Stop Memorizing Your Lines

Be Undeniable and Ready for "Action!"
1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-032-85786-2
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 240 Seiten, Format (B × H): 156 mm x 234 mm

Reihe: Routledge Advances in Theatre & Performance Studies

In Stop Memorizing Your Lines, acclaimed Director and Acting coach Loren E. Chadima introduces an innovative methodology tailored precisely for the rapid demands of contemporary acting work.

Unlike traditional methods that assume weeks of rehearsal time, Chadima's system equips actors to deliver compelling performances with less than 24 hours notice. This practical guide distils the wisdom of Stanislavsky, Strasburg, Meisner, and other masters into nine essential questions that form a repeatable framework for authentic character development. Through this scientific approach, actors learn to internalize rather than merely memorizing lines, creating performances that stand out in self-tapes and on set. Chadima's students have secured roles alongside industry heavyweights in projects featured on major streaming platforms, studio films, and prestigious film festivals—all by applying these nine transformative questions.

This book is perfect for working actors, acting students, and performers seeking to elevate their acting and audition success in today's competitive digital casting landscape.

Zielgruppe

Professional Practice & Development and Professional Training

Autoren/Hrsg.

Chadima, Loren E.

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Theater- und Filmwissenschaft | Andere Darstellende Künste Filmwissenschaft, Fernsehen, Radio
• Geisteswissenschaften Theater- und Filmwissenschaft | Andere Darstellende Künste Theaterwissenschaft Schauspieltechnik, Theaterpädagogik
• Geisteswissenschaften Theater- und Filmwissenschaft | Andere Darstellende Künste Theaterwissenschaft Theatergeschichte

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Students Testimonials

Acknowledgements

INTRODUCTION

An Introduction: How I went from throwing up before an audition to a standing ovation

Chapter 1

The problem with memorizing lines by rote first

Chapter 2

What is technique and what does it have to do with memorizing lines?

THE 9 QUESTIONS OF INTENTIONAL ACTING

THE 9 QUESTIONS

Chapter 3

Question #1: What is the scene about?

Chapter 4

Question #2: How do I relate to my character in the scene? What would it be like if it happened to me?

QUIZ #1

Chapter 5

Question #3: What is the experience in the scene?

Chapter 6: Intention

Question #4: What do you want the other person to do or say?

Chapter 7: Intention Part 2

Question #4: What do you want the other person to do or say?

Chapter 8: Motivation

Question #5: Why do I need my intention right now?

Chapter 9

Question #6: What’s at stake if I don’t get what I need?

QUIZ #2

Chapter 10

Question #7: What am I listening for?

Chapter 11

Question #8: Who’s the most important person in the scene?

Chapter 12

Question #9: How can doing this scene benefit me?

Chapter 13

No. You still can’t memorize your lines. Beat it out!

Chapter 14

Now can I practice my lines? Internalization vs. Memorization

QUIZ #3

WHAT’S NEXT?

Chapter 15

Drop the Script, The Teleprompter, The Ear Prompt and Your Plan:

How to Practice the 9 Questions

Chapter 16

Assessment: How to pick your best take and be UNDENIABLE!.

Chapter 17

A new way to be an Undeniable Actor

APPENDIX

About the Author

Quiz Answers

To The Parents/Guardians of Young Actors

The 9 Questions Template - Example

End Notes

Index

Über Autor(innen)

Loren E. Chadima is an award-winning acting coach, filmmaker, and actor. She is recognized as one of the "Best Acting Coaches in the U.S." and the creator of The 9 Questions of Intentional Acting, her methods have played a pivotal role in helping hundreds of performers to work alongside renown actors in major films and television.