Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use acting skills to portray characters in theatrical contexts.
This unit applies to singers, dancers, actors, comedians and other performers who use a range of acting skills in their performances. They could be performing in commercial, community or open space settings as members of an ensemble, in solo roles, or in one-person shows.
At this level performers are refining their techniques through practice, and while some supervision and guidance may be present in practice, a high level of motivation and responsibility are expected in live performances.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance Criteria Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Analyse acting as an art form | 1.1 Discuss the principles and characteristics of acting with relevant personnel 1.2 Identify the relationship between actor and audience 1.3 Discuss the history and application of various acting techniques with relevant personnel 1.4 Identify the historical, social and cultural significance of drama and theatre |
2. Prepare for acting performance | 2.1 Take fatigue and personal limitations into account when undertaking acting rehearsals and performances 2.2 Prepare body and voice by performing warm-up techniques 2.3 Use make-up, hairstyle and costuming to portray character as required 2.4 Prepare relevant materials for performance as required 2.5 Contribute to discussions of the creative parameters of the role and performance 2.6 Discuss technical parameters of the role or performance with relevant personnel and contribute ideas as required 2.7 Respond to feedback during the rehearsal process |
3. Practise improvisation skills | 3.1 Work with others to initiate and prepare for improvisations 3.2 Apply improvisation techniques in a range of scenarios 3.3 Respond spontaneously to given circumstances 3.4 Sustain a character in an improvised performance 3.5 Experiment with various acting techniques to further improve own performance |
4. Interpret and create a character for performance | 4.1 Extend characterisation through the use of a range of vocal techniques 4.2 Extend comic and dramatic qualities through different characterisations 4.3 Analyse texts for performance through close reading and discussion with relevant personnel 4.4 Develop a character for performance through practice and rehearsal sessions 4.5 Extend and work creatively with interactions between various characters in the performance |
5. Perform a character in a theatrical context | 5.1 Use appropriate acting techniques to convey a convincing character 5.2 Perform dialogue with clarity, accuracy and emotion using a range of vocal techniques 5.3 Respond appropriately to fellow actors and performance cues 5.4 Maintain characterisation and required standards for the duration of the performance 5.5 Maintain spatial awareness of performance space or venue 5.6 Analyse and evaluate feedback and develop strategies to improve own acting and performance skills |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
develop improvisation skills
create a convincing character
analyse and interpret texts for performance
successfully perform a character role using appropriate acting and vocal techniques.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided for each of the above points at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements the individual must:
demonstrate a basic knowledge of:
historical, social and cultural significance of drama and theatre
historical and contemporary playwrights and their texts
health and safety requirements associated with performance
stage and acting terminology
in the context of performing as an actor, explain:
principles of group dynamics
key acting principles and techniques
how different vocal techniques affect audiences
common theatre conventions
relationship between performers and audiences
how kinaesthetic awareness applies to performing
how aspects of stagecraft relate to performers.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:
rehearsal and performance venues, such as studios, theatre spaces and outdoor settings
relevant resources and equipment.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Learning | 2.7, 3.5, 5.6 | Refines techniques based on experimentation and feedback from others |
Reading | 1.2, 1.4, 4.3 | Analyses written information relevant to role as actor |
Oral communication | 1.1, 1.3, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 5.2, 5.6 | Seeks the views and opinions of others Obtains information by listening and questioning Delivers dialogue in ways that convey characters and storylines Discusses ideas and solutions |
Navigate the world of work | 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5 | Follows theatre protocols and meets expectations associated with own role Applies safe movement and vocal practice |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.3, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.6 | Uses a range of acting techniques to convey characters and storylines to audiences Works collaboratively to develop and improve characterisation and acting techniques |
Get the work done | 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5 | Adopts a methodical and logical approach to refining acting skills and preparing for and acting in performances Acts in an imaginative, flexible and creative way in improvisations Works creatively on developing techniques for bringing characters to life Uses the internet as a source of information |
Sectors
Performing arts – acting