Now Can I Practice My Lines? Internalization vs. Memorization

I think it’s best that you hear from a working actor in Hollywood how internalizing lines can calm your nerves and make you undeniable and ready for “Action!” Here’s Crystal’s story about preparing for a producer casting session on Zoom. She was auditioning for a recurring role on a network television show: Everything seemed to go wrong right before the audition. I had some unexpected internet issues that caused me to log into the Producer zoom session nearly twenty minutes late. Panic set in as I worried about my performance and how being late could potentially affect my professional relationship with the Casting Director and Producers, as well as my chances of booking the job. I remember frantically asking my husband to help me fix the internet problem and to get online. Feeling the weight of the situation on my shoulders, the thought of being late, although I was fully prepared, was overwhelming. When I finally logged in, the Casting Director greeted me with such warmth and friendliness, which helped soothe my anxiety. However, I was eager to dive straight into the work, wanting to ensure that I didn’t lose everything I had prepared: the scenes were extremely dialogue heavy and just before the Producer session, casting had sent a message emphasizing the importance of getting the scenes in one take, as that’s what is expected on set. Instead of diving right into the scene, the Casting Director delayed by engaging me in a five-minute chat. When it came time to step into the character, I felt an unexpected ease wash over me. Instead of getting lost in the pressure of trying to remember my lines, I was fully engaged in the character’s journey and connection with the reader. I flowed through the dialogue naturally, and the scenes went incredibly well. It felt like everything clicked into place. My preparation through The 9 Questions showed up for me in a way I could not have imagined, helping me deliver a performance that was powerful and authentic. It turned out to be one of the best Producer sessions I’ve experienced! It became clear that Loren’s approach to learning the beats of the scene, instead of memorizing the dialogue, was pivotal in my performance. This technique helps Actors break down scenes into smaller, manageable units that focus on the emotional and physical shifts of the character. By concentrating on the beats, I was able to identify my character’s intentions and motivations within each moment, allowing me to navigate the dialogue with authenticity. If I had focused solely on memorizing my lines, I’m certain the pressure would have caused me to forget everything I had worked on. The Casting Director even mentioned that I’ve been on their radar since my last audition, which was the very first time I applied The 9 Questions and truly internalized my beats. Hearing that feedback was exhilarating! I am a working actor now, and I can confidently say that The 9 Questions of Intentional Acting technique works. ~ Crystal Porter Bazemore The reason I talk about internalization vs memorization is that you’re engaging multiple types of memory, allowing you to internalize not only the dialogue but the entire essence of the story. You’re not just memorizing lines—The 9 Questions incorporate the crucial principles of acting but also provide a step-by-step, efficient process for mastering your lines.