Assessor Resource

CUSMPF402A
Develop and maintain stagecraft skills

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Musicians and performers in all genres apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. Applying an appropriate range of stagecraft skills can lead to audiences having a more enjoyable and entertaining experience. An essential feature of stagecraft skills is the ability to engage with audiences - whether through dialogue, movement or gestures. A performer's image and reputation are often linked to the way they approach performances, not just with their ability to play an instrument or sing.

More complex skills associated with leading a group in the area of stagecraft are covered in:

CUSMPF602A Manage stagecraft aspects of performances.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply a well-developed range of stagecraft skills during performances.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

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

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



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.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

develop and apply a range of stagecraft skills appropriate to the style of performance on at least three occasions

communicate effectively with audiences.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to relevant instruments and equipment

opportunities to perform before an audience

use of culturally appropriate processes, and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are appropriate for this unit:

observation or video recording of candidate during performances

written or oral questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required knowledge section of this unit

evaluation of documented or recorded discussion with candidate about personal career goals and the role stagecraft skills play in those

case studies as a basis for discussion of issues, methods and strategies associated with developing and maintaining stagecraft skills.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUSMPF401A Rehearse music for group performances

CUSMPF404A Perform music as part of a group

CUSMPF406A Perform music as a soloist

CUSMPF505A Perform improvisation for audiences.

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.

Required skills

communication and teamwork skills sufficient to:

seek and use feedback from peers and leaders to improve stagecraft skills and performance

appropriately recognise and support the contribution of other artists

working creatively with individual differences

interact and collaborate with other artists to achieve required performance outcomes

listening skills sufficient to:

listen critically to the performance of others and respond appropriately

listen critically to and adjust own performance to achieve required outcomes

initiative and enterprise skills in the context of:

using original and innovative approaches in stage performances

understanding and expressing appropriate dramatic nuance

taking venue and style of show into account when performing

engaging with audiences in ways that entertain and enhance people's overall experience

learning skills in the context of accessing opportunities to improve stagecraft skills

self-management skills sufficient to:

observe protocols appropriate to the genre, style and context of performance

maintain an appropriate standard of stage presentation relevant to the area of specialisation

technical and problem-solving skills sufficient to use:

body appropriately in movement and breathing to enhance stage performance

instrument and performing spaces, dress, make-up and props in ways that enhance the overall performance

stage equipment and technology to enhance stage performance

techniques to control and enhance stage movement

Required knowledge

sound knowledge of:

range of genres and their musical forms and conventions in performance in selected area of specialisation

solo or group performance protocols and customs in selected area of specialisation

technical requirements of relevant instruments for accurate and appropriate performance in selected area of specialisation

issues and challenges that arise in the context of applying stagecraft skills to performances

OHS practices, procedures and standards as they apply to using musical instruments and performing in a range of environments

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant personnel may include:

performers

ensemble members

presenters

musical directors

stage directors

peers

conductors

tutors

mentors

technical crew.

Learning may take place through:

tutoring

mentoring

coaching

work experience

shadowing

structured or formal training

evaluating the work of others

continuing evaluation of own work

peer and audience feedback.

Stagecraft skills may include:

interaction with audiences

make-up and hair

posture

dress

movement

interaction with other performers

facial expressions

way of holding instruments or equipment, such as microphones

effective use of performance space and props.

Strategies for developing stagecraft skills may include:

working with a class or individual tutor

participating in professional development and other learning opportunities

participating in relevant groups or associations

studying the performance of others

communicating with peers

participating in professional forums

contributing to, and participating in, paid or amateur stage movement opportunities

being involved in a range of stagecraft activities.

Technology may include:

special-effects devices

lighting and lighting equipment

sound equipment

staging equipment

props.

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 relevant personnel, identify appropriate learning and stage experience opportunities to develop stagecraft skills relevant to area of music performance 
Identify own strengths and weaknesses and determine strategies to develop stagecraft skills in line with personal goals 
Plan stage image, including use of technology, to present a coherent and appropriate image that enhances performances 
Use rehearsal, stage opportunities and private practice to develop stagecraft skills 
Present performance confidently and unselfconsciously 
Avoid mannerisms and facial expressions that distract attention from the performance and the image being projected 
Maintain appropriate eye contact with audience and use gesture appropriately 
Maintain performance energy and flexibility using appropriate spontaneous or rehearsed stage movements 
Pace performance to allow adequate energy output for the duration of performance 
Respond flexibly to the unexpected on stage or front of house, to maintain the flow and integrity of performances 
Interact cooperatively with other performers on stage and acknowledge their work appropriately 
Communicate effectively with audiences before, between and after performances 
Acknowledge applause in a manner that is appropriate to the context and sensitive to other performers 
Evaluate own stagecraft to improve performance and to broaden and enhance skills in line with personal goals and career aspirations 
Seek and use feedback from peers and leaders to improve performance and broaden and refine stagecraft skills 
Seek and use relevant publications, work and/or study opportunities in specific aspects of stagecraft 
Discuss perceived problems in developing stagecraft skills with relevant personnel to add value to performance and stage communication 
Use appropriate strategies to maintain stage fitness and to counter possible damage from practice, rehearsal and performance, and/or lifting and carrying 
Plan adequate rest breaks to maintain work performance and to counter stress and anxiety 
Identify and use appropriate mental and physical warm-up and warm-down exercises for all practice sessions, rehearsals and performances 
Verify safe sound levels and use strategies for controlling the length of exposure to protect hearing 
Perform in smoke-free environments wherever possible 
Identify the physical risks of carrying equipment and use safe lifting practices to avoid injury 
Apply healthy posture habits in practice, rehearsal and performance to maintain muscular and skeletal strength, avoid overuse injury, and prolong performing career 
Report injuries or symptoms according to designated procedures, or seek medical advice promptly 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUSMPF402A - Develop and maintain stagecraft skills
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:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

CUSMPF402A - Develop and maintain stagecraft skills

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: