CUAACT404
Develop specialist acting techniques for musical theatre repertoire


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop a range of acting techniques to help create convincing characters from a range of American, British and Australian musical theatre repertoire.

At this level supervision and guidance are provided during practice sessions. However, individuals are expected to work independently on experimenting with ways to convey storylines and characters by integrating vocal and movement skills typical of specific musical theatre genres.

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, develop an understanding of aspects of the human voice, especially those relevant to performers

1.2 Analyse physical problems that can 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. Develop expertise in selected musical theatre repertoire

2.1 Listen to and discuss acting techniques associated with major musical theatre genres

2.2 Through an analysis of text and lyrics, explore the motivations and actions of characters from major American, British and Australian musical theatre repertoire

2.3 Apply techniques from different acting methods to develop understanding of characters and facilitate the process of creating convincing characters on stage

2.4 Apply a knowledge of historical and cultural influences to add depth to character interpretation and portrayal

2.5 Experiment with a range of physical and vocal techniques and acting methods to vary the portrayal of characters in monologues, duologues and songs

2.6 Discuss effectiveness of characterisation with others and adjust performance technique as required

2.7 Practise monologues, duologues and songs from American, British and Australian musical theatre repertoire in preparation for auditions

2.8 Extend the application of acting techniques through scene rehearsals of a range of theatre scripts and musical theatre repertoire

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 identify and develop ways 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:

apply a range of acting methods to vary the portrayal of characters from American, British and Australian musical theatre repertoire

do vocal warm-ups and warm-downs

perform at least one monologue, duologue and song from each of the following musical theatre repertoire:

American

Australian

British

analyse and interpret texts and lyrics to inform characterisation

improve own acting technique 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 genres

explain major historical and cultural influences and their effect on characterisation

explain principles underlying characterisation in a range of musical theatre genres

explain principles underlying vocal and physical techniques in musical theatre performance

explain how different acting methods can be applied to vary the interpretation and portrayal of characters from a range of musical theatre repertoire.


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, 2.5, 2.6, 3.3

Obtains information by listening and questioning

Discusses ideas and solutions

Uses tone of voice, stress and gesture to convey emotions and intentions

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, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4

Develops relevant skills and knowledge

Applies safe movement and vocal practice

Develops own repertoire in preparation for auditions

Interact with others

1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.5, 2.6, 3.3

Discusses acting techniques and safe vocal practice with mentors and colleagues

Works collaboratively on developing and improving acting techniques associated with specific musical theatre repertoire

Get the work done

1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.7, 2.8, 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 physical problems related to inappropriate vocal use

Works creatively on developing convincing characters

Adapts acting techniques to vary portrayal of characters from a range of musical theatre repertoire

Uses the internet as a source of information


Sectors

Performing arts - acting