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The majority of actors auditioning for commercials believe that they must memorize the copy in order to do their best audition. I believe that the opposite is often the case. With more than two lines of dialogue, I have seen the actor's determination to have the material memorized and not look at the cue card hurt their auditions. How many times have you been sure you had memorized the material and didn't? Also, when actors focus on memorizing they usually lock in line a reading, which hurts instinctual interpretation. Cue cards were instituted to assist and take the pressure off. When you are adept at using them, they are a big help.
I do recommend that you memorize the first and last line and only as much as you can organically memorize while prepping the material. It is important to have eye contact at the start and finish. Then feel free to look at the lines whenever needed. Most agree that it is a good idea but have difficulty trusting themselves and the process.
The four main reasons that actors feel compelled to memorize scripts:
- When "off book" they will do better auditions
- If they look at the cue cards, it breaks the flow and puts them in their head
- Those watching the tape will think less of them
- With scenes or long copy, they will lose their place on the cue card
I truly believe that all four are either fallacies or not good reasons for professionals and this is why:
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It seems easy to memorize material when preparing commercial scripts at home or in the waiting room. Yet when being taped inside the casting room, most will forget some lines. Many actors are so sure they know the script; they take a few seconds to try to remember instead of just checking the card. These moments, when actors struggle to recall their dialogue, will put them in their head and often spoil the flow of their audition. Taking the moment to glance at the card actually helps the flow.
- When the "powers that be" watch the tape/dvd of the auditions, they have no judgment when actors look at the cards. They expect it and accept it as part of the audition. They focus mainly on performances, types, believability and looks.
- Because the dialogue on the cue cards is rarely written the same way it
appears on the script, it can be difficult to quickly adjust. This is a real issue for many. So here's a tip that should help.
When you get a good deal of copy, write it out three of four times, -each version laid out differently. Each time you rehearse look at a different version so you don't get locked into seeing the dialogue only one way. This should help you to adjust to the copy on the cue card.
The more you use cue cards the better you become at using them effectively. If you are hesitant, practice. Buy a very large paper pad then write out copy on a page. (If you need copy, find short advertisements in magazines.) Write it our several ways on an 8 X 10 paper then prepare your audition. When ready, use the cue cards as if it were an audition. If you have a camera, work with it. If not, draw a big black dot on a piece of paper, hang it up and use it like a camera.
Instead of using your prep time memorizing, do your acting work. Focus on the "who", "what", "where" and "why" acting investigation then you will understand what you are saying and why. This will enhance the quality of your audition while you the words.
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