I’ve tried different way to memorize my lines; repetition, writing out my lines, running lines with someone. The method I found that works best for me is a combination of writing lines on index cards and the pneumonic technique.
I first start with reading the script a few times and getting my lines about 50% memorized. This also helps me understand the material, the scenes and the character. In the case of a short film, sometimes the character development is lacking, so I try and give it a personality and a background.
Once I’m there, I number index cards. One for each line I have. One the front, I put the cue line; the line from the character I am playing across. On the back, I write down my line, but only the first letter of each word. I also include punctuation.
- Understanding the character and the scene helps solidify the general words of the scene.
- Writing down the words to index cards helps with memorization by reinforcing the lines.
- The pneumonic technique gives me my lines without having the full words which, in the beginning, makes me have to search my mind for them. This helps get the lines from my short term memory to long term memory.
- I go over everything right before bed. I noticed early on that when I memorize before bed, I wake up knowing my lines better.
- The index cards makes it handy by making it easier for me to take my lines with me anywhere I go.
Simon Shih 