Guthrie Theater

OK, so usually when someone finds out I'm an actor his or her first reaction is, "Oh God!  How do you do it? ... I mean, how do you LEARN ALL THOSE LINES?"

Ahh... memorization.

Well, here's the truth. And exposing it will probably end my career. Upon entering the field of professional acting we are entrusted with a secret incantation by our new family of the Brotherhood of the Boards (aw hell, brotherhood, sisterhood... whatever gets you the job).  After uttering these words one need only look at the words one time and they are committed to the deepest part of your subconscious and speaking them comes easier than breathing.

Or...

The real answer: work.

I haven't started rehearsals yet for 9 Parts of Desire, but have been trying to go over the words as often as I can. Some folks write it out, some folks type it, some folks record their lines, one person I knew snapped a rubber band on his wrist as he memorized with the belief that pain will help him remember. Usually we do what anyone would do when you have to memorize.  You go over and over it.  Again and again.

I came up with an analogy for the necessary evil that is memorization that may be fitting:  Memorizing is like all the taping you have to do before painting.  You want desperately to dip that brand new brush into the tempting gallon of celestial blue or Damascus ochre, but first you have to tape out the window panes, and sockets and vents and plastic tarp and all.  Who actually likes this prep? (Besides the suspiciously happy people on HGTV shows?)  No one I know. But when you get to the painting part ... it's all the more satisfying, right?

But, all this memorization talk is getting me antsy, so I'm gonna go back to my script and blog more later.  Thanks for keeping me company!!!

Kate