Breaking down the script, memorizing the lines

Copyright Evan Nossoff, 1998; all rights Reserved. Please contact coach@sacactors.com prior to publication and/or distribution of this sheet.Permission is freely given upon request; we just wanna keep track of it.

Now, about memorizing stuff. Once you break down the monolog into thoughts, it is time to memorize the lines. Here's one good way to do that.

Look at the first thought and repeat it three times. 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 away and say the line. You have now memorized that thought.

Take the second thought, look at it and repeat it three times.

Look away and say the first and second thought.

Take the third thought, look at it and repeat it three 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 three times.

Look away and say the second,. third and fourth thought.

Take the fifth thought, look at it and repeat it three 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.

Do the monolog.

Any time you are at a loss for a line, call "Line"

They should then read the line.

As soon as you recognize it, take over from them and resume.

Ask your prompter to stop 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 a habit that sows the seeds of sloppy working habits on stage.