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Learning Lines

Learning Lines
Reading Level
     edHelper's suggested reading level:   grades 9 to 12
     Flesch-Kincaid grade level:   4.36

Vocabulary
     challenging words:    bedtimeonly, italics, linesimagine, linesread, linesrecord, pagelink, highlight, script, reading, cues, visually, pages, director, hearing, rehearsal, exit

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Learning Lines
By Brenda B. Covert 		  
1     You want to be an actor. You tried out for a new play. You just got the call! The director cast you in a minor role! It's a small part, but you don't mind. It's going to be your first time on stage. You feel certain that you can handle this small part.
 
2     After you read the script, you realize that you have to memorize your lines. You face a moment of panic! How can anyone expect you to memorize your part? It seems like too much work. How do other actors memorize their lines?
 
3     At the first rehearsal, the whole cast sits around a table. Each person has a script. You take turns reading your lines. This helps you understand the story that you're to act out. You learn about all the characters in the play. No one is expected to know their lines yet. What a relief!
 
4     After several readings of the play, you take a highlighting marker and highlight all your lines. That helps you keep track of your lines. You don't highlight the business. Business refers to the notes in italics that tell you what gestures or actions to take. You would be very embarrassed if you spoke your business aloud. Help me find my baby! Exit, stage left.
 
5     The best way to learn the lines is to follow your learning style. Which of these works best for you? Is it by seeing the lesson, hearing the lesson, or moving during the lesson? If you learn best visually, you can study your lines and then try to "see" them on the page without looking at the paper. If you learn best by hearing, you should record your part and then play it back until you have your part memorized. If movement is the key, link your lines to stage action. The things you need to do on stage will probably be tied to the lines you have to say. You may wave, point, shake a fist, flutter, etc. If you are unsure of your learning style, you may choose to use all three methods for learning your lines.

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