Summarize this article:

so you can remember your lines. Start with small sections of the script, working on areas that have the same emotional charge to them. Perfect the line by repeating it and remembering a visual that is represented in the lines. Continue working on line memorization until you've perfected a whole scene. Exercise regularly and have a diet rich in omega-3s to help encourage memory improvement. Associate the line with any movements you would make during that scene. That way, you have mental cues to help guide you. Take frequent breaks. Every time you sit down to start memorization again, try to repeat the lines you were practicing where you left off. Since members of an audience may be sitting rows away, work on enunciating your words clearly and loudly. Stay away from cigarettes, alcohol, and anything that dehydrates your vocal cords and prevents you from performing. If you're acting for film, pay attention to the mood of the scene. You don't want to be loud and projecting while everyone else is sad. Projecting your voice is not the same as yelling. Breathe from your diaphragm to get the most depth and volume from your voice. Practice reading out loud in different voices and accents to have more versatility as an actor. If you can, watch videos of people speaking in the dialect you're practicing to see how their mouth moves when they articulate their words. If you can, talk to a native speaker of the dialect you're practicing so you can notice small details you may not have picked up before Hire a dialect coach if possible to help get you started. Look over scripts and determine the main emotions of the scene. Whatever your character is supposed to be feeling at that moment, make sure your performance conveys it. For example, if your character is sad, you may be more soft-spoken and use fewer hand gestures than an overly-excited character. The emotional state of the scene also helps you remember your lines since you will associate the dialogue of the scene with what you're feeling. Begin emoting with your entire face and using gestures so the audience will understand what your character is feeling. Work on other skills, like dancing, singing, and choreography to help round out your skills and make you more marketable. Stage combat classes can show you how to fight convincingly without getting injured. Knowing how to do it can open up a number of roles, in both plays and musicals. Take dance classes. The more skills you have, the more versatile you are and the more likely you are to land roles. Do something out of the ordinary. Any skills that most other performers don't have may pay off in the long-run, so keep up your hobbies. Though it's possible to act without a formal education, if you don't live in LA or New York, this is a pretty standard go-to option. You'll get exposure to the pros, learn about techniques, and get automatic chances to work on a stage. This will also help you build your resume, get exposure, and set up a network of colleagues and contacts. Your teachers will constantly be pushing you to do more, practically taking care of the motivation part for you. Acting school isn't required to be a professional actor. As long as you continue honing your craft and practicing, you could become the next star. Some of these can be intensive enough that you'll learn months worth of material in a period of 2 to 3 weeks. You can be involved in multiple shows doing multiple roles and possibly even get stipends for your work. If you're stuck with a job or in school that keeps you from being able to attend these, make sure you're always reading and researching your craft. Go to shows, read up on theory, and expose yourself to new ideas and schools of thought. Contact your local theatre to see if they have any special events or seminars coming up that you could attend. If you're interested in stage theatre, summer stock is a great way to get started and it only runs during the summer. Plays, musicals, and even operas get put up in a matter of weeks all throughout the country and offer very valuable life experience. Find an audition near you in the spring to gear up for the season once school's out. Look at your local theatres to see what shows they're putting on. Winning a role in a community theater production will put you in contact with others who are polishing their craft just like you and garner you more experience. You'll also get a better idea of where you stand in relation to the competition. Consider working a role backstage if the shows they're playing don't interest you. Even if you're not looking to work for the stage or do straight plays or musicals, any experience in the field of drama looks good on your resume and will teach you things you didn't know. And you'll make friends, too! Look for a coach with a lot of industry experience and connections. Your coach can give you the personal attention you need to tackle your weak spots as well as polish what you do well. Always ask your connections for help on finding a coach. Talk to the staff and faculty at the school you attend or a theatre you've worked with. Someone will surely know somebody that can hook you up with what you're looking for. Find someone with experience in multiple fields so you can train and get pointers in a few different areas.
Improve your memory Work on projecting your voice. Work on different dialects. Channel your emotions into the role. Work on your stage skills. Study acting at a university or an arts academy. Attend summer camps, acting workshops, or summer stock in your area. Practice acting in community theater. Hire an acting coach to help you with your technique.