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What is the best way to memorize lines?

In the musical that I am currently in, I have about 120-some lines. I am not great at memorizing, but I always manage to just get by. The dialogue is easy, and the character itself is very simple. There is very little acting involved. I was just wondering what the best methods of memorization are, and what will help me to memorize things so they stick with me, and so I can start to memorize more dialogue quicker. I would like to pursue musical theatre as a career and memorization of dialogue is probably my weakest spot. Help please?

2 Answers

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  • 8 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    I love theatre and I'm into a lot of theatre at my school! The best method for me to memorize lines is to just write them down on a blank sheet of paper because writing things helps me remember them. Also, read over them right before you go to sleep and that might help too. Hope I helped, break a leg! :)

  • 8 years ago

    I had a similar problem like you when i was the role of Annie in the school musical Annie and i found there were three ways to memorise lines that i found easiest.

    Firstly with simple sentences or lots of short lines i found reading the script over and over in my head and out loud was extremely helpful. Always read other peoples lines as well because remembering your line is one thing but you need to know when to come in.

    Secondly, with long monologues or chunks of speech that are long, i found singing it or putting it to a tune was helpful because I found remembering music lines easier than acting lines. You could also remember certain keywords so if your stuck it would jog your memory.

    Thirdly, with all parts of the speech i found it really helpful if i read it with another person or whilst performing whilst you were on stage with required movements and facial expressions.

    Finally, with panic and stress i found these were quite helpful

    Drinking lots of water

    Keeping yourself preoccupied

    Yoga

    Giving yourself positive encouragement rather then negative.

    I hope this helps :)

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