I had an actor ask me the other day whether I memorized lines for auditions. There are many that insist that memorizing lines for auditions is the way to go, but I have never memorized for an audition and here are the reasons why.
- Many auditions have a very short turnaround time. Some, less than 24 hours.
- Lots of auditions. I have had weeks where I have had 10 auditions.
- Long monologues. I had one week where I had 5 monologues to do for auditions. i couldn’t imagine having them all ready by the due date.
- It takes away from my acting. If I am trying to recall lines, I find it takes away from my acting. I am spending the time remembering and not acting.
I use the TelePrompter app in my iPad that is on a ipad stand that is adjustable up to 68″ high. It also doubles as my eye line. If I have to do an audition that I need to look into the camera. I set up the ipad right below the lens in front of the camera. It looks like I’m looking into the camera.
This is my opinion and what works for me. Everyone has their own way.
Simon Shih 