my tips will be most helpful for people who learn the same way.

I like to record myself saying my lines.  It's awkward, because I don't like the sound of my voice, but it's useful on many levels.

It gives me a chance to consider the effectiveness of my own delivery.  Am I enunciating well?  Is my voice even?  My intent clear?  Are there any unnecessary pauses?

This process helps my performance, of course, and I learn the lines easily after that.

If you are learning your lines after learning your blocking, it might be helpful to do that blocking in some room of your house.  Many people find they learn their lines best by delivering them exactly as they plan to do in the show.

I, on the other hand, learn my lines better if I deliver them many different ways.  Not only does it allow me to think more broadly about the text, it also engages parts of my brain that would quickly get tired of the same delivery over and over.

I choose to cement my performance choices once my lines are solid.

If your lines are Shakespeare, and in Iambic Pentameter, you might find it helpful to scan the text (meaning map out the stressed and unstressed beats) and read it aloud in that way.  The result, while repetitive, will be quite musical.  If you have an easier time memorizing songs than text, this may be useful.

I also find it easier to memorize lines which rhyme.

Hopefully, you will find some of these tips beneficial in learning lines.