Remembering Lines

[TEND]

Not exactly sure where to put this, but I suppose I can't get in much trouble for putting it in the general forum. Anyways my question is, does anyone have any tips or tricks regarding memorizing lines, specifically for plays? I'm having a lot more trouble than I thought, I've tried rereading certain small sections over and over which is working the best so far. I've tried reading aloud which didn't help nearly as much as I thought. It's extremely tedious, so if there are any tricks, I would be very appreciative if someone would be kind enough to share them.

[Chava]

Hey TEND, in my years of experience, the best you can do is first read scenes to yourself,when you've read it through for a while, sit down with someone, and ask them to do the opposing parts.
It's very important to memorise your cues, because not only must you know them, but often they can help you remember.
We just finished a performance, which I was co-director of, and it helped tremenduosly when the actors started memorising their cues.

[RobinHood3000]

Well, this probably sounds condescending, but knowing what the words mean can be a huge help. If you memorize the words by rote, it's a lot harder because it feels like you're memorizing nonsense, but if you have a keen understanding of their significance, then it might be easier for you to feel as if you're simply speaking to someone else.

[Madhuri]

I agree with Robin. If you understand the situation then even if you forget some lines you can always improvise and maintain the flow.

[mono]

Hello, tend. Just out of mere curiosity, from which play do you have to memorize lines, and from which character?
Anyway, everyone had very, very good suggestions, such as someone acting an opposing part (which can also help in stage presence and body movement), and understanding the play and character definitely seems important.
Depending on the play, some older plays have rhyme or a set rhythm to each line that can help in recitation and memorization. For an auditory learner, like myself, I would usually memorize section-by-section, and memorize one line at a time; taking a section, I would remember the first line, repeat it, move on to the second line, repeat the first and second line, move on to the third line, repeat the first, second, and third line, etc. . . .
If you plan on putting the play on stage, acting out each line tends to help, too, meaning to toss in any possibly gesticulations with an angry lines, cover your face with your hands with sadder lines, or whatever you can think of with some creativity.
Good luck!

[kathycf]

I am not sure how helpful this will be, but if you try breaking down into sections what you need to memorize, write it down by hand in a notebook and then re-read it. For me (when those big exams come up) I find this helps me remember things. Of course if you have a lot to learn in a small amount of time, this method may be too tedious.

Good Luck! :nod:

[TEND]

Hello, tend. Just out of mere curiosity, from which play do you have to memorize lines, and from which character?

The play is 'Waiting For Godot' and I'm going to play Estragon. It's the first time I've ever played a large part in a play and I think I had one of the best auditions I will ever have, so I don't want to dissapoint even if it is a very small production. Anyways, so no rhyme patterns to help, and I'm basically trying Mono's suggestion and what I was attempting before, just going section by section, eventually learning section A and section B than putting section A and B together, than learning C and D putting C and D together than putting ABCD together. Thank you all for suggestions, I've never studied a piece of literature for so long and so hard, but I'm really starting to get the hang of it, I think what bothered me most, was getting started and now that I'm starting to get along, it's seeming a lot less tedious. Once you notice that you actually are remembering lines and that lo and behold you've tackled a good chunk of the play, and you wake up the next morning and realize hey, I can recite this thing, even a lot of the other people's lines (As I often do in the shower). So yes, thank you all, and wish me luck :D .

EDIT: Forgot to say, also at least there are very few long lines for my character so that eases the whole thing.

[mir]

WAITING FOR GODOT!! that's awesome! i would say the best thing to do, considering that most of the play is short back-and-forth dialogue, is maybe memorize some of your lines based on what Vladimir's are. or maybe related to where you are on stage at that point. have fun, Wating for Godot is an awesome play! congrats on getting the part!

[Shea]

I can recite this thing, even a lot of the other people's lines (As I often do in the shower).

:lol: I do that too!! Though I'm not in any plays, I've got monologues, Chaucer, and Beowulf tuck away in my head.

I've always wanted to see Waiting for Godot (or at least get around to reading it). Good luck with it! ;)

[mono]

What a choice for performing in Waiting For Godot, and in such a large part of the play - congratulations for earning it, and going for the challenge! :nod:
I certainly wish you the best of luck, and, please, let us know how the progress and presentations go. How many performances will you have, or does it seem more of a one-time performance?

[TEND]

I believe we do 4 performances at night, and 1 during the day. Thank you all for the support and the suggestions.

[RobinHood3000]

Break a leg, TEND! Heck, break two!!

[miss tenderness]

I konw a friend who used to recored whatever she wants to memorize and listen to it over and over,amazing results,it's like unintentionally memorizing ur fav song with the difference we know:D