On Break; Off Book

As the cast heads off to a three week break from school, and they get to spend some time with family, they are also tasked with the responsibility of coming back from break having memorized all their lines and lyrics. Although they get a break from schoolwork the cast is going to have to work hard throughout their break on memorizing their lines. Last Friday Mr. Howard gathered the cast and crew together, so they could offer up some helpful hints and tips on how to make sure the actors know their lines extremely well when they come back, so they can work on developing their character after break.

Memorizing lines as an actor to the point where you can recite them in your sleep (not literally) is crucial. This allows the actor to portray the character with emotion, and give the audience the illusion of reality. One big tip for making sure the actors come back from the break knowing their lines is to not wait until the last week to try and memorize all your lines because it takes longer than they think. Another helpful suggestion was for the actors to make records of themselves saying the lines (including their cues), and then listen to that recording so they get the timing of the scene. Then they would make a recording of just their cues, and other dialogue in the scene, with space in between them where their lines are so that they get to practice reciting with the recording. Technology is the friend of the cast when they are trying to accomplish this demanding task.

Over the break it would be easy to say "I'll get to it later," but they have to push themselves to get it done. It is a good feeling as an actor to be able to come back, and say that you know all your lines. The line run when we come back to school is the make or break moment of the play, and I have confidence that this cast will make it, and go beyond expectations.

by Conor Ryan, '15