by Missy Bell

Created on: May 22, 2008   Last Updated: December 17, 2010

Ah - the bane of the actor's existence - the learning of lines. If only we could have them magically dropped into our heads and get on to the character development! But alas, we must learn them ourselves.

Here you will find some tricks of the trade from experienced actors in the field:

1. Hi-light your script immediately. Do not wait. If you are not permitted to hi-light in the script due to rights restrictions, simply underline lightly with pencil. Be sure that you will be able to erase this at the end of the rehearsal process. As you hi-light or mark, read through your lines. This is the first step to memorization. If possible, have this completed before read-through.

2. Read the script in its entirety. Do not assume that your minor role has no part in the greater story. Every part is important or the writer would not have put it there! If you are the lead, this should be obvious.

3. Read over your lines numerous times.

4. Have someone else go over your lines with you. If you miss even the smallest word on the page, have your partner start at the beginning of that page again. Though it proves frustrating, it helps you to learn your lines quickly and exactly.

5. Record your lines and listen to them. Be sure to include cue lines as well or you'll be lost at rehearsal.

6. Write your lines. Try writing them without punctuation. Try reciting them without feeling. Though this makes things more difficult for most actors who are used to inserting expression, it will help later with characterization and being sure you are not anticipating emotion. This rote memorization is especially useful for the Method Actor.

Tips:

1. Get off-book ASAP. No one wants to wait for you. The director will be frustrated if you are not ready, not to mention your fellow actors. If one person is parading around the stage with a script, it throws off the entire cast. You may also be fired if you've missed the deadline on the rehearsal schedule for memorization.

2. Learn your lines exactly. Do not paraphrase. This is not only an insult to the playwright and a detriment to your fellow actors, it is also breaking copyright laws!

3. Know your lines cold: be sure you can say them without thinking of them, as though they were a flow in your regular speech. This will free you to develop the most natural character.

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