Assessor Resource

CUAACT402
Develop acting techniques for musical theatre

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


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.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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 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.

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 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.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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 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.

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 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.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
In consultation with appropriate personnel, analyse aspects of the human voice, especially those relevant to performers 
Analyse problems that could limit movement and physical expression, or cause injury 
In consultation with appropriate personnel, discuss ways to avoid physical and vocal problems and strategies for addressing problems if they arise 
Perform vocal and physical warm-up procedures in preparation for performance activities 
Strengthen and expand vocal and physical technique through regular exercises 
Discuss the process for developing a clear approach to characterisation 
Analyse scripts to develop character, relationship and actions to suit the circumstances of scenes 
Experiment with bringing characters to life for audiences by exploring comic and dramatic techniques appropriate to a range of musical theatre styles 
Develop techniques for conveying emotion and storylines through song, moving from spoken to sung voice, and speaking and singing in a range of accents 
Develop a range of vocal techniques to perform scenes, in character, that include scripted monologues, duologues with a partner, and songs 
Experiment with improvisation, alone and with a partner, as a way of bringing characters to life 
Apply and practise memory retention skills for retaining lyrics and lines of dialogue 
Determine the expressiveness and range of emotion needed to meet the requirements of characters, scenes and texts 
Practise and refine acting techniques relevant to musical theatre 
Maintain and update knowledge of musical theatre trends, stagecraft, and production protocols and procedures 
Use feedback from others to improve own acting skills 
Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas, identifying trends, maintaining motivation, and improving own technique 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUAACT402 - Develop acting techniques for musical theatre
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

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Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

CUAACT402 - Develop acting techniques for musical theatre

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: