Suggestions On How To Prepare For A Presentation

Principle: Memorization may be a talent, but it is a practicable skill.

Memorization comprises different factors:

1. Techniques (and they are numerous)

2. Individual learning style.

3. Recognizing the particular world of the text.

Which skills have worked for you in the past?

We need of a variety of skills to put the text into our bodies.

The task is to make the words your own.

SKILLS

1. Repetition of words.

Repetition of the words out loud. Repetition of the words internally. Repetition of the words on a whisper.

2. Writing the words out.

Writing out in prose form. Writing out in verse form.

3. Writing out the patterns that appear in the text.

Grammatical structure, Argument, Rhyme, Units, Beats.

4. Sing the words.

5. Put the text into physical forms.

Dance, Run, Practice them while engaging in other activities like running, cooking, cleaning, walking.

6. You need to address:

The fear of failure, your individual way of working, how you engage in active repetition, the many ways you can put the words into your body.

7. Have someone hold book for you and call for lines. Practice staying in the scene when you call for a line.

8. What do the words mean? What are you saying?

9. Where do the words live in your body?

10. What do you (the character) want?

11. If you substitute words, ask yourself how the substitution changes the meaning.

12. How can you use the words to make contact with your partner.

13. There are often two stages: Learning the text, solo and then learning the text with the scene partner. There are different stages for different projects.

14. This is my select group of words, this is the character's group of words.

15. James Cagney said: "Show up on time, know your lines,Look in the other actor's eyes, and tell the truth."

16. Every repetition is progress.

17. What is occurring in the process of "forgetting"? (physically, emotionally, mentally) Are you "practicing" forgetting? The moments of "forgetting" hold information of the character, the journey and the actor. Pay attention to the re-occurring forgetful moments. Think of these instances as opportunities to deepen your understanding, rather than becoming frustrated by the "blocks".

18. Be Brave, Leave the Book. Dare to Reveal.