I've been trying to cram three monologues and several new song lyrics into my head in the space of a week. It ain't easy.

I used to be of the 'Learn line A, repeat A and add B, repeat AB and add C' school but the result was that you knew the beginning cold but might end on shaky ground. Then it was on to 'start with the most important parts and fill in the rest' which let you share the awkwardness throughout and utilize your goofy dumbfounded look more often. Now I'm at the 'throw it at the wall and see what sticks' phase where I just read through it over and over slowly putting the text away until it takes.

Sleeping on it is an old trick that's always worked for me. It's amazing that something that just won't take is there after I wake up. When I was memorizing long passages in the car, I used to pull over and take a catnap in rest areas just to lock stuff in and amazingly it often worked. It's awesome how we can psych out and sucker in ourselves.

My cell phone is now my best friend. My phone, which is also a PDA, has all my text files on it so I can grab a line on the subway without carrying reams of paper. Even better, I now run lines into my phone as if I were speaking with someone as I walk down the street and nobody points and says, "Mommy, that man is talking to himself" anymore. Anyone else do that? It works for everything but Shakespeare which still gets you funny looks...

OK, how do you folks get the voices into your head? Any good tips or voodoo to get your lines down?

Hi joe,

I learn lines by learning what I am saying and why. Basically I do all the work at once. Like why do I say this instead of that? If I get the meaning behind it I am more likely to remember it. Then I get a friend to work with me...if you have that, it's a blessing because you remember their corrections and where you have learned it wrong.

What are you learning new monologues for?

Oh and I don't learn lines until I have to...I just work on it. Then if I get the part I carry the script until I have learned them on my feet.

I review everyday during the day if I have a show at night. Sometimes I give that up later in the run. When I run or review lines. I usually act while I am doing it and not just run it. Even if I just act a little I am still present in that why while I am working. Even if I do it fast.

This is what I do personally. Definalty proceed with caution. I am wondering what others do.

For me, I just take it one line at a time. Memorize the first line, then add to it as that first line is solid.

And then sleep on it. Memories are cemented overnight. Amazing how that works.

I tend to go through the part a bit and get a feel for whats going on and then break out my trusty legal pad and write the lines down. Sometimes ill write the whole thing out before i start, but most of the time i usually write as i go. The moment i screw up, i have to start over and like the energizer bunny, i keep going and going and going. At first im going over the lines in my head and the progress to outloud. Yes, i agree, sometimes you might end up being stronger with the beginning, but thats what works for me.
I think going over the lines with a friend is invaluable, but i get self-conscious with doing that unless i have a strong hold over the material already.
Ive had my moments on the train though when i get caught up in going over lines (mouth is moving but no volume) and realize im being stared at...i guess i should play through that!

You could try the cell phone trick but the people around you might get pissed off when they think you're the only one getting reception in the tunnels...

I can usually go over something 1 or 2 times and it sticks;
Photogenic memory maybe? lol

Sometimes, that doesn't work thoughh.
So then i read it out loud over and over.
If you have blocking it kinda of makes it easier, becuase it helps you realize what happens next.

quote:

Ive had my moments on the train though when i get caught up in going over lines (mouth is moving but no volume) and realize im being stared at...i guess i should play through that!

I totally ignore the stares. God knows there are enough actors in this town. If people get freaked out by seeing us run lines, they're not ready for NYC.

quote:

Originally posted by Ariel:
I can usually go over something 1 or 2 times and it sticks

I can usually go over something 1 or 2 hundred times and nothing sticks. Ah the joys of aging!