Off-book isn't scary...

Off-book date is coming up on Monday, Oct. 9th. Let's talk about what it really means. It's actually pretty simple: you no longer need the script to rehearse. You know your lines, even if you may not yet know exactly where you'll be standing on stage to deliver those lines.

Why so early, you might ask? For one, it gives the coaches a chance to help anyone who needs a bit of extra help memorizing their part. It also makes it a LOT easier to practice blocking and choreography if no one is carrying their scripts.

What if you're worried about knowing your lines? There are couple of things you can do:

• Run lines with someone. It's extra helpful if you practice with your fellow scene mates.
• Write your lines out by hand. Writing lines out by hand forces the mind to connect to the action of writing the lines down and seeing the lines. 
• Quiz yourself. Take things one line at a time, using a scrap piece of paper to cover up everything but one line. Continue to read the same line over and over again. Then, try reciting the line without looking at it.
• Go for a walk or take a nap. While resting, information just processed moves from short-term memory to long-term recall, making it possible to recall things easier. 
• Use a mnemonic device. Try writing down the first letter of every word in the line. Then, look at those letters to help jog the memory of the line.
• Learn the cue lines. By knowing the lines read by one actor that lead into another, actors will be more prompt and can deliver their lines in a timely fashion. 

One of the coaches will always be right out front in the pit to prompt you. And there's always a member of stage crew with a script in the wings who can also prompt you. And, if you're really worried, just let Mrs. Knight know and we can figure out a way to hide your lines in a prop or on the stage somewhere.

So keep working on your lines. The more you go over them, the more comfortable you'll be saying them on stage when the curtain goes up!