---
url: "https://docs.on-book.app/rehearsal/modes/italian-run.md"
description: "Build muscle memory by running your lines at 1.5–2× speed with zero pauses."
status: "proposed"
---

# Italian Run (Speed Drill)

> **Status: Proposed / pre-launch. On Book Rehearsal docs describe intended behavior and may not match a shipped app yet.**

> **Build muscle memory by running your lines at 1.5–2× speed with zero pauses.**

***

## Overview

An Italian Run is a traditional theatre rehearsal technique where actors deliver their lines as fast as possible, eliminating pauses and hesitations. On Book Rehearsal brings this technique to solo practice with an AI partner that fires cues at accelerated speed.

***

## How It Works

1. **Select your scene and character** on the setup screen
2. **Choose Italian Run** as your rehearsal mode
3. Tap **Go** to start the countdown timer
4. The AI reads cue lines at **1.5–2× normal speed**
5. **Deliver your lines immediately** — no thinking time
6. The session continues until the timer expires or the scene ends

The AI uses **zero-latency turn-taking**: the moment you finish your line, the next cue fires instantly. There are no pauses, no corrections, and no do-overs — just pure speed.

***

## The Countdown Timer

Italian Run sessions are timed. A visible countdown timer appears on screen:

* **Default duration:** 3 minutes
* The session **automatically ends** when the timer reaches zero
* You can also stop the session manually at any time

::: tip Short, Intense Bursts
Italian Runs are designed to be short and intense. Multiple quick sessions are more effective than one long one for building speed and automaticity.
:::

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## No Corrections

Unlike Voice Rehearsal, the AI **does not stop to correct mistakes** during an Italian Run. The strictness level has no effect on this mode — it's purely about speed and flow.

If you need accuracy feedback, use [Voice Rehearsal](./voice-rehearsal.md) or [Flashcard Mode](./flashcard.md) instead.

***

## When to Use Italian Runs

| Stage of Rehearsal | Recommendation |
|:---|:---|
| **Early** (still learning lines) | Start with [Flashcard Mode](./flashcard.md) or [Voice Rehearsal](./voice-rehearsal.md) first |
| **Mid** (lines mostly memorized) | ✅ Begin incorporating Italian Runs to build speed |
| **Late** (performance-ready) | ✅ Use daily to maintain sharpness and eliminate "thinking pauses" |

***

## Access Requirements

Italian Run is proposed behavior. Access tiers, billing, and production-member entitlements are not public commitments yet. If you are testing Rehearsal, use the access instructions provided by the owner/operator.

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## Troubleshooting

| Problem | Solution |
|:---|:---|
| AI doesn't hear me | Check [microphone permissions](../reference/troubleshooting.md#microphone-permissions) |
| Session ends immediately | The countdown timer may be set too short — check your session settings |
| Audio quality is poor | Ensure a stable internet connection; use headphones to avoid echo |

For more help, see the full [Troubleshooting](../reference/troubleshooting.md) guide.

***

## Related Guides

* [Voice Rehearsal](./voice-rehearsal.md)
* [Flashcard Mode](./flashcard.md)
* [Strictness Levels](../guide/strictness.md)
* [Scene & Character Selection](../guide/scene-selection.md)

***

*Last updated: February 19, 2026*