top of page

Methods to Memorize Lines presented during the Players Club meeting on September 11, 2023 by Ken Reiss

​

  • Memorizing lines is a skill.  Practice.

  • Repeat, Repeat, Repeat.

    • Use something to block lines from your view.

    • Repeat each line until you get it.

    • Object is to get it perfect.

  • Read out loud.  Silent reading doesn't really help.  Visual learning/auditorial or both.

  • Act, don't just read.

    • The emotion in the line will help fix the line.

  • I use a cue tape

    • Act when you read the cues.  It will help you with your lines when you study.  It will also help you fix your emotional level when you deliver your lines.

​

​

​

Preparing for an Audition

by Jane Patton March 2023

​

Read the Script

  • Have the character descriptions in front of you while reading

  • See if any roles appeal to you

    • If so, look for clues to this character

    • looks, personality, how they speak, how others treat them and more

​

Read Audition Scenes or "sides" or "excerpts"

  • Identify the scenes you most would like to read

  • For the characters you like, consider their unique features:

    • How would they speak?

    • Are they nice, mean, timid, aggressive and more?

    • How would they stand, sit, move and react?

  • Rehearse those sections but keep your options open

  • Prepare to read ANY role the Director suggests

 

Print & Complete the Audition Form

  • Bring the Audition Form

  • Verify on your personal/home calendar that you are available for the rehearsal calendar.

​

The Day of Auditions

  • Dress appropriately (no costumes / make up)

  • Keep an open mind about characters

    • The Director might see you in a role you had not considered

  • Keep your character descriptions handy in case you need them for a different role than planned

  • Stay in character during the whole scene

  • Show what you can do!

  • Have fun! Pat yourself on the back!  Cheer!

​

​

What is "Stage Left" & "Stage Right"?

Stage right is the actor's right as the actor stands on the stage facing the audience. Stage left is the actor's left as the actor stands on the stage facing the audience.

​

​

What is Blocking?

The term has evolved to mean working with performers to figure out the actors' movements, body positions, and body language in a scene. 

​

​

What is "Spiking"?

The term refers to adhering tape on the Stage floor to assist in correctly placing props, such as chairs and tables, in their correct position.

​

What is "Off Book"?

The term applies when the Director lets the performers know that their scripts will no longer be available to them while on stage.

bottom of page