Memory and Test Preparation Strategies for Theatre

Memory Strategies

Flash Cards

Flash cards may be used to memorize acting lines (K. Buchanan, CAL). Write the lines or passages to be memorized on cards, using different colors to indicate words the student adds, omits, mispronounces, or changes.

Test Preparation

In theatre courses, tests may be given in written form and/or students may be tested on performance. Strategies for preparing for these two types of tests vary somewhat and are described below.

Written Tests

Study Guides

Study guides provide a concise summary of what you must learn for an exam. Look through both the lecture notes and the readings to compile information for the study guide. Make study guides for each chapter and/or unit. The material on the study guide may be organized by topic or by type of information (terms, concepts, people, dates, etc). An example of a chapter study guide organized by topic is shown here.

Show Me An Example of a Chapter Study Guide

Performance Tests

Study Groups

One of the best ways to practice for performance tests is with other students, who provide feedback and constructive criticism to the actor.

Tape Recordings

For performance tests, students can use cassette recorders to tape themselves saying their acting lines (K. Buchanan, CAL). Style, accuracy, and diction may be evaluated by the student, study group members, tutors, and instructors.

Video Recordings

As hand-held video recorders become more common, it is more feasible to make a video recording of your performance in order to self-evaluate both audio and visual (appearance, movement, gestures, etc.) aspects of the performance. People other than the actor may be asked to provide feedback on the performance.