4 answers
Luke
Student
Traverse City, Michigan
5
Questions
Updated
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How to memorize monologues quickly? #Spring2024
I am 16 and have an advanced theatre audition that I am going to, I have to memorize two monologues, one comedic and the other dramatic. I have ten days to do it.
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Luke !
You will find your own technique that will help you develop a character for presentation. We all have different procedures that help us. It's not helpful to have only a week and a half to prepare and not knowing how to do it doesn't help either. Try your best and going forward I have some advice for you.
The actual very first step is to read the entire play. You will pick up characterization for the character by doing this, also mood, intent and action. That will help with your acting. It will indicate where in the action the character is. After reading the play and choosing the monologue, type the monologue out, double spaced, and print it. This is what you'll study from. Learn a line at a time. Then test yourself to how much you have learned, i.e., first and second line, then study the rest of the lines singly or two lines at a time. You will eventually know the words to the whole monologue. Some people record the monologue and listen to it over and over, but my preference is visual. Sometimes the words stay with you better through visuals. You may very well be able to learn this in a week and a half. If not, do not worry, going forward you will have great opportunities. This must be your first audition and we all have to start sometime, so do not worry.
It will be much easier for you if you do not approach it as memorizing, rather learning your lines as a character. Going forward, you will have these two monologues under your belt and maybe you'll be able to use them again. That being said, learn a couple more monologues and continually read plays and choose monologues to learn for the future. Make sure you block and create action for your monologue, too. Transition slowly into changes in emotion and expression and try not to rush through it. Believe in the character and give the character life.
Whether you are in college or high school, reach out to others who can observe your monologues and give feedback. This always helps. They can tell you exactly what you might try or something to eliminate in your performance and this is very helpful. Most of all, if this is for a high school or a college play, do not worry too much because the auditors realize that people have different levels of acting and auditioning experience. If it is for a community theatre audition, just the fact that you've gone to it is important and the experience will leave you with your first learning experience of auditioning for non-academic roles/projects.
So, the sooner you see the words on the paper as a character, the faster you will learn the part and worry less about retaining them. Spend a lot of time practicing this and I am sure that you will do well. Most projects in theatre will give you more time then just a week and a half, so again, do not stress over the line retention part. The old saying "it's a process" really applies here.
I hope that this has been helpful and I wish you all the best and success with the audition and moving forward !
You will find your own technique that will help you develop a character for presentation. We all have different procedures that help us. It's not helpful to have only a week and a half to prepare and not knowing how to do it doesn't help either. Try your best and going forward I have some advice for you.
The actual very first step is to read the entire play. You will pick up characterization for the character by doing this, also mood, intent and action. That will help with your acting. It will indicate where in the action the character is. After reading the play and choosing the monologue, type the monologue out, double spaced, and print it. This is what you'll study from. Learn a line at a time. Then test yourself to how much you have learned, i.e., first and second line, then study the rest of the lines singly or two lines at a time. You will eventually know the words to the whole monologue. Some people record the monologue and listen to it over and over, but my preference is visual. Sometimes the words stay with you better through visuals. You may very well be able to learn this in a week and a half. If not, do not worry, going forward you will have great opportunities. This must be your first audition and we all have to start sometime, so do not worry.
It will be much easier for you if you do not approach it as memorizing, rather learning your lines as a character. Going forward, you will have these two monologues under your belt and maybe you'll be able to use them again. That being said, learn a couple more monologues and continually read plays and choose monologues to learn for the future. Make sure you block and create action for your monologue, too. Transition slowly into changes in emotion and expression and try not to rush through it. Believe in the character and give the character life.
Whether you are in college or high school, reach out to others who can observe your monologues and give feedback. This always helps. They can tell you exactly what you might try or something to eliminate in your performance and this is very helpful. Most of all, if this is for a high school or a college play, do not worry too much because the auditors realize that people have different levels of acting and auditioning experience. If it is for a community theatre audition, just the fact that you've gone to it is important and the experience will leave you with your first learning experience of auditioning for non-academic roles/projects.
So, the sooner you see the words on the paper as a character, the faster you will learn the part and worry less about retaining them. Spend a lot of time practicing this and I am sure that you will do well. Most projects in theatre will give you more time then just a week and a half, so again, do not stress over the line retention part. The old saying "it's a process" really applies here.
I hope that this has been helpful and I wish you all the best and success with the audition and moving forward !
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Luke
You are very welcome, Luke ! You will do great !
Michelle M.
Isaac Lira
Actor
2
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Isaac’s Answer
I've heard that transforming a monologue into a catchy rhyme or your own unique rhythm can make it simpler to learn. Always remember to express your feelings through your words and speak your truth.
Thank you, Isaac!
Luke
Jennifer Jackson
Film Director
79
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Luke,
It's great to see your dedication and commitment to your craft at such a young age.
Memorizing two monologues in ten days can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and techniques, I am confident that you will be able to succeed. Here are some tips that may help you in the memorization process:
1. Break it down: Divide each monologue into smaller sections or chunks. Focus on memorizing one section at a time before moving on to the next. This will make the task more manageable and less overwhelming.
2. Repetition: Repetition is key when it comes to memorization. Practice reciting your monologues multiple times a day, preferably out loud. This will help reinforce the lines in your memory.
3. Use visual aids: Create cue cards or write out the lines on paper to help you visualize the text. You can also highlight key words or phrases to make them stand out and easier to remember.
4. Practice with a partner: If possible, practice your monologues with a friend or family member. This will not only help you memorize the lines but also give you the opportunity to receive feedback and make any necessary adjustments.
5. Understand the context: Take the time to understand the context and emotions behind each monologue. This will not only help you remember the lines but also deliver a more authentic and compelling performance.
6. Stay organized: Keep all your materials and notes in one place to stay organized and focused. Set aside dedicated time each day to work on memorizing your monologues.
Remember, everyone has their own unique way of memorizing lines, so feel free to experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. Stay positive, stay focused, and believe in yourself. I have no doubt that you will do great at your audition.
Best of luck, and break a leg!
Sincerely,
Jennifer
It's great to see your dedication and commitment to your craft at such a young age.
Memorizing two monologues in ten days can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and techniques, I am confident that you will be able to succeed. Here are some tips that may help you in the memorization process:
1. Break it down: Divide each monologue into smaller sections or chunks. Focus on memorizing one section at a time before moving on to the next. This will make the task more manageable and less overwhelming.
2. Repetition: Repetition is key when it comes to memorization. Practice reciting your monologues multiple times a day, preferably out loud. This will help reinforce the lines in your memory.
3. Use visual aids: Create cue cards or write out the lines on paper to help you visualize the text. You can also highlight key words or phrases to make them stand out and easier to remember.
4. Practice with a partner: If possible, practice your monologues with a friend or family member. This will not only help you memorize the lines but also give you the opportunity to receive feedback and make any necessary adjustments.
5. Understand the context: Take the time to understand the context and emotions behind each monologue. This will not only help you remember the lines but also deliver a more authentic and compelling performance.
6. Stay organized: Keep all your materials and notes in one place to stay organized and focused. Set aside dedicated time each day to work on memorizing your monologues.
Remember, everyone has their own unique way of memorizing lines, so feel free to experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. Stay positive, stay focused, and believe in yourself. I have no doubt that you will do great at your audition.
Best of luck, and break a leg!
Sincerely,
Jennifer
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Luke
Alexis Camins
IT Manager at Los Angeles County - Professional Actor
35
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
Michelle had great ideas! I have a few to add:
- Figure out your objective. What does your character hope to have or change by the end of the monologue? Knowing that will help you memorize the words, which are what you use to get what you want.
- Break it up in chunks. A good monologue will have different sections or beats (he apologizes, he explains, he finally tells the truth). Each beat will have a few lines and it’s easier memorizing a few lines. The progression of the beats will also help you memorize the monologue as a whole, rather than individual words or sentences. .
- Understand the inner monologue. You have to be clear why one thought leads to the next (she sees the boat > it reminds her of the lake she used to go to > she talks about a memory) Rather than memorize words, you’ll be memorizing a thought pattern and that’s easier to follow.
- Find some hooks to help you out. If I have a hard time remembering certain lines, I’ll link a word from one sentence and connect it to a word in the next sentence, whether the words start with the same letter or rhyme or just make sense in my head. Those two words are enough to help build some muscle memory, so I know which sentence or thought comes next.
- Find physical action. I memorize best when I connect words to actions (I say “I don’t know! when I sit).
Break a leg!
- Figure out your objective. What does your character hope to have or change by the end of the monologue? Knowing that will help you memorize the words, which are what you use to get what you want.
- Break it up in chunks. A good monologue will have different sections or beats (he apologizes, he explains, he finally tells the truth). Each beat will have a few lines and it’s easier memorizing a few lines. The progression of the beats will also help you memorize the monologue as a whole, rather than individual words or sentences. .
- Understand the inner monologue. You have to be clear why one thought leads to the next (she sees the boat > it reminds her of the lake she used to go to > she talks about a memory) Rather than memorize words, you’ll be memorizing a thought pattern and that’s easier to follow.
- Find some hooks to help you out. If I have a hard time remembering certain lines, I’ll link a word from one sentence and connect it to a word in the next sentence, whether the words start with the same letter or rhyme or just make sense in my head. Those two words are enough to help build some muscle memory, so I know which sentence or thought comes next.
- Find physical action. I memorize best when I connect words to actions (I say “I don’t know! when I sit).
Break a leg!
Thanks for the advice.
Luke