Memorizing Lines

from an unknown source
(if you know who, please tell me)

Every summer, I produce a play in New York’s Central Park called The American Revolution. Last Sunday, as I watched Alan Benditt bring George Washington to life (right), I wondered how he had memorized literally thousands of lines. “Practice,” he said after rehearsal.

Not satisfied with this answer, I asked my acting coaches if they had any specific tips for memorizing a script.

When it comes to dialogue, the main piece of advice I received was to simply run lines as often as possible with your scene partner or a friend. Francine Wolf, one of our acting coaches, suggested taping the dialogue. “I put everything on cassette tape – my cue line from the other characters (which I deliver in a different voice) and then my lines.” She also suggested practicing lines with your blocking, because for many it’s easier to remember words when they are linked to physical motion.

Many memorize monologues differently from dialogue, because you won’t have a scene partner when soliloquizing. Acting coach Anne DeAcetis suggested writing out the monologue by hand several times. You may also want to simply shout it out as often as possible. Regardless, make sure you give yourself enough time to prepare.

Finally, avoid those things that hinder memorization, noted Yecid Benevides, such as “stress, preoccupation, lack of sleep, and not eating well.” Poor mental or physical health weakens the memory. So does drinking too much alcohol. So stay healthy, focused, and persistent.