Greetings fellow bloggers, I am an actress, entrepreneuse, law graduate, monkey lover, pub arm chair philosopher, and tea addict.
People always ask me how I memorize large quantities of data for plays, films, and sketches I am in.
Well, do let me say, that in addition to reading Darren Brown, I boast a wealth of “invaluable” advice for fellow aspiring actors. I picked up some tips in law school, and they have helped me on numerous occasions.
Please note that many of my tips are actually deranged.
You wont find anything like this at RADA or drama school.
Some of the memorisation techniques are my mis-interpretations of what I’ve heard from celebrities. None of which I am prepared to list right here.
Whether you are preparing for a Hollywood audition, a short film, or a school play. I urge you, get our your notepad and be ready to be enlightened.
Tips from the Best! Perhaps I have the golden nugget of ideas somewhere in here…
1. Don’t ever learn a script hungover. As much as you may think being chilled is a good thing, the general flashbacks can make you interpret it somewhat differently (i.e. incorrectly) from your peers, which could lead to hot flashes or sweating. Not good.
Please kindly contrast this notion with the opposite side of the inebriation process:
2. Do enjoy a glass of wine or other beverage of choice as you read, and do feel free to learn scripts in pubs. Rumour has it that some of the greatest performances were learnt that way… Anyways a glass of red in moderation is good for you.
Please don’t try to be clever and interpret this to mean 7 days’ worth in one day.
Whatever she said!
3. Decisively disregard anything you may have learned about research methods.
Just take your brain back to childhood and take everything at face value. If you were a smart kid, try to dumb yourself down. A lot.
I got into a bit of a Q + A discussion with Tom Hollander talking about something similar at a Masterclass. I think I remember him agreeing, I can’t quite remember…
4. Try to recite the script as you are doing something incredibly physical and get that blood pumping. This is best done in public. I.e. on the train, as you walk to work, etc. People are likely to think you belong in a mental institution, but one must not have any shame in this regard.
5. Play games at script read-throughs and recitals. The stranger the better. The phrase “Keep it simple, stupid!” doesn’t really apply in this case…
6. Set mental challenges. More specifically, may I suggest that you try reciting the script in every accent imaginable. Even those that don’t exist or close to extinction, including cockney.
7. Try reading the entire thing backwards as quickly as possible.
8. Try reading it whilst juggling oranges.
9. Think about it immediately after any sexual or near-sexual experiences.
10. Sing it as you dance around in your underwear in your room.
And lastly…
11. Write F-Y-O-U on your toes, and hope for the best!
Remember, embrace your inner creative spirit, and kick ass! If in doubt, wing it!
Melissa Jean Woodside is a London based actress. For this and more info visit www.mjwoodside.com.
