Once you have uncovered the meaning of a script, and have read its pages numerous times, you must then begin to switch your concentration from the entire story to your character alone. As a creative artist, actors typically find the process of developing and cultivating their character to be a pleasurable experience. However, far too many actors tend to rush into this process before they spend time getting to know the script, its meaning/super-objective and the idiosyncrasies of the other characters.
As an actor, you must carefully approach the process of memorization to ensure you do not hinder the natural progression of your character’s development.
Memorization
After you have successfully analyzed all scenes within the script, created subtext for your character and have performed a character autobiography you may then begin the process of memorization. This topic is a hot one among directors as many directors feel that actors should memorize their lines before starting to work on internal subtext or inner images, while others insist their actors wait until the bulk of character development is accomplished to begin the memorization process.
In my professional opinion, I feel that if you rush into the memorization aspect of character development you will actually hinder your artistic flow, and potentially sabotage the emotional depths of the character.
I have found that after you have completed your internal subtext, monologues and images based on the actual text, you will be able to easily memorize your lines – that is, the vocal lines of your character will come naturally when the internal lines are solidified.
Once you begin the process of memorizing your lines, it is important that you stick to the written words. You owe this to many people; mainly, the scriptwriter, the production staff and your fellow actors. It is important to focus on memorizing your dialogue exactly as it is written. This process can take a lot of time, depending on your memorization skills; however, once accomplished you will be able to provide a truthful representation of the scriptwriters work while simultaneously supporting the believability and weight of your fellow actor’s dialogue.