Tips for memorizing dialogue

El Gato Negro said:
So I rephrase my comment. These are the methods and techniques that work for "me"!
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Even I can handle that comment.

I simply base my thoughts on the matter from spending over 30 years as a working actor in every medium and 25 of them teaching acting for camera work as high as the University and Pro level. I did do theatre too...for a lot more than 5 years. I stand by my method as one of the best methods for any actor in any media because I do teach it and see it work for the vast 'majority' of the thousands I have taught over the years.

But if that works for you...I get it...and I even support it. I really do think every actor has to discover what works for them over time.

The guy who started this thread is working with very young people who don't have serious training or theatre backgrounds. So I offered my information based on what works in that particular situation and for 'most' situations.

I felt it would give him the best chances because they are kids and don't even know how to build characters yet.

I based my answers on the question that started the thread because I was 100% certain it would work for what he is trying to do.

Thank you for clarifying your comment. I think that was very cool of you. Name dropping..not so much. I could name directors and actors I have worked with that would blow your mind but I never do that here or anywhere....

PS I am almost 50 and i started doing professional theatre at 12...math says you have not been alive as long as I have done this. that is why I get miffed when people who have not devoted their life to it offer answers to questions like this!
 
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Michele Seidman said:
Even I can handle that comment.

I simply base my thoughts on the matter from spending over 30 years as a working actor in every medium and 25 of them teaching acting for camera work as high as the University and Pro level. I did do theatre too...for a lot more than 5 years. I stand by my method as one of the best methods for any actor in any media because I do teach it and see it work for the vast 'majority' of the thousands I have taught over the years.

But if that works for you...I get it...and I even support it. I really do think every actor has to discover what works for them over time.

The guy who started this thread is working with very young people who don't have serious training or theatre backgrounds. So I offered my information based on what works in that particular situation and for 'most' situations.

I felt it would give him the best chances because they are kids and don't even know how to build characters yet.

I based my answers on the question that started the thread because I was 100% certain it would work for what he is trying to do.

Thank you for clarifying your comment. I think that was very cool of you. Name dropping..not so much. I could name directors and actors I have worked with that would blow your mind but I never do that here or anywhere....

PS I am almost 50 and i started doing professional theatre at 12...math says you have not been alive as long as I have done this. that is why I get miffed when people who have not devoted their life to it offer answers to questions like this!
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Only reason I had to drop names was to add validity and evidence to my experience. I think what started your negative assumption of me was that you were under the impressive i was some student filmmaker or a novice. In my opinion anybody who has worked on their craft for a least 10 years is there for a reason. That being said I will end this with a David Mamet quote "“Always tell the truth - it's the easiest thing to remember”...
 
El Gato Negro said:
Only reason I had to drop names was to add validity and evidence to my experience. I think what started your negative assumption of me was that you were under the impressive i was some student filmmaker or a novice. In my opinion anybody who has worked on their craft for a least 10 years is there for a reason. That being said I will end this with a David Mamet quote "“Always tell the truth - it's the easiest thing to remember”...
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It might help if any of your links on your profile lead to web sites that actually went somewhere!

My assumption was NOT that you had never done a thing...my assumption was that you have not done this as your life blood for nearly as long as I have. My assumption was YOU do not teach these skills and understand what works most often. My assumption was that if you really paid attention to the question you might have noted he was dealing with kids.

Please read what I originally posted about people teaching skills they have not spent their life doing before YOU assume what I meant.

I also get miffed when people use fake screen names that do not allow themselves to be researched to prove they do know what they are talking about. I don't hide...I stick my neck out. I take risks doing it but I am willing to stick my neck out.

I can assume you are not willing to put your name on the line because you don't use your real name and you don't have links that lead to the imdb or the bwdb or any other legit film or theatre resume. You may have them...but you don't stick your neck out and risk the 'truth' as you so boldly put it.

Want to be truthful as Mament pointed out...then live it don't quote it!
 
Michele Seidman said:
Even I can handle that comment.

I simply base my thoughts on the matter from spending over 30 years as a working actor in every medium and 25 of them teaching acting for camera work as high as the University and Pro level. I did do theatre too...for a lot more than 5 years. I stand by my method as one of the best methods for any actor in any media because I do teach it and see it work for the vast 'majority' of the thousands I have taught over the years.

But if that works for you...I get it...and I even support it. I really do think every actor has to discover what works for them over time.

The guy who started this thread is working with very young people who don't have serious training or theatre backgrounds. So I offered my information based on what works in that particular situation and for 'most' situations.

I felt it would give him the best chances because they are kids and don't even know how to build characters yet.

I based my answers on the question that started the thread because I was 100% certain it would work for what he is trying to do.

Thank you for clarifying your comment. I think that was very cool of you. Name dropping..not so much. I could name directors and actors I have worked with that would blow your mind but I never do that here or anywhere....

PS I am almost 50 and i started doing professional theatre at 12...math says you have not been alive as long as I have done this. that is why I get miffed when people who have not devoted their life to it offer answers to questions like this!
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Michele Seidman said:
It might help if any of your links on your profile lead to web sites that actually went somewhere!

My assumption was NOT that you had never done a thing...my assumption was that you have not done this as your life blood for nearly as long as I have. My assumption was YOU do not teach these skills and understand what works most often. My assumption was that if you really paid attention to the question you might have noted he was dealing with kids.

Please read what I originally posted about people teaching skills they have not spent their life doing before YOU assume what I meant.

I also get miffed when people use fake screen names that do not allow themselves to be researched to prove they do know what they are talking about. I don't hide...I stick my neck out. I take risks doing it but I am willing to stick my neck out.

I can assume you are not willing to put your name on the line because you don't use your real name and you don't have links that lead to the imdb or the bwdb or any other legit film or theatre resume. You may have them...but you don't stick your neck out and risk the 'truth' as you so boldly put it.

Want to be truthful as Mament pointed out...then live it don't quote it!
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So much for being civil. Well, your comments are a testament to your tackiness and your vindictive nature. In the end the truth always comes out. I have been on DVXuser for over 2 years now and have never encountered any negative vibes from any of my colleagues. After seeing your imdb the majority of your roles have been walk-ins, bit part or day player. Which I respect and I am sure you earned them. So have I. That was the point I was trying to make with anybody who has been in the biz for over 10 years. You started as a actor and now a acting coach. I started as an actor and now a 1st/2nd AD. So if it took you more than 30 years of acting, training, working to finally land that perfect role it would be worth all the struggles and heartache you had to endure right? It's the same for me. All of my theatre experience, PA jobs, grip & AD will finally take me to my final destination to finally direct my first feature film. I have earned the right to put my 2 cents when it comes to all aspects of production and I don't have to justify it to anybody.

And as for my credits you are more than welcome to verify them in the San Antonio Film Commission. Which are verified by the film commissioner.

http://www.visitsanantonio.com/film/FilmProductionManual.aspx just type in my name. All of my contact info is there (phone, email etc). My site is down for nonpayment its called NET 30 and once its up you are more than welcome to check my site and blog (which has countless links, photos & videos on the productions I have worked on.) Here is the link to my only IMDB credit since they don't post commercial spots and music videos. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1230114/fullcredits#cast

It's unfortunate that you had to be immature and arrogant. I was only trying to show you mutual respect but that is out the window. It's pointless to try to have a debate with someone so unprofessional.

Here is my name Jesus Sifuentes
 
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Wow, guys. Don't eat eachother now :)

I'm very thankful for the advice given in this thread. I had the kids read the pages through again and again, and then again as emotionless as possible. Basically they spent almost as much time memorizing these lines as we did shooting them, which is long for kids like these, with the attention-span of a gold fish.

But in the end I really think they learned that i pays off, and when we did it a second time on monday they were much more focused. It might actually be the most important thing they learn this year.

Oh, by the way, I feel all bad now. I'm trying to teach kids, and I never acted at all :) No seriously, I'm doing this because I got asked to, and the job is really more like animal wrangler than anything else :)
 
gi-jones said:
Wow, guys. Don't eat eachother now :)

I'm very thankful for the advice given in this thread. I had the kids read the pages through again and again, and then again as emotionless as possible. Basically they spent almost as much time memorizing these lines as we did shooting them, which is long for kids like these, with the attention-span of a gold fish.

But in the end I really think they learned that i pays off, and when we did it a second time on monday they were much more focused. It might actually be the most important thing they learn this year.

Oh, by the way, I feel all bad now. I'm trying to teach kids, and I never acted at all :) No seriously, I'm doing this because I got asked to, and the job is really more like animal wrangler than anything else :)
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That's awesome Gi-jones! I know what you mean I volunteered a few times for the YMCA teaching teenagers ( they have all the traits of actors; indifference, attitude and ADD) filmmaking. If you can work with kids you can definitely work with professional actors :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG) Maybe some of my suggestions are to heavy for the little ones. Did you do any improv? Theatre games?

P.S. I didn't intend a flaming war so excuse my temperament.
 
I was neither being vindictive or spiteful. I stated fact and you assumed my words were being typed like I was yelling at you or talking down to you when all I was doing was stating fact and opinion.

Your sites were closed. You were behind a nick name and not your real name and you read my IMDB wrong. They were not all walk ons and you ignored my other acting page where I am able to list indie that imdb won't post. You have also never seen my teaching resume, casting resume, agency resume, producing resume, nor are you aware that I walked away from fame over 20 years ago. Nor are you aware that I left NYC because my mother was dying and I would do it again and again.

NOR are you aware that MY goal was NEVER to be famous but to act and help others.

I do what I love out of love. I try to answer thread questions based on what is asked.

I was NOT being tacky but right now I will be...I will put my imdb and other resumes up against your 1 imdb credit on the imdb any day of the week. Oh yes...did I forget to mentioned I started and ran a film program for a college too! I have helped thousands of people get in this business including directors, actors and producers and have resumes on imdb that are more than 1 credit. And no...I am not going to give out names to prove something. I find THAT tacky.

Thanks for not hiding anymore. At least I know you have some guts...but don't get all crappy with me because I seriously try to teach the skill the person needs and asks for based on the situation and then get miffed when some one comes along and gets pompous and uses all the $10 words in their aresenal to help guide little kids!

I am old enough to be your Mother and you act like you know more. Based on age alone...you can't. Sorry if that makes you think the worst of my words but THAT is truth.

gi'jones....sorry. did not mean to get like this but i really do care a great deal about guiding new talent in the direction THEY need at the time THEY need it.

My typed words do not 'sound' like they do when spoken so some people assume the worst. I don't blame them...but darned if I will be attacked again and again. Now I see why so many of the original members seldom post anymore. When they tell the hard truth...people get up in arms.

ElGato, you might be surprised how much I could teach you. You might be surprised to know that even if you are a jerk to me I would still help you. I am starting to think you would not do the same. But thank goodness I am where I want to be and doing what I want to do, so I don't need your help.
 
Michele I send you a virtual hug & make you a virtual cup of tea with virtual honey and rub your shoulders and whisper gentley in your ear "Let it go, you have so many more important things that you can give your valuable energy to" ...


El Gato ... You seem like a nice guy be the gentleman your wonderful Mother raised you to be and apologize to the Lady... whatever is the issue it has gotten way out of hand and doesnt matter anymore ... Shake & be friends now, life is too short.


DogDay.
 
Maybe some of my suggestions are to heavy for the little ones. Did you do any improv? Theatre games?
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It was really hard to explain, just the basic thing about reading without emotion. Actual character-stuff is way out of their league for now. Also I wouldn't be qualified to teach something like that at all. We did a lot of impro, but mostly it's about exploring how it feels to be in front of a camera.


gi'jones....sorry. did not mean to get like this but i really do care a great deal about guiding new talent in the direction THEY need at the time THEY need it.
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Don't worry. I'd take you advice any day.
 
DogDay said:
Michele I send you a virtual hug & make you a virtual cup of tea with virtual honey and rub your shoulders and whisper gentley in your ear "Let it go, you have so many more important things that you can give your valuable energy to" ...


El Gato ... You seem like a nice guy be the gentleman your wonderful Mother raised you to be and apologize to the Lady... whatever is the issue it has gotten way out of hand and doesnt matter anymore ... Shake & be friends now, life is too short.


DogDay.
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aww Dog...you are so sweet. El Gato does not owe me an apology if he simply took my first post wrong. I will take the hits. My post was a bit directed at him...well not exactly him but many folks who offer info not based on the question at hand. So, if he took it personal he has more than a right!

I will defend his right like I would anyone!

gi-jones said:
It was really hard to explain, just the basic thing about reading without emotion. Actual character-stuff is way out of their league for now. Also I wouldn't be qualified to teach something like that at all. We did a lot of impro, but mostly it's about exploring how it feels to be in front of a camera.



Don't worry. I'd take you advice any day.
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gi-jones...

glad to help and you can send me question onthe private messages if you ever need me. i love kids a ton and they do take a little different style than adults do.

ElGato...please don't be concerned that I harbor an ill will. I speak my mind and then let it go! It is only if I hold it back I start to stew....lol..then stand back one and all....ha ha ha!
 
Michele Seidman said:
aww Dog...you are so sweet. El Gato does not owe me an apology if he simply took my first post wrong. I will take the hits. My post was a bit directed at him...well not exactly him but many folks who offer info not based on the question at hand. So, if he took it personal he has more than a right!

I will defend his right like I would anyone!



gi-jones...

glad to help and you can send me question onthe private messages if you ever need me. i love kids a ton and they do take a little different style than adults do.

ElGato...please don't be concerned that I harbor an ill will. I speak my mind and then let it go! It is only if I hold it back I start to stew....lol..then stand back one and all....ha ha ha!
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hey you're fine looking! let's hook up!:kiss:
 
DogDay said:
Spoken like a Wise & Just Queen ...


DogDay.
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lol..don't know about that Dog but sweet of you to say. just very aware that my typed words do not always come across the same was as when i speak them. it would be very easy for a person who does not know me to take them all wrong. in that...maybe i am wise!

but Queen....nah...more like the Queens right hand lady in waiting...ha ha ha. remember..i walked away from fame and help others...

years ago I saw a t-shirt...the only one I never bought that i still wish i had....and it read:

"Best Supporting Actress in Life"

That WOULD be me...heart of gold with a big mouth...ha ha ha


kimko said:
hey you're fine looking! let's hook up!:kiss:
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ummm...lets not and say we did....lol....but then I don't do long distance!
 
lol kimko....exactly how did you expect to wine and dine me from over 2000 miles away? unless you have a private jet and can visit me or send it to pick me up it was going to be kind of difficult!
 
would you settle for a motorcycle ride, some liverwurst on saltines followed by some gallo wine if i'm out thataway?
 
lol...no....sushi and i'll meet you there. figuring from your picture on your profile it may not be safe on the back of your bike...plus i used to ride and don't like riding on the back anymore.

no more off topic smart butt! you and quirk! lol
 
Sometimes learning one way makes it difficult to learn a better way because it becomes habitual. Children are capable of much more learning than adults in many ways so teaching them the correct way is not always beyond them. I suppose it makes it difficult if you've been charged with the position of teaching but have had no experience at this field.

Understanding the material is the first step and knowing what the writer is trying to say is imperative. If you know what the message is in the piece or what the writer is getting at, then learning lines becomes more natural. You should develop your characters and involve your imagination to create a visual of what you are describing, and then the lines (if they are written well) should appear more apparent and seem to make sense...If you really know what you are saying and have a mental or visual reference for it you will retain them much more easily. I see way to many auditions, performances etc. where it is obvious that the actor really has no idea what the scene entails..they just know the lines. That is not acting. You don't have to be an actor to memorize lines or to read so teaching them to learn their lines (and how to learn their lines) will be far more beneficial to them.

This is a highly simplified way of answering such a difficult question because teaching and acting are not skills that can really be fully taught on a forum or on a thread. Hopefully it is somewhat useful...

Best,
Stan Harrington
 
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