How do I memorize an entire show?

Question:Basically, I'm in Alice in Wonderland Jr. I'm Alices understudy and an ensemble flower, and I've been doing a great job, the director loves me. Also, I've been filling in for everyone who doesn't have an understudy, with the book. So today I understudied for Small Alice. The asst. director, Ms. W pulled me over and said "Me and Ms. F want you to memorize all of the parts, even the few ones with understudies. Your a versatile actress, fabulous singer, and we definitly think you can handle it." I was soo happy, because this basically secures me a lead next year in the 8th grade. Then at the end, Ms. F was complimenting me and she wa slike "You are truly amazing, you've never even been in that scene and you have that dance down perfectly, it was FABULOUS" (she loves the word fabulous).

So, I just read the entire show from the book, and it just hit me, I have to memorize an entire show. AHHHH!!!!

So, how in the world am I suppost to do this?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Basically, I'm in Alice in Wonderland Jr. I'm Alices understudy and an ensemble flower, and I've been doing a great job, the director loves me. Also, I've been filling in for everyone who doesn't have an understudy, with the book. So today I understudied for Small Alice. The asst. director, Ms. W pulled me over and said "Me and Ms. F want you to memorize all of the parts, even the few ones with understudies. Your a versatile actress, fabulous singer, and we definitly think you can handle it." I was soo happy, because this basically secures me a lead next year in the 8th grade. Then at the end, Ms. F was complimenting me and she wa slike "You are truly amazing, you've never even been in that scene and you have that dance down perfectly, it was FABULOUS" (she loves the word fabulous).

So, I just read the entire show from the book, and it just hit me, I have to memorize an entire show. AHHHH!!!!

So, how in the world am I suppost to do this?

Oh, this will be fun!

First of all, have a positive attitude about it, because you CAN do this.

Read the show cover to cover as often as possible. Carry it with you and read it in your free time. Writing down the parts really helps also. maybe you memorize it scene by scene, amd once you think you have one scene down, put the book away and try writing it down from memory 3 or 4 times.

Show up to every rehearsal. This is crucial, you don't want to miss any blocking ar additions/cuts.

Take notes on the blocking so you have an idea of who goes where when such-and-such is said.

Oh yeah, BREATHE! :) This isn't as hard as you think, and its GREAT training for doing shows later on, in high school, college, community, or professional theatre. You are expected to know the show like the back of your hand.

But yes, for the next couple of months, or however long you have, live and breathe this show. read it until you could recite it in your sleep. It will be a lot easier than it seems, don't worry!

And have fun! I'm sure you'll do great!

I hope that helped :)

Do it in parts, and then put the pieces together to form the whole. Rome wasn't built in a day, neither will you memorize this show in the same amount of time. Read up on memory tricks, and anything else that will help your recall. Also - this may sound strange, but it's true - fish have chemicals in them which are precursors to the neurohumors which mediate the synapses in the brain, and may help you to store information more efficiently and for longer periods of time. Fish aren't called brain food for nothing. So, while you are trying to memorize, eat a tuna sandwich, a salmon patty or steak, tilapia, or any other kind of fish you like. You might find it is amazingly helpful. Good luck with your memorization and your show.

One line at a time. Do the best you can. IF you are attending rehearsals, you can tell who is likely to be replaced and who is not. Oh, if your directors do not have understudy rehearsals, they are wasting you time and you should quit. They ask too much for no reward, and don't count on the lead next year, because these kinds of directors are liable not to follow through.