Learning a text
Learning a script can be challenging, especially in early The process of preparing a production and getting it ready for performance., but there are ways of making the lines easier to remember. By experimenting with different methods of learning lines, a performer can select the techniques that they find most suitable for them.
- Rehearsing a piece quickly, without focusing on acting but instead on ensuring everyone knows where they are supposed to be, what they say and when. - line runs focus on simply running through the script, without any acting, to help performers to practice and remember their lines. This process can assist the technical and design teams, as well as performers. It will identify if performers are engaged and âactingâ at all times, reacting to each otherâs lines as opposed to just waiting for their own.
- Listening to a script - some performers prefer to record their own voices speaking the lines and then listen back to it. Others will record other charactersâ lines and leave spaces or pauses where their own lines would be, so they can practise remembering their own part.
- Drawing pictures - being able to picture key lines through visual objects that relate to the dialogue can often help performers remember the order of their lines.
- Actioning - this requires a performer to add movement to the speech that helps them remember the order of events, and therefore their lines. This often happens naturally as a performer goes through rehearsals and movement, or is added to the piece during The process of placing performers in a specific space..
- Reading or writing - some performers prefer to write out or speak their lines repeatedly. This process of repetition helps them to learn their lines as a grounding before they add movement.
Once on stage, a performer should always be acting, even if it is not their turn to speak, although it doesnât have to be large and noticeable to be effective. Performers should always be in role, even if they arenât playing a character - this is sometimes known as actor as demonstrator. Coming out of character, or out of role, is called Coming out of character..
Cues
When learning a script, it is important for a performer to also learn their A signal that starts an action on stage or screen, eg a lighting change, music or a characterâs entrance.. For example, a characterâs first line may follow a lighting change at the start of the play and even if they are on stage prior to the lighting change they must not speak until they have seen or heard their cue. Performers also need to respond or react to others on stage, and considering how a character might react to the lines or actions of others in the play is very useful.