Jane Drake Brody: Acting teacher, casting director and director in Chicago, Illinois.

I walk around saying them on my own. Something about the walking and talking helps me. Then i have my neighbor (non actor) come over and be my reader. Nice to have non actor because I have no pressure to "perform". I can just play, create, try new things :)

I record the scenes I'm in and listen and repeat. It's like Meisner technique's , word repetition. Good luck, buddy.

Memory Theory would say that moving while memorizing is the best method. I also recommend trying to physicalize the images/nouns in the piece. Never memorize with interpretation, it hinders spontaneity, so memorize with very little voice or emphasis.

@Brad, it's unclear what kind of "getting in the door" you're referring to. I'm guessing maybe assistant jobs at the networks? 99% of the time, those jobs are not entry-level jobs. In short, you have to move to LA or NY. Intern, then get an entry-level desk assistant job at a major talent agency or management company. After a year at the agency, your second job can be a desk assistant job at a network. You must first move to LA or NY. Human Resources doesn't waste time meeting people in other locations who might or might not relocate to LA/NY.

So where is here now? Are you looking to re-locate? Otherwise, have you checked with your locate network affiliates or OnO's in the nearest major city. Maybe even a local PBS station or cable provider. Your mileage many vary...,but in every state that Cablevision operates in they have a news division, crews, studios, etc.

Brad, Chicago is an extremely busy theatre and film scene. Relocation seems vital. You will never get much work nor grow as an artist by staying where you are. I am unclear on what you want to do, but you can certainly start doing most jobs in Chicago.

T Y, You really need to be in a city before anyone will be willing to mess with you. In order to find agents, simply google, Chicago theatrical agents or go to the SAG webpage for a list. Same with CDs. Sending a P&R won't get you far.My book which gives all this info, The Actor's Business Plan will be released in October through Bloomsbury Press. It will be on Amazon. I looked at your reel and you have talent and charm. I still suggest that you get some training under your belt in order to be taken seriously. Without it, you may be cast in small roles, but will be stuck there. There is great training in NYC and in Chicago.

Thank you so much! I have training from NYC actors connection studio. My reel isn't yet updated. My most recent productions are still in post production. And I'll be looking for your book. I surely wouldn't mind supporting you! Thank you for your feedback

LA. My 2 cents. If you decide to come to LA I've got a whole video series on getting started here. Otherwise, hope your doing well in your decision/process and career. :)

I've always found the best way to learn lines is by getting up and performing it. Rehearsing the scenes on your feet will give you better muscle memory too.

Great suggestions, thanks everyone!

Just remember guys, Film/Tv acting is different then the stage. The camera picks up and reads our emotional activity, our vibrational emotion. If you are faking it or are not truthful in your moment then we can see it. That being said, if we work by memorizing Cue lines then we are not living in the moment but "ACTING" If we remember our lines only by rehearsal like the stage then our lines become like a song and began to sound the same every time like a Rhythm. TV/Film should be the first time every time. You can not try and strive to do the scene you see in your head, that again is just "ACTING" you want to be able to let go of all the work you have done on the scene and be completely present so that your dialogue is formed based on the content of the moment or the reply or the action. You must live moment to moment. Get specific in your work or you are just going to be another generic actor, that is good, but not great..

Regina is correct. However, if an agency is non SAG-AFTRA, which is common in smaller locales (and some "right-to-work"states and Missouri isn't one of them) their fees come out of whatever they negotiate on your behalf and how you are paid can vary. It's up to the agency to have back up talent in case of an unforeseeable event. Personally, if I had talent I couldn't rely on, they wouldn't remain with my agency. Years ago, I did know an agency who made available services, such as photography for updating your head shots and/or acting lessons, but that's negotiated separately and should be optional.

To Juli Tapken & other good hearts on Stage32: if ANYONE asks you for a FEE --- before they have helped you earn some new $$ --- then just RUN! Learn how to spot a scam. Your life will be better.

Julie, Run from Quickbook, go to a legitimate agency. There are several in St Louis, look first for SAG-AFTRA, they are able to work with either union or non-union actors. Never PAY