Unlocking the Art of Line Memorization: The Dyslexic Hack
I’m very dyslexic, so much so that it held me back from acting for year and year and year…. not being dyslexic.. but the fear of reading. I found this EXTREMELY and would recommend.
Introduction:
As actors, the challenge of memorizing lines is an integral part of our craft. However, for those of us who are dyslexic, this task can often feel like an insurmountable mountain to climb. But fear not, fellow actors, for there exists a method that not only makes line memorization manageable but can also be a game-changer for actors of all backgrounds. Enter the Letter Method, a powerful technique that harnesses the visual strengths of dyslexics while benefiting actors without dyslexia.
The Letter Method: The Letter Method is an incredibly effective approach to line memorization that involves writing down the first letter of each word of your lines. This technique is renowned for its speed, with some actors claiming to memorize entire scripts in as little as five minutes. What sets it apart is its unique ability to combine reviewing and recall simultaneously, thus rapidly embedding lines into your memory.
Here's how you can make the Letter Method work for you:
Transcribe the First Letters: Start by handwriting the first letter of every word in your scene on a piece of paper. Pay attention to capitalization, punctuation, and line breaks, mirroring the script's formatting. This includes the lines of other characters as well.
Example: If your line reads, "I went to the grocery store, and while there I decided to buy a salad," your transcription would be: "I w t t g s, a w t I d t b a s." I personally love to hand write it rather then type it as it put it deeper into my memory.
Oral Repetition: Read the scene aloud, reciting all the lines at least twice. At this stage, refer to the actual script itself and not your transcribed letters.
Recall with Letters: Glance at your letter transcription and strive to recall the scene while seeing only the first letter of each word. If necessary, take a quick peek at the script for any forgotten words. Proceed to the next step once you can successfully navigate through the entire scene twice consecutively without referring to the script.
Letter-Free Performance: Now, put down your letter transcription and aim to perform the entire scene, encompassing both your lines and those of other characters. This time, you won't have any visual aids.
It's remarkable how quickly actors can grasp the entire scene with just 5-7 attempts while consulting their letter chart.
Why the Letter Method Works:
What makes the Letter Method so potent is its simplicity. It doesn't require advanced skills, and within a mere 15-20 minutes (or even as little as 5 minutes for proficient users), you can have a full set of audition sides memorized. This method exploits the brain's ability to retain information through association, which can be particularly beneficial for dyslexic individuals who often possess strong visual memory and associative thinking.
Benefits Beyond Dyslexia:
What's truly captivating about the Letter Method is that its advantages extend far beyond aiding dyslexic actors. Anyone, regardless of their neurology, can employ this technique to streamline the line memorization process. Its inherent combination of reading, writing, and recollection makes it a versatile tool for actors seeking rapid and effective memorization.
Conclusion:
As actors, we're united by our pursuit of mastering the art of storytelling. Memorizing lines may be a challenging aspect of our craft, but with techniques like the Letter Method, we're empowered to overcome these challenges and unlock our true potential. So, whether you're dyslexic or not, embrace the Letter Method as a valuable ally in your journey as an actor, and watch how it transforms the way you approach line memorization.
Bonus tip:
If you are really struggling one sentence, you can write out the letters of that sentence and put it on a post it off camera when filming yourself tape.
MK