Don’t Advertise, Improvise!
Keys to Effective Memorization
I was Jonathan Livingston Seagull!
I was 15, and landed the lead role in a recital theater adaptation of the book. The play had a nice little run that went well…except for one night in the final scene.
At the end of the scene, I had a line summarizing the play’s message to my protégé, Fletcher, after which, Fletcher gave his final line. I was then supposed to deliver my last line…..and I couldn’t remember it.
My last line was supposed to be Fletcher’s impetus to leave the stage, but I didn’t have it. Without the line, he didn’t know what to do. He stood there stammering and gesticulating spasmodically. Thankfully, I remembered the first rule of stagecraft and stood there calmly smiling my beatific “Jonathan” smile. His panic was such that everyone in the audience knew HE had blown his line when, in fact, it was me.
Finally in exasperation, he left the stage, which was the light tech’s cue to fade to black and the play was over. It would be putting it mildly to say he was somewhat upset with me backstage after the show.
So what is the first rule of stagecraft? Never let them see you sweat. If you forget, chances are the only one who knows it is you. So don’t advertise, improvise!
Tomorrow, I will beginning revealing the 5 keys to effective memorization. If you have a job or a hobby that puts you in front of people, these are great ideas to improve your memory of what you want to say.
