Summarize the following:
There might be a word or two that you struggle to remember or can’t quite say correctly. If that’s the case, make sure you note it on your paper so that your brain spends that extra split-second focusing on the word. This can often help you tackle a particularly challenging word or phrase. You won’t be able to get Off-Book in an hour or a day. The best thing you can do is give yourself tasks that you can accomplish. This also has the benefit of giving you a boost of confidence, and making line memorization enjoyable. For example, you could say “Today, I’m going to learn two pages of lines and then tomorrow I’m going to run through those lines again and do another two pages.” Your movement on stage, or “blocking,” determines where your character stands, when they sit, and how they physically interact with other characters. If a line or set of lines is really frustrating you, try acting out what your character is supposed to be doing during those lines as you say them. You might be tempted to recite your lines quickly and without inflection, saving the emotion for practice or real performances. However, saying your lines with emotion and inflection can actually help you memorize them in the first place, since this gives you deeper meaning behind the text. Listen to the recording while doing everyday activities like driving or taking a shower. If possible, speak along to the recording to help facilitate the memorization process.  You can choose to record the whole play, or just your lines. If you record just your lines, make sure you also record the cue line! Apps like Line Learner and Lines2Memory can make the recording and playback process easier.  Another strategy is to include a pause after each line so that you can say the lines back to your recording. For a more advanced version, put the pause before the line, and then listen to see if you got it right. Make sure you make your pause long enough for you to say the line! Friends can read along while you recite your lines and tell you if you got any wrong. If you forget a line, ask for a prompt by saying “line.” Your friend should also correct you if you say a line wrong. This can be as drastic as skipping a line or sentence, or as minor as using “and” instead of “but.” Make sure you don’t get too dependent on your friends, or you might never memorize your lines!
Highlight important or difficult words. Set reasonable goals. Match your lines to your blocking. Make emotional associations while acting. Record your lines and play the recording during daily tasks. Ask a friend for help.