Inspiration is born of hard work. It is not the other way around- Stanislavski

No matter how good you are at it, memorizing lines is probably one of the most difficult aspects of a role (in my opinion). Of course, it's extremely difficult to create a character and learn blocking and stay in character, etc. etc.; but memorizing lines before a show starts is a job within itself when you actually think about it. You are trying to memorize lines that this other person says within this period of time, and you have to make it feel and sound like you (as the character) would say those things. It sounds sort of simple, but it really isn't. Every monologue, every sentence, hell...every word has to be motivated. When you have a conversation with someone (as yourself) you pick and choose each word carefully to get your meaning across. You have feelings toward each word and the meaning of your sentence, and it comes from a spontaneous place. As an actor, we are asked to perform this task with another person's words. It baffles my mind when I think about it.

But, onto what I really wanted to talk about, which is memorizing lines. I've begun working on my lines this week (and made it through Act 1, hoorah!) and was wondering about the different ways people memorize their lines. I've used two methods that have become pretty successful for me. One method I used was recording all my scenes, and I listened to it on my Ipod while walking to class or in the car. This one is relatively new for me as I have only used it once. I was Katherina in "Taming of the Shrew" and I was worried about memorizing Shakespeare for the first time, so I made sure I used every possible method to learn the lines.

My second method is basically picture memorization, where I just memorize one line, go to the next couple, say the whole thing, and move on while I keep starting from a starting point. I say "picture" memorizing because for a while I visualize where the line is on the page and where the words fall. It's hard to explain, but needless to say I am a visual learner when it comes to memorizing lines or studying for tests.

One problem I've come across while memorizing is the issue of blocking. I find it a lot easier to memorize lines with blocking because I feel motivated when I say the line. It feels like it has a purpose. Also, blocking affects the way in which I say a line, but I can't know the specific vocal qualities of that line until we actually start the rehearsal process. It's hard for summer rep because we open in less than a month, so we aren't given a lot of time to mess around. I really want to go in to the rehearsal process prepared; but it's hard when you haven't even done a read-through of the script with the cast. That also has a great affect on my delivery and character development.

Memorizing lines is hard work, but as my professor once said "Once you memorize your lines, you can start at 0%". That's pretty frightening if you think about it. Usually you think you gain a lot from memorizing, but you really don't. Once memorized, you can actually start working on a solid character and doing the important "actory" things that get you into that inspiration mode. And with summer rep having such a short rehearsal period, I need to get going otherwise I won't have time to develop a solid character. I will try my damnedest!

Act well your part, there in all the honor lies.
Christina Jones