Acting : How do you memorize a script? by Wayne G Sweat

Work from back to front as much as you do front to back - if you have time write all the lines in your own words and if you really have time pull out a large piece of craft paper and some pens and draw your way through it - another trick highlight all the nouns and just say the nouns with NO other words and hear how they are coloured - this will always make sure every noun is connected to something- there is an amazing ap on iphone now that helps with lines I don't know the name but my friends swear by it - and always work with someone- buy a friend a coffee or beer and have them read the other people's parts - we can fool ourselves into believing something is memorized when really it't NOT - all the best with this and keep us posted :)

Music, listen to an appropriate music while learning the lines. This gives you rhythm. Also Ren is right learning the lines back to front is a good idea. I had to learn large amounts of lines in a play called King Lear this method helped me not just to learn the lines but also to help me understand what's going on between the lines. Do not look for a character to play. Learn the lines and the character will find you.

Has any one tried recording the lines then listening back to them over and over put the ipod on loop and fall asleep listening to them. You wake don't remember a dam thing turn up on set and just say them as if for the first time.

All great advice! Learning and understanding WHY the character is saying what they're saying and the interactions they are having with other characters will help you learn the lines and not just memorize them...but really, it's also about a lot of practice as you all said. I would love to learn more about this iphone app!

I like that Jennie. I record my voice on the computer and then burn a CD. Then I can replay scenes while commuting. I guess one benefit of being so far from the action is that the traffic is slower here.

I also am dictating the script to my computer, it translates and types my words out. I then format the script the way I like it. My parts in 18 font everything else in 14. My stage direction italicized and in black bold letters, my dialogue in bright red letters. Then when we're reading during rehearsal my stuff jumps off of the page. This helps me relax and perform rather than straining to see 10 font typing with everything jumbled together.

I just use Hi-lite and cover the next lines with a sheet of paper. I run my lines and each time I ad the next line to it. If I mess up I start back at the beginning. Works for me.

I use the "Rehearsal II" app to learn my lines by rote.

index cards. Write your line on one side and your "Q" line on the other. Place them in order in a photo flip book line side up. When you have it down, filp it over to the "Q" line side of the card. I've taught 12 year olds to memorize 2 hundred lines this way. Shakespeare and Noel Coward. It works!

Thank you so much both of you for sharing!

I record my scenes and listen to the recording repeating my lines with the recording. Then I record only the other characters lines and say my lines while i listen to the reording of the other dialogue. Works for me.

I have to agree with Mr. Marshall....its the constant going over the script again and again until its in your head, under your skin! I recommend getting the body involved in your process. Things like running on the treadmill or doing a series of movements can help keep the text fresh while you learn it.

All great tips. To each his own but finding that can certainly be demanding. I've been acting/directing on different levels for over 30 years. As an actor, I have found recording the lines help tremendously. Not just my own, but the entire script. Why? Because when it comes down to the memorization, I also want to work on constant recitation knowing the motivation behind each of those lines. I'm a huge advocate for inflection and repitition. Build character as you go and develop the scene in your mind with the other character. Knowing the conversation is better than learning response.After all, if acting is part reacting, what if your counterpart loses train of thought. Knowing the script makes you the leader in returning to key points for recovery. Keep in mind, the director may lead you to think of taking it to a different choice once on stage but by developing character while learning lines is a great way to understand your choices and explain them. Kind of the long way around through philosophy but when it comes down to any of these ideas, it's all about repitition.

If you are willing to spend twenty bucks, I swear by the rehearsal app. You can import any pdf file, highlight your lines (black 'em out and see them again with a tap), record the other persons lines, add notes, pictures, etc and just press play- it will loop until you get it. It has perfectly streamlined the memorization process for me and cut the time I spend memorizing way down.