Tips for memorization?

Question:i have to memorize a script for a class. its 15 lines long but its very hard because its shakespeare

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: i have to memorize a script for a class. its 15 lines long but its very hard because its shakespeare

Everyone else's advice was pretty solid. For me, repetition is key. I usually use a combination of reading the lines, speaking them outloud, and writing them down. The writing part really helps to set it in my mind.

If you need help understanding the Shakespeare, try Sparknotes' No Fear Shakespeare series (google it, or go to Sparknotes.com and click on No Fear Shakespeare). The NFS puts the original text in one column on the left, and then the same text written in plain modern English on the right. It's really helpful.

The best thing to do is to really understand it. I totally understand, I was Hamlet last year. I always try to keep in mind taht Shakespeare wasn't saying random things, he was telling a story, so understand what is going on in the scene, that'll help bring meaning to the words and you'll memorize them way easier. You can also write all the cue lines on index cards and the line that follows on the back, that can help trigger the lines and repetition can really help too, but the first one will help you remember it longer. Good luck!

There is no "best method" to memorize lines, it's a matter of personal preference. In my experience, repetition is the best way to memorize - read the scene several times over, practice saying it out loud as often as possible, etc.

Some people find it helpful to run lines with a friend. If your character is speaking to other people in the scene, your friend can read those other lines and help you practice when to say your own lines. Other tricks include writing your lines down on paper (your brain supposedly absorbs the words more effectively when you take the time to write them out) and recording yourself reciting the words (then listening to it in the car, before bed, etc.)

As for memorizing Shakespeare, the most important thing is that you really understand what your character is saying. Break the lines down word by word, ask your director/dialect coach, whatever. There are loads of websites that translate Shakespearean language into "modern" text as well, if you find that helpful. Do whatever you need to truly understand your speech - the memorization becomes easier when your words are familiar (and not random, foreign words that hold no meaning to you).

Hope some of this helps :)