How to Memorize Lines Fast
When it comes to remembering lines, it can sometimes be a challenge, especially when you only have a week to memorize a script. Even if you’ve been asked to give a speech at the annual luncheon you could have a problem with memorization.
No matter what your situation, learning lines quickly can be stressful even if you’re a seasoned professional. That’s why we have come up with some ways to learn lines quickly when you’re on a time crunch.
So, if you’re a student or a professional and you need some tips for learning lines quickly, you’ve come to the right place. If you need to memorize a speech or help to remember your stage directions the following tips for learning lines will be to your benefit as well.
Experiment with the following 10 tips for how to memorize lines fast and decide which ones will help you best. Maybe you will find one that you like better than the others or maybe you will like them all, but either way, there is sure to be something here that will help you with learning your lines quickly.
1. Read Through the Script
The first thing you should do when you are handed a new script is to read through the entire piece. By reading through it you will become familiar with the script which will help you to remember your lines and direction much easier.
2. Write the Lines Down
Think about the times you have written down a grocery list or you copied notes for an exam. You were probably able to remember some of the things on your grocery list without looking and you were able to remember some of the things on your exam. Try this technique when memorizing your lines and you will probably remember them so much easier and faster than if you would just read them.
3. Learn a Section at a Time
Start with the beginning and just learn a small section at a time. Once you’re comfortable with the section, move on to the next and concentrate on that one. Once you have the next section memorized, try to put it with the previous section and read it all together. When you’re comfortable with the first two sections, move on to the next and repeat the steps until you have them all memorized. Be sure and take several breaks throughout this process to keep your mind fresh and to keep yourself from becoming burnt out.
4. Move Around
While memorizing your lines try and move around as much as possible. You can even practice your lines while doing your chores around the house or while taking a walk. This will not only help to keep your mind fresh but if you get stuck it might help to think about what you were doing at the time you were learning that line. You will be surprised at how well you will be able to memorize your lines while moving around.
5. Practice Your Lines with Another Person
Practicing with another person can be a great help to memorizing your lines. You don’t have to practice with another actor, and it doesn’t matter how well the other person can read the lines, in fact, it could help you to express your personality if you practice with someone who is less familiar. Reading your lines with another person will help you memorize the cues and reading out loud can strengthen your comprehension.
6. Give Yourself a Quiz
Picking the lines apart in sections, read the lines and then cover a section at a time with a blank piece of paper to test yourself. Repeat this step until you can recite the lines without looking. Move on to the next section and do the same thing until you have that line memorized. Repeat these steps until you are confident that you know all the lines without looking.
7. Learn the Cue Lines
This is where reading with another person will help. By knowing all the cue lines, you will be more likely to memorize your lines faster.
8. Develop Imagery or Descriptive Language
When you’re reading a book you always use your imagination to create a scene in your head to go with the story you’re reading. Reading your lines can be done in much the same way. If you develop an image in your head, it will make memorizing your lines easier because your imagination will allow you to remember where the words belong in your script.
9. Use Word Association
Sometimes the easiest way to memorize things is through word association. Much like when you’re studying for an exam, you can use word association to memorize your lines. When you get stuck in a place, think about a word you can associate that will help you to remember what comes next.
10. Ignore Punctuation
During the memorization phase, don’t get too caught up in the punctuation. This could become a major distraction that gets in the way of memorizing your lines. Once you have your lines memorized, the punctuation should easily fall into place.
Line Memorization Apps
When you’re in need of memorizing your lines in a day, you might want to consider downloading a line memorization app to your device. These apps are designed to work with you when you need a friend to help you keep your lines straight. With a memorization app, you can memorize a script in half the time, especially when you’re given a major part at the last minute.
Consider using these apps to practice your script while sitting in traffic or waiting for an appointment. They’re designed for convenience and no matter which device you favor, there is something that will work for everyone. Check out the following list of the top three line memorization apps we think will suit your needs no matter what you desire.
1. Script Buddy, Rated 4.2 (Free)
With Script Buddy you can have a virtual friend to help you learn your lines. You will have the ability to create a script or import an existing script, either way, your Script Buddy will read your lines with you. This is a free iOS app that was developed to help you learn your lines fast.
2. Script Rehearser, Rated 3.9 (Free)
Script Rehearser allows you to record your voice, import your lines, or type them in to help you learn them even faster. Once you’ve programmed your Script Rehearser, the app will read your lines back to you or you can customize it to assist you whenever you’re ready to start rehearsing. This app is available for either Android or Apple and it is free to download.
3. Rehearsal Pro 3.6 (19.99)
Rehearsal Pro is the most popular rehearsal app with professionals. You will be delighted with all the features this app brings to the table. From bursting and scanning your scripts to snapping a picture off your page, it’s so easy to upload all your material to this app. It’s designed to be used with all the latest iOS devices and it will easily sync between them so that you can use any of your devices at any time. There is a fee of $19.99 to download the app, but it’s well worth every penny.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you found a way to remember your lines quickly from the list we have provided for you. There are a few more things that you should consider when you’re memorizing your script:
- Stay calm and relax– This is important because if you get upset it will make learning your lines more difficult.
- Take frequent breaks– It’s important to take frequent breaks so that you don’t begin to feel overwhelmed. Walk away, drink some water, and return in ten minutes. You will be surprised at the difference a short break will make.
- Get plenty of rest– Okay, so sometimes this is easier said than done, but if you’ve ever stayed up late to work on a project or to study for a test then you understand how important this is. You need to sleep so that your brain has time to reconfigure. If you’re exhausted, imagine how your brain feels, and after all, you need your brain so that you can learn your lines quickly.
- Play games– Everyone needs to take the time to breathe and have fun, and it’s especially important when you’re working with kids. Make learning lines fun by incorporating some drama games and activities include props, supplies, and music. The kids will appreciate this, but the adults can have fun learning this way too!
The most important thing when it comes to memorizing a script is to have fun and enjoy what you do! Don’t think of it as work, but rather think of it as a hobby. You will be surprised at how your mind can work when you think of things in a different way.
We hope that you were able to adopt a skill from our list of 10 tips for how to memorize lines.
Enjoy your event and good luck!
