How Do You Memorize A Script In One Night?
By: Eddie Ramos | January 18, 2022 8:30 PM
I’ve tried many methods in the past. Here are the quick and easy tips you need to use to memorize your script in one night.
Let me set the scene. You’re just about to wrap up your day and you check your email one final time. Boom! There’s an email from your agent letting you know you have a 7-page audition due the next day. Cut to: immediate panic!
But you don’t have to stress out or curse the industry, because there is a way to memorize a script in one night.
Disclaimer- These are tips to memorize a script in one night. This guide does not include all the script analysis I do and believe every actor should do for great auditions.
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Memorize A Script In One Night
We’ve all been in this exact scenario…more than once. However, this still causes a lot of beginner and seasoned actors tons of stress and frustration. It starts the actor down the dangerous cycle of panic, anger, and often paralyzing anxiety.
1. Print Out The Scene
Assuming you’ve scanned the email thoroughly, print out the scene immediately. You are not going to be able to memorize the lines off the phone. Cell phones and computers pose constant distractions. So expecting that you will stay on task, is playing with fire and will most likely lead to you wasting time procrastinating and not getting the script memorized.
2. Get Active
As soon as I print out the sides, I get up on my feet. This goes back to my days as an actor in the theatre. Theatre directors specifically understand the importance of having actors up on their feet during a rehearsal. Incorporating movement is a great way to memorize your lines.
In a study done in 2018, researchers took 24 people ranging from 18 to 35 and had them memorize as many words as possible from a list of 15 words while standing still. Then, they had the group walk on a treadmill and memorize another list of words. You guessed it, the participants were able to memorize more words when they were walking.
The way this becomes effective, is by saying your lines out loud while you pace in either your home or outdoors on a walk.
3. Read The Scene Using These 4 Different Perspectives
Once, as Yourself.
Read it as you are. No acting. Go through and highlight your lines. Not committing anything to memory yet. Don’t worry your brain will automatically do that for you as you continue to read and work on your script.
Once, as the Writer.
Pay attention to the punctuation and grammar being used by the writer. This will get you familiar with where the breaks are in the sentences and paragraphs. Make a mental note of nouns and pronouns that stand out to you. The key here is to engage your peripheral vision almost and take in the structure and format of the pages themselves.
Once, as the Director.
Try and picture the scene played out on camera or on the stage. For example, an interrogation scene might call for close-ups, hovering cops, and the smoke from a lit cigarette. Whereas, a romantic scene might call for wide-shots, a romantic stroll, and two warm coffees.
Imagining how a director might see your scene gives advanced actors clues to shape their performance. Let your imagination go wild. What this does is help you start to memorize the beats and tone of the script, not just the lines.
Once, as the Character.
Now is the time for you to start to add in the specific behavior and characteristics of the role. Know your lines and the other character’s lines. At this point, I add in my “brand” and start making decisions about how to play the scene.
4. Test Yourself
The amount of repetitions depends on how good a person’s memory is. If you follow this guide closely, you’ve now read the scene fully 4 times. I suggest reading the scene again at least twice more, using the method of covering your lines. If you get the line perfect then you can continue the scene.
If you don’t, that’s an indicator you need to re-read the scene over a few more times until you do.
Wrap Up: Overnight Lines
That’s all there is to it. I’ve spent years memorizing lines and the same amount of time trying to figure a way out of memorizing my lines. It’s tedious work. It can’t be done in front of T.V. or while hanging out with your friends.
Memorizing your lines in one night takes intense focus and repetition. Above all else, after you get the lines down make sure to get some rest. The lines need time to sink in overnight.
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