Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop techniques for applying acting skills, such as characterisation, improvisation and observation to musical theatre roles. In this context performers are also required to sing and dance, which adds an extra dimension to the acting skills required.
At this level supervision and guidance are provided during practice sessions. However, individuals are expected to work independently on experimenting with ways to sustain a role and convey complexity of meaning by integrating vocal and movement skills.
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. Develop warm-up techniques | 1.1 In consultation with appropriate personnel, analyse aspects of the human voice, especially those relevant to performers 1.2 Analyse problems that could limit movement and physical expression, or cause injury 1.3 In consultation with appropriate personnel, discuss ways to avoid physical and vocal problems and strategies for addressing problems if they arise 1.4 Perform vocal and physical warm-up procedures in preparation for performance activities 1.5 Strengthen and expand vocal and physical technique through regular exercises |
2. Extend acting techniques relevant to musical theatre | 2.1 Discuss the process for developing a clear approach to characterisation 2.2 Analyse scripts to develop character, relationship and actions to suit the circumstances of scenes 2.3 Experiment with bringing characters to life for audiences by exploring comic and dramatic techniques appropriate to a range of musical theatre styles 2.4 Develop techniques for conveying emotion and storylines through song, moving from spoken to sung voice, and speaking and singing in a range of accents 2.5 Develop a range of vocal techniques to perform scenes, in character, that include scripted monologues, duologues with a partner, and songs 2.6 Experiment with improvisation, alone and with a partner, as a way of bringing characters to life 2.7 Apply and practise memory retention skills for retaining lyrics and lines of dialogue 2.8 Determine the expressiveness and range of emotion needed to meet the requirements of characters, scenes and texts |
3. Maintain expertise | 3.1 Practise and refine acting techniques relevant to musical theatre 3.2 Maintain and update knowledge of musical theatre trends, stagecraft, and production protocols and procedures 3.3 Use feedback from others to improve own acting skills 3.4 Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas, identifying trends, maintaining motivation, and improving own technique |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
develop acting skills appropriate to musical theatre performances
do vocal and physical warm-ups and warm-downs
create a convincing character in a musical theatre context
analyse and interpret texts and lyrics to inform characterisation
explore and develop characterisation techniques
apply vocal and physical skills to convey meaning and emotion in monologues, duologues and songs
work collaboratively
develop own acting techniques in response to constructive feedback.
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:
describe features of a range of musical theatre styles
explain how observational techniques can be used to develop characters
explain the principles and characteristics of acting as they relate to performing in musical theatre
explain principles underlying vocal and physical techniques in a musical theatre performance context
explain the effect different vocal techniques have on audiences and the relationship between performers
explain how aspects of stagecraft relate to performers
describe production protocols and procedures relevant to musical theatre performances.
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 venues and spaces with suitable flooring 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 | 1.1, 3.3, 3.4 | Seeks the views and opinions of others to develop own understanding and refine own techniques Observes industry practitioners, sources new ideas and identifies trends, and applies to own techniques |
Reading | 2.2, 2.8, 3.2 | Obtains information relevant to working in musical theatre from written sources |
Oral communication | 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.3 | Obtains information by listening and questioning Discusses ideas and solutions Uses tone of voice, vocabulary and other verbal and non-verbal strategies to convey emotions and intentions in speech and song |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 | Develops relevant skills and knowledge Applies safe movement and vocal practice Takes responsibility for own professional development |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.7, 3.3 | Uses a range of acting techniques to convey meaning of scripts and lyrics Works collaboratively on developing and improving characterisation and acting techniques and safe vocal practice |
Get the work done | 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.2, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2 | Allows adequate time for vocal and physical warm-up procedures in advance of acting activities Implements ways to minimise the risk of problems related to inappropriate vocal use or physical movement Works creatively on developing techniques for bringing characters to life Experiments with a range of acting techniques and styles relevant to performing in musical theatre productions Uses the internet as a source of information |
Sectors
Performing arts - acting