Line learning techniques

A question I am often asked is: how can I learn my lines quickly? While there are a number of ways you can try and speed up the learning process, it does come down to the individual - some people just find it easier. Here are some of the techniques that I have picked up that will hopefully help some of you.

Understand the words: This step is vital with Shakespeare monologues especially. Trying to remember Shakespearean language you are unfamiliar with is like trying to memorize another language. It will be much much easier if you highlight and look up anything you are unacquainted with. Likewise, with modern monologues, you have to see and understand where the character is coming from to make it easier.

Get moving: Try not to just sit down with a script in your hands. By occupying your brain with another activity, the words then sink and lock in to your memory much quicker. Sounds difficult, but all you have to do is walk, skip, pace, whatever. For my Queen Margaret monologue I was striding around with as much anger as possible and as a result learnt it within two hours. This activity also will help when it comes to auditions. They often get you to say your monologue out loud during movement - this proves that your not just reciting.

Write it out: In my GCSE French writing exam, I wrote the essay and then over the next week wrote out the same essay over and over again - so by the time it got to the real thing I knew it off by heart and walked out with an A. Just think of it as revising and concentrate on writing out the lines that you know the least.

Record yourself: By now if you still haven't learnt them, record yourself reading out the monologue and then put it in your iTunes library etc. Put your headphones in and listen to it while you're doing chores, or walking to college, or especially when you are sleeping as it then seeps into your subconscious. 

Remember that not everyone can do this easily. All you can do is your best. Practise little but often because if you try to learn them round the clock, you'll just block and nothing will go in. Follow these tips or even get a friend to help you. Best of luck!