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Learn lines

Learning lines isn't just about repetition. It's about recall, rhythm, and feeling connected to the scene. With ActOnCue, you can customise how much of your text is visible to progressively build memorisation.

Before you start:

Line visibility modes

The core of line learning is controlling how much of your dialogue you can see on screen. Open the settings menu in rehearse mode to access these options.

line-learning-mode

Full script

Show your complete lines on screen. Use this when you're still getting familiar with the material and want to read along while your scene partner speaks.

Word-level hiding

Hide most of each line, showing only a set number of words as a prompt. You can configure how many words are visible, for example:

  • 3 words - gives you a solid nudge without revealing the full line
  • 2 words - a tighter prompt that pushes your recall further
  • 1 word - just the first word, for when you're nearly off-book

The fewer words you show, the harder you have to work to remember the rest. Adjust the number of visible words to match where you are in the memorisation process.

Letter-level hiding

Instead of showing full words, show only the first few letters of each word. This gives you a subtle visual cue, enough to trigger your memory without giving the line away.

  • 3 letters - a gentle hint for each word
  • 2 letters - more challenging, just the opening of each word
  • 1 letter - the toughest mode, only initials

This technique is especially useful when you almost know the lines but need a safety net.

line-learning-mode-result

Hidden (cue only)

Hide your lines entirely. You'll only hear your scene partner's lines and need to deliver yours from memory. This is the final test before you're truly off-book.

Running your line rehearsal

run-line-rehearsing

Once you've chosen a visibility mode, tap Rehearse. Your scene partner will voice the other characters, leaving space for you to speak your part. The teleprompter will scroll along automatically as you rehearse.

Tips for effective memorisation

  • Start with full visibility and work your way down to cue-only mode over multiple runs
  • Use word-level prompts first, then move to letter-level prompts as you gain confidence
  • Reduce the count gradually - go from 3 words to 2, then to 1, before switching to letter mode
  • Run the scene multiple times with different settings. Each round reinforces timing, delivery, and recall
  • Stay present in the scene rather than just memorising words. Knowing when to speak and how to respond is just as important as the lines themselves

What's next?

  • Voices - customise the voices reading opposite you
  • Self-tape - record your audition

Troubleshooting: speech recognition