While being off-book is supremely helpful in order for you to concentrate more on the direction we give you vs. your lines, holding your sides is A-OK. Here’s why:
1. The frame we’re getting is fairly tight. A standard frame for in-person sessions and self-taping is a medium close-up (about mid-bust).
Translation: we aint seeing those sides one bit.
2. If your sides act as a security blanket and help your feel more confident in your performance, by all means, bring that lovey.
𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱.
So if that means holding your sides, you do you.
But being able to be free with your choices, creativity and inner thoughts will be a lot harder without knowing your lines pretty well.
So… here are a few tried & true tips for memorizing lines:
1. Try an app like Rehearsal Pro. You highlight your lines in the app, record the other character’s lines, and use it as a teleprompter. Rinse & repeat. PRO TIP = make sure to WHISPER your lines and read the other character’s lines. That way you won’t be too tied to the way you’re saying your lines & allows room for more creative freedom.
2. Write out just your lines in one big paragraph, then run through the scene out loud. Do this five more times, breaking your lines into thoughts each time. The last time you write them out, see if you can do it without looking at the script and just think of the other person’s lines.
3. Research shows that taking a nap after reading something can help cement it in your brain. Going for a walk can have the same effect, and exercising is also helpful for memorization. So after spending some time working on your lines, give yourself a break to stretch your legs or get some shut-eye. You deserve a rest anyway.
Last pro tip: 𝙁𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪.
#themoreyouknow#TheCastingDirectorsCut#mondaymythdebunkers