One of the worst things an actor can do is to forget his or her lines. However, it's not as uncommon as some may be led to believe. Forgetting your lines is fine, as long as you keep your composure. As they say, the show must go on! Here are some tips in order to handle these situations:
Practice regularly
To address the problem before it arises, practice is key. Rehearse your lines alone or with a partner so you can be confident about knowing your lines. Sometimes, confidence is all you need to overcome stage fright and help you deliver your lines smoothly.
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Keep calm and don't panic
Obviously, this is easier said than done but it's sound advice. Panicking will get you nowhere and will only alert the audience of your blunder. Instead, take a deep breath and think about your next line.
Ad lib
A good habit to practice is ad lib. You don't have to say the lines in your script verbatim, especially in cases where you forget them. If you find yourself struggling for the exact words, c0nsider rephrasing your lines or doing an ad lib to avoid dead air on stage.
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Move
Find an excuse to walk around or do something on stage while thinking of the lines you've forgotten. Walking on stage will give the illusion that you know what you're doing rather than forgetting what your lines are.
Hell there! I am Joshua B. Eaves, a big fan of theater and the Blue Man Group. Subscribe to my blog for more stories about stage plays and other related topics.
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