Learning lines...

I have had two auditions for regional repertory jobs recently. It depends very much on the part and the play I guess. I am busy reading up on a lot of classical literature so I solid background of knowledge. Fortunately I have studied a lot of Shakespeare in the past so its just a matter of reminding myself of some of the specifics. Fortunately, I love a lot of the classics and would like to do some classical work.

• 17 years ago
• 21

Woah, that's harsh!! Serious pat on the back that u did it!!

• 17 years ago
• 22

This is why I am stocking up on my classics as there is a lot of work in that area and fortunately its the kind of work I want to do. Oxfam is a godsend as I get a lot of playbooks very cheaply there. Got Shakespeares Complete Works for £2.50.

• 17 years ago
• 23

This is why I am stocking up on my classics as there is a lot of work in that area and fortunately its the kind of work I want to do. Oxfam is a godsend as I get a lot of playbooks very cheaply there. Got Shakespeares Complete Works for £2.50.

• 17 years ago
• 24

Nice work..gotta love a bargain!!

• 17 years ago
• 25

def agree bed and in the morning. i started using a dictaphone and that helps as i dont like lining lines like a parrot and cant adjust the way i say it! i hate lining loads quickly as it comprimises quality work

• 17 years ago
• 26

hmm if you usually have no problem but do now it sounds like your not connected to the text. I would look at your character gain a better understanding of him who are you playing? The library theatre in manchester are doign the production at the moment you should check it out. Also if you have started blocking the scenes, then do the moves in your head,there will be certain moves that have lines attached to them. and most of all,chill! you'll get there.

ugghh ive just read that through i sound like a proper 'thesp!'

• 17 years ago
• 27

What is the average period of time people have had to learn lines? I would say for me it was about 3weeks for a lead part.

• 17 years ago
• 28

EEk

I have two huge parts to learn in three weeks.

I tend to have a piece of paper to cover up my lines, read the other persons lines, then speak mine and reveal my lines after I have said them... if that makes sense.

I don't highlight my lines as it isolates them - I think you end up learning just the words, and not as responses or lead-ons.

And my other half is adept at playing everything from Beatrice to Bertram... in our kitchen of course. LOL

• 17 years ago
• 29

Interesting stuff. I have started the process of regularly learning pieces to keep my brain active. With regards to learning a part I usually type up my cues and my responses with the responses in red. Bit arduous but very helpful. Then when I am fairly confident with my lines I guess someone to test me.

• 17 years ago
• 30

Lots of very useful advice and tips.

Lines have never gone in easily - but they have gone in eventually, with lots of practice: on the tube, in bed, at the kitchen table, in a chair in the garden, by the pool, on the beach ...

Oh to have a photographic memory! I don't have one, I just have to work hard.

Now then, can I remember all this advice, on all these threads ... Mmm?

• 17 years ago
• 31

O dear... Just going over my lines in my head on the tube... I'm learning the part of dakin in the history boys and I was going over the scene where he comes on to the teacher. Peace of advice... don't mutter under your breath things like 'would there be any chance of your sucking me off' on the tube... people WILL give you funny looks and people WILL NOT presume that your learning lines for a play.

Come to think of it, there's a lot of nutters in the city... perhaps I have been to hasty in my judgement, maybe there all just actors learning lines. Actors/nutters.... smae thing I guess...

• 17 years ago
• 32