mental downloadables

the newsletter for to git gud in acting 'n stuff

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The Main Event

You can sleep your way to the top as an actor ...

... get your mind out of the gutter!

I'm talking about using the super power of sleep to help you store lines long term in your brains.

Second Brain Side Effects

One of the downsides of having a supercomputer in your hand virtually 24/7 (aka your cell phone) is that the need to store information in your long term memory is all but vanished.

Our access to the interwebs has really atrophied our memorization muscles.

No bueno.

This leads to:

• Paraphrasing lines
• Not knowing your cues
• Being general confused on where you are in the script

An actor without a solid long-term memory is like relying on a two year to successfully complete your taxes.

Your inability to store things in your brain long-term, may be the secret thief of your success.

But don't you worry we're gonna' fix all of that ...

... but first we should probably take a nap.

The Sleep Super Power

At my graduation ceremony for graduate school (yes they give animated characters Master's degrees) they traditionally show a montage of photos highlighting memories over the years for the graduating class.

Almost every picture of me featured your's truly ...

... taking a nap!

To the untrained eye, it would appear that I was a very lazy actor. But after reading this, you'll understand that I was actually using my competitive advantage to perform better in auditions, during rehearsals, and on stage.

I had mastered the Power Nap.

Power Napping is indeed my mutant power, and believe it or not, one of the main reasons I have had so much success recalling my lines on command when I need them.

If you've ever crammed all night for an exam, fell asleep, woke in a pool of your own drool and then aced the test ...

... you may have accidentally stumbled upon this phenomenon as well.

So, how can we nab the nature of the nap to never neglect knowing those nagging lines more naturally?

That's a fine alliterative question, Grasshopper.

Memorize & Hit Snooze

1. Memorize your continuous monologue by rote.
2. After you can say every word on the page aloud with your eyes closed from memory, take an 8-15 minute nap.

That's it.

The next time you are studying or need to recall something important, take a nap after you have put the info into your brains.

Skeptical?

Check this story out from the doctor brains at John Hopkins!

The next time you are studying or need to recall something important, take a nap, or to be super effective review it right before you go to bed.

Heck, if it makes you feel better put the script under your pillow, maybe it will get absorbed in your brain as your dream of fame and success.

(Note: "script under pillow absorption" not a scientifically confirmed theory).

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See you next week!