Theater Insider with Amy Rowland: The Final Line Run

Theater Insider with Amy Rowland: The Final Line Run

Lines are the building blocks of every theater production. If these building blocks were not properly put together, the outcome would be sloppy and incomplete. It is therefore crucial that everyone knows their lines in order to make the finalized play set and stone. To ensure each member of the cast knows their lines, we have what is called, The Line Run.

Approximately two-thirds through the fall theater season, the line run is held. During most line runs, the cast will sit in a circle and recite the play, without scripts. However, for this play, we did our line run a bit differently. Instead of all sitting and reciting the play, we got up on stage and did the play. Not only did this ensure that the cast knew all their lines, but it demonstrated that we all knew our blocking (where/when to move around stage).

One would probably think this process would be harder because we must know both our lines AND our blocking. However, many members of the cast found this easier! After rehearsing the scenes everyday leading up to the line run, moving about the stage did not feel difficult; rather, it came natural because we were using the script and blocking that we created and recited enough times to develop the appropriate muscle memory.

The Line Run was a very successful event! The cast and crew were very content knowing everyone had been able to fully master their line memorizations.