Overview

In Stop Memorizing Your Lines, acclaimed Director and Acting coach Loren E. Chadima introduces an innovative methodology tailored precisely for the rapid demands of contemporary acting work. Unlike traditional methods that assume weeks of rehearsal time, Chadima's system equips actors to deliver compelling performances with less than 24 hours' notice. This practical guide distils the wisdom of Stanislavsky, Strasburg, Meisner, and other masters into nine essential questions that form a repeatable framework for authentic character development. Through this scientific approach, actors learn to internalize rather than merely memorize lines, creating performances that stand out in self-tapes and on set. Chadima's students have secured roles alongside industry heavyweights in projects featured on major streaming platforms, studio films, and prestigious film festivals—all by applying these nine transformative questions. This book is perfect for working actors, acting students, and performers seeking to elevate their acting and audition success in today's competitive digital casting landscape.

Full Product Details

Author:   Loren E. Chadima
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
ISBN:  

9781032857862

ISBN 10:   1032857862
Pages:   212
Publication Date:   23 March 2026
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming
Availability:   Not yet available  
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.

Table of Contents

Students Testimonials Acknowledgements INTRODUCTION An Introduction: How I went from throwing up before an audition to a standing ovation Chapter 1 The problem with memorizing lines by rote first Chapter 2 What is technique and what does it have to do with memorizing lines? THE 9 QUESTIONS OF INTENTIONAL ACTING THE 9 QUESTIONS Chapter 3 Question #1: What is the scene about? Chapter 4 Question #2: How do I relate to my character in the scene? What would it be like if it happened to me? QUIZ #1 Chapter 5 Question #3: What is the experience in the scene? Chapter 6: Intention Question #4: What do you want the other person to do or say? Chapter 7: Intention Part 2 Question #4: What do you want the other person to do or say? Chapter 8: Motivation Question #5: Why do I need my intention right now? Chapter 9 Question #6: What’s at stake if I don’t get what I need? QUIZ #2 Chapter 10 Question #7: What am I listening for? Chapter 11 Question #8: Who’s the most important person in the scene? Chapter 12 Question #9: How can doing this scene benefit me? Chapter 13 No. You still can’t memorize your lines. Beat it out! Chapter 14 Now can I practice my lines? Internalization vs. Memorization QUIZ #3 WHAT’S NEXT? Chapter 15 Drop the Script, The Teleprompter, The Ear Prompt and Your Plan: How to Practice the 9 Questions Chapter 16 Assessment: How to pick your best take and be UNDENIABLE!......... Chapter 17 A new way to be an Undeniable Actor APPENDIX About the Author Quiz Answers To The Parents/Guardians of Young Actors The 9 Questions Template - Example End Notes Index

Reviews

“FINALLY! A book for actors that breaks down acting and memorizing lines into simple, efficient, repeatable steps that produce compelling, authentic performances.” Mary Lou Belli Two-time Emmy Award Winning Director: Elsbeth, True Lies, NCIS New Orleans, The Ms.Pat Show ""Loren Chadima's The 9 Questions of Intentional Acting has been integral to our mutual clients booking roles. They have booked television, film and commercials directly from their self-tapes! Loren's theory and teaching has helped new and veteran actors alike, giving both fresh and stagnant careers an edge in an incredibly competitive industry."" Kacie Newport - Talent Manager BAM Management “When I apply The 9 Questions my work is stronger, more nuanced and built from facts drawn out by my script analysis. I’ve booked jobs from my tapes since applying The 9 Questions, which before working with Loren felt impossible.” Maria Louis Slow Horses, We Were The Lucky Ones, Eastenders, People Doing Nothing By using The 9 Questions of Intentional Acting, I now approach my work from a more calm, grounded place. I'm beginning to trust the simplicity of it more and I'm really connecting in my self-tapes.” Kevin Gardner: Monsters, American Crime Story, Big Little Lies, The Politician “Loren Chadima's book pinpoints the crucible every actor has experienced at one time or another in the course of auditioning--- stumbling over words that refuse to be readmitted to memory once the nerves have kicked in--- and shows a path that leads back to confidence and composure. Her wise, witty and generous approach offers a practical game plan for tackling the rigors of 21st century casting realities. Students at every level will find much to reflect upon and put into immediate practice.” Robert Bailey - Professor, Stage Director & Actor, University of Southern California School of Dramatic Arts “This book gets at the heart of the matter: it's craft and artistry that moves a student with a dream to a performer with intention into a working actor with a career. This book holds the key. Highly recommended for classes, workshops and all actors who want to level up.” Dr. Rachel Raimist, Associate Professor University of Alabama, TV Directing: Bel Air The Spiderwick Chronicles; Csi Las Vegas; Wu-Tang: An American Saga

Author Information

Loren E. Chadima is an award-winning acting coach, filmmaker, and actor. She is recognized as one of the ""Best Acting Coaches in the U.S."" and is the creator of The 9 Questions of Intentional Acting. Her methods have played a pivotal role in helping hundreds of performers to work alongside renown actors in major films and television.

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