Line Memorization
The following information is based on writings from Evan Nossoff originally posted in 2001 on SacActors' website (an ensemble for working Sacramento, CA actors), and is reprinted here (with minor editing) with Mr. Nossoff's kind permission.
The Easy Way to Memorize Your Lines
These tips assume you have read the line analysis tips and have broken down your lines into their thoughts. If you haven't read that article yet, please do so now, to get the most out of the tips on this page. The first time you use the technique, you may not save much time; but, by the second or third time, you will find it much easier. Also note, you save time because the system integrates analysis and memorization.
You have to be disciplined and look at the line each time you say it. You are using your two most effective senses – sight and sound – to imprint the line on your memory.
Now this is where you pick up steam…
Continue working your way through the monolog, always repeating the previous two thoughts along with the new one you have memorized.
Now find a friend or relative to act as a line prompter (or use one of the recommended line memorization iPhone apps):
Don't pause to think of the line. Just say "line," and let your prompter help. This way you don't get into the bad habit of pausing to think of a line. That habit sows seeds of sloppy working habits on stage.
You have to be disciplined and look at the line each time you say it. You are using your two most effective senses – sight and sound – to imprint the line on your memory.
- Look a the first thought and repeat it 3 times
- Look away and say the line. You have now memorized that thought
- Take the second thought, look at it and repeat it 3 times.
- Look away and say the first and second thought.
- Take the third thought, look at it and repeat it 3 times.
- Look away and say the first, second, and third thought.
Now this is where you pick up steam…
- Take the fourth thought, look at it and repeat it 3 times.
- Look away and say the second, third, and fourth thought.
- Take the fifth thought, look at it and repeat it 3 times.
- Look away and say the third, fourth, and fifth thought.
Continue working your way through the monolog, always repeating the previous two thoughts along with the new one you have memorized.
Now find a friend or relative to act as a line prompter (or use one of the recommended line memorization iPhone apps):
- Do the monolog.
- Any time you are at a loss for a line, stay in character, but call “line”.
- Your line-prompter-friend/relative should then read the line.
- As soon as you recognize it, take over from them and resume.
- Ask your prompter to stop reading as soon as you start.
Don't pause to think of the line. Just say "line," and let your prompter help. This way you don't get into the bad habit of pausing to think of a line. That habit sows seeds of sloppy working habits on stage.
More Info
Check out these other tips for helping you learn your lines.