Memorizing Lines

As a web designer and I always keep an eye on my website statistics. One of the stats that is recorded is what search phrases people have used to reach our site. I saw one search phrase today that read "how to memorize lines faster."

That got me to thinking ... how do actors memorize so many lines? Well, we all know that repetition is really the key - which is why we rehearse, right! But is that it?

I don't think so. First off, memory is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. I have personally experienced this fact. The more memorization you have to do, the easier it is.

Secondly, association is very important - physical and also emotional. I rarely start to memorize my lines until I have blocking and character interaction associated with them. That way, the lines have full context and make sense to actually say. Muscle Memory, as its called, is very powerful and will guide the lines out in a natural fashion.

Lastly, while you are going over your lines, say the end of the line before yours as a question which your line will answer. Here is a quick exchange I had as Dr. Chasuble in "The Importance of Being Earnest" -

Chasuble: But surely, Mr. Worthing, you have been christened already?

Jack: I don't remember anything about it.

Chasuble: But have you any grave doubts on the subject?

Jack: I certainly intend to have. Of course I don't know if the thing would bother you in any way, or if you think I am a little too old now.

Chasuble: Not at all. The sprinkling, and, indeed, the immersion of adults is a perfectly canonical practice.

As Chasuble my lines now become:

Chasuble: But surely, Mr. Worthing, you have been christened already?

Jack: I don't remember anything about it.

Chasuble: You don't remember anything about it? But have you any grave doubts on the subject?

Jack: I certainly intend to have. Of course I don't know if the thing would bother you in any way, or if you think I am a little too old now.

Chasuble: Do I think you are too old now? Not at all. The sprinkling, and, indeed, the immersion of adults is a perfectly canonical practice.

As you can see, the lines now have a logical flow and motivation, hopefully making them easier to memorize.

Try it!

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