No one to throw lines with? Here's a free app for you!

 

Need to self-tape or record an audition video at home or you need to memorize lines but you don't have someone to throw lines with? 

(Photo by Cristina Zaragoza, unsplash.com)

No problem. There are a number of apps available to do the job. But let me walk you through Run Lines developed by Broken Shotgun L.L.C. It's available for free via Google Play and the interface is simple and easy to navigate.

Once you've downloaded the app, run it to take you to the home screen where you can choose the plus (+) sign at the lower right corner and start writing your script, or you can click on the three dots at the upper right corner to import a script. 

If you choose to input the script manually, the app will prompt you to add the scenes and the actors' names then write each line individually.

But if you choose to import a script, Run Lines will automatically break it down into scenes and characters. All you need to do is go to a scene and click on the left-most yellow circle to select parts you want the app to read. 

You may also click the three dots on the upper right where you can change the app's reading speed rate; select lines you want to toggle with; if you want to highlight parts being read; if you want the app to pause after each line; and edit the script.

When you select the edit script option, it will take you to a new window where you can long press on each line and choose either to change name, change voice, insert lines etc. 

The only downside for me is, the voice choices are non-descriptive. It doesn't even indicate if it is a male or female voice so in order to know you will need to select, save and listen to it first.

And since the app is in English, it may not work as great using non-English scripts. Like when you try to use a Filipino script, the app's reading will sound like Tagalog read with an American accent and it will likely mispronounce some words too. But if the accent doesn't bother you, this app is worth definitely worth the try.

Overall, Run Lines is very convenient, useful and easy to navigate that even kid actors can easily figure out how to use it. (Download Run Lines via Google Play)

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