Being given a speaking part in a performance can be an amazing boost for your child’s confidence but the thought of learning lines might fill them (and you) with dread.
Don’t worry, there are lots of things you can do as a parent to help your child become word-perfect with their script so they can focus on enjoying themselves on stage.
Here are our top tips for helping children learn lines:
- Help them read through and understand the script
If your child isn’t a confident and fluent reader, being given a script might seem daunting at first. Read through it with them and help them with any tricky words, explaining what they mean if necessary. This is also a great opportunity to make sure they understand what their lines are actually about. Do they know what is happening in the scene? How would their character be feeling? Asking a few simple questions about your child’s lines will help them see them as more than just a collection of words which need to be memorised and make it easier for them to remember them.
- Remember the cue lines
Learning lines isn’t just about remembering what to say, it’s important your child knows WHEN they need to say it. In most shows, your child will be performing alongside others and will need to remember when the right moment to say each of their lines is. Help your child to learn their cue lines- that is the line someone else says just before they need to deliver theirs. The best way to help with this is to spend some time reading the cue lines to your child so they can get used to hearing them and practice responding with their line.
- Practice makes perfect
When it comes to learning lines, repetition really is key. The more your child practices their lines, the easier they will flow and saying them will become second nature. Practice saying your child’s lines to them and getting them to repeat them back to you while they are doing something else like going for a walk or helping with the washing up. Moving around actually helps when it comes to memory and also takes a bit of the pressure off.
- Highlight their script
Help your child to go through their script with a brightly coloured highlighter pen, marking all their lines. This will make it easier for them to find their lines when practicing but it will also encourage them to look at their part in the context of the whole performance.
- Make an audio recording
Some people are visual learners, while others find it easier to learn through listening. Recording the lines on a smartphone or tablet can be a really helpful way of familiarising your child with them. You can start by recording all of the lines and then do another recording of their cue lines with gaps for them to say their own lines so they can practice as they gain in confidence.
- Use visualisation
Encouraging your child to visualise what is happening in the scene, what the characters might look like and how they might behave can help them put their lines into context, which will help them to remember them. If there are actions which go with your child’s lines or they will be using some sort of prop, get them to incorporate these into their practice, even if it means improvising with some household objects!
- Have fun with rehearsals
Impromptu rehearsals with friends can be a great way of practicing lines in a way which is relaxed and fun. Of course, official rehearsals are extremely important too but informal practices with friends can be a great way of really mastering those lines.
Learning lines is one of many things children learn to do with Noodle Performance Arts. Our performing arts classes are suitable for children from walking age up and we give all our students regular opportunities to perform in front of an audience if they want to. Find out more here.