Memorizing something REALLY long - 2008/05/02 12:03For my AP English class, we have to read a book, then write, memorize, and present a monologue from the main character's viewpoint. I would be insanely excited about this, except the monologue has to be about fifteen minutes long. Now, most people will write what is basically a speech, but being a theatre kid I plan on SOMEHOW writing an actual monologue that stays in character while still sharing the entire story of the book. I have my work cut out for me!
The question is, though, what is the longest thing you've had to memorize, and how did you do it? I've heard from some seniors that it ends up being like seven pages!
So any super-duper memorizing tips would be awesome!
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katoru
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Re:Memorizing something REALLY long - 2008/05/02 12:34Breaking it up into small paragraphs and colour coding will help. Also, the fact that you wrote it will automatically make it easier to memorize. I like to record myself speaking the monologue and play it over and over for myself any time I can, even while going to sleep. I'm a very auditory learner, though. It also might help to write the thing (by hand) over and over.
I've never memorized a monologue quite that long (fifteen minutes of memorized material seems a bit much for me for an English class.. when we did 5 minute speeches in my college oral communications class, we HAD to have cue cards!), but I guess the longest would have been the Lunchtime monologue for You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown. The whole thing is a few pages long in the script, but it's broken up a little bit with other characters walking by. Other than that, the "Small House of Uncle Thomas" scene in the King and I, but since it's set to music and there's some singing to break up the dialogue, it was far easier to learn (though the thing is a good 20 minutes.. the hardest part was standing there holding up a rather heavy scroll for the whole time!)
Best of luck with this project!Kathleen Sera Current Shows: Aloha Pinafore - Volga Upcoming Auditions: Crazy For You - Irene Roth
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Andrea
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Re:Memorizing something REALLY long - 2008/05/02 12:48The longest thing I've done is the play "Sylvia", which has only 4 cast members. Lots and lots and lots of lines to learn, some of them monologues. I've also done some Shakespeare, but never anything lasting 15 minutes (although I am really dying to one day do The Vagina Monologues).
When I am learning monologues, I will write them about a dozen times. It really helps me learn the words in the correct order.
Have you ever used a digital recorder? I find listening works extremely well for me. I can then move on the saying with the recording and, eventually, just listening to cues (which obviously won't help you here).
Another thing: break it into small pieces. Otherwise, it can become overwhelming.Andrea
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mezzo_soprano
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Re:Memorizing something REALLY long - 2008/05/02 14:44Longest thing I had to memorize was Kate submission speach from Taming of the Shrew (I wasn't in the show just this one scene was presented). I had a friend follow along as I recited it to correct and prompt me. It must have worked because that wwas two years ago and I can still recite it!
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elissa
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Re:Memorizing something REALLY long - 2008/05/02 18:03I'm in high school speech, (in the category of prose) and at the beginning of the season I had to memorize a ten minute piece before our first major tournament, which was only about a week after I got the piece. It was awful because it was during tech week of a musical, so every night after hours of rehearsal and tons of homework, I would try to memorize at least a page even though it was usually past midnight.
The key for me is to make time to practice, especially early on. Also, start with the first paragraph, get it down, and then add a line or two and start the whole thing over again. Each time you memorize more, add another few lines and start at the beginning. Soon, you will have the opening page down so well, and, at least to me, that is the toughest part.
Also, even if you are not able to practice, if you get the chance, maybe during an easy class (not AP English!) just take time to read and re-read the piece. It will make the memorization come easier.
Good luck!Past Productions: Chicago (Ensemble) Currently: Into the Woods (Little Red Ridinghood), Petite Rouge (Mama Duck)
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