Learning lines can be stressful and nerve-racking at the best of times. Trust me, I know. However, fear not; in this blog I will share my best tips and tricks on my favourite and most efficient ways to learn your lines.
First of all, my best advice would be to read through the script. By doing this, you are giving yourself a gateway to better understanding the script, and you will find that when you are more familiar with the script, you tend to acknowledge why your character is saying those particular lines.
As odd as it may sound, read your lines to yourself in front of the mirror. It is critical to use facial expressions and improve your body language to help you get more into character; by doing so, you will be able to put words to actions, assisting you in remembering the specific line.
Try to look at the set and other performers during rehearsals and use this to your advantage; for example, when conversing with another character, they may do an action (picking up a drink), and you can correlate this to your line. Here is a further, in-depth example: When Mick picks up a glass in scene three, I perform the line, "Don’t drink that!"
Record yourself saying the lines and listen back to them. I use this one mostly when I have to learn long monologues. I record them on the voice memo app on my iPhone, go for a nice long walk, and just listen to my lines on repeat. My best advice would be to try and speak along with it in your head.
Look at them. Say them. Repeat as many times as necessary.
Get somebody to read the lines in between so you can learn your ques.
similar to point 6: get familiar with the lines in between, as then you will be able to learn when exactly to say your lines. For example, when Mick says "hello" I respond with "Oh, hey, how are you?"
This one sounds so strange... However, learning your lines in the form of your favourite song can be extremely beneficial! This is mostly helpful for the more limber ones.
You can also get apps to learn them; these are also good for self-tape auditions as they can showcase the lines as you are performing them.
Read and say your lines out loud. This may sound obvious, but it is so helpful and beneficial because they will stick in your mind.
Similar to points 6 and 7, record any lines that are performed in between so you are familiar with the scene.
A good tip in case you forget your lines is to ensure that you understand the scene. This is vital, as should you forget your line, as long as you understand the scene's context, you will be able to throw in your own improvised line.
Make an effort not to leave it until the last minute... You do not need to stress the night before your performance.
Sometimes, with longer lines, I tend to write them down and repeat this process several times to help them stick in my mind.
Get up and perform them! Do them as you would on show day, but also do them in different voices and in different rooms in your house to make them stick. (Remember, any practise is practise regardless!)
Of course, some of these tips may help you, and some of them may not. They are just some that I use. I would love to hear your tips, which you can send to me on Instagram or via email.
Email- anaiaashajonas@icloud.com
Instagram- @anaiajonas or @thebranch.blog
I hope these tips help, and if you have an upcoming performance, break a leg my loves! Xx -AAJ
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