How to Memorize a Shakespearean Monologue

culled from:wikihow.com

Steps

1

Choose a monologue. Make sure that you can relate to it and that you feel connected to the character. Understand the story that is being portrayed in the play.

1. 
   2
   Translate your chosen monologue into modern English. It helps to memorize old English when you know exactly what you are saying. If there is anything you don't understand, don't be afraid to look it up. You will look like a huge dork if you perform it and you don't know what you are saying. Understanding it's meaning will also help you memorize it faster.
2. 
   3
   Go through the monologue and write down what your objectives are and what tactics your character might use to get what they want. Study this and take in to consideration what you want to do to bring these tactics and needs to life.
3. 
   4
   Mark where the beats start and stop in the piece. Write the different emotions during each beat and how tactics change during your monologue. Let's say your character wants something out of someone. Their first tactic might be yelling at them, but then their second tactic might be asking nicely. Once you know exactly what you are going to do for each beat, you are ready to move on.
4. 
   5
   Read the monologue out loud. Do not just mumble it under your breath or read it silently to yourself. Read it out loud again and try changing your acting choices. While portraying Shylock from Merchant of Venice (the monologue when he talks about revenge) you might try talking quietly and intensely so as to stick to your point but the second time you might grow louder every time you list something.
5. 
   6
   If you need more help memorizing, try writing down the part you keep fumbling over. Just by writing and thinking of the words, you help improve your memory of the monologue.
6. 
   7
   Tape yourself reciting the monologue and listen to it. Listening to yourself speak will help you find out flaws in you speech which you can then improve on. Listening to it constantly will also help you memorize it.