Diploma of Musical Theatre

This qualification reflects the role of performers working or aspiring to work in musical theatre and cabaret productions. At this level individuals are expected to apply theory and creative skills in a range of situations and to display initiative and judgement in planning activities. They have autonomy in performing complex technical operations and can be responsible for planning, coordinating and evaluating the work of others within broad but generally well-defined parameters.

Job roles

Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:

musical theatre performer

cabaret performer or producer.


Subjects

Total number of units = 16

6 core units plus

10 elective units

The elective units consist of:

5 units from Group A

of the remaining units:

up to 5 may be from Group A and/or B

up to 2 may be from a Diploma in any endorsed Training Package or accredited course

1 may be from a Certificate IV or Advanced Diploma in any endorsed Training Package.

The elective units chosen must be relevant to the work outcome and meet local industry needs.

Core units

add topic CUAOHS501A Maintain a high level of fitness for performance

add topic CUAPRF501A Refine performance skills

add topic CUAPRF503A Prepare for and perform in a competitive environment

add topic CUAPRF504A Refine musical theatre techniques

add topic CUFIND401A Provide services on a freelance basis

add topic CUSMPF407A Develop vocal techniques

Group A elective units

Choreography

add topic CUACHR501A Create and perform complex dance pieces

Dance

add topic CUADAN505A Refine contemporary dance technique

add topic CUADAN507A Refine dance partnering techniques

Dance literacy

add topic CUAWRT501A Write about dance

Occupational health and safety/safe dance

add topic CUAOHS403A Incorporate anatomy and nutrition principles into skill development

Other performance genres

add topic CUAPRF502A Apply theatrical make-up

add topic CUAPRF601A Extend musical theatre performance skills to a professional level

Production management

add topic CUAPPM501A Manage live productions

Research

add topic CUARES501A Refine conceptual understanding of dance

Cross-industry

add topic BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts

add topic BSBPMG510A Manage projects

add topic CUESMT10B Organise and facilitate rehearsals

add topic CUFCMP501A Manage and exploit copyright arrangements

add topic CUFDRT501A Direct rehearsals of performers

add topic CUFWRT501A Develop storylines and treatments

add topic CUSIND501A Apply music knowledge and artistic judgement

add topic CUSMLT501A Refine aural-perception skills

add topic CUSMPF502A Incorporate interactive technology into performance

add topic CUSMPF503A Perform accompaniment

add topic CUSMPF505A Perform improvisation for audiences

add topic CUSMPF506A Develop technical skills and expand repertoire

add topic CUSMPF602A Manage stagecraft aspects of performances

add topic CUSWRT501A Write about music

add topic CUVPRP502A Prepare for sustainable professional practice

Group B elective units

Choreography

add topic CUACHR401A Create and perform dance pieces

Dance

add topic CUADAN402A Improvise an advanced dance sequence

Dance literacy

add topic CUADLT401A Document dance

add topic CUADLT402A Explore the relationship between music and dance

Industry context

add topic CUAIND401A Extend expertise in specialist field

Occupational health and safety/safe dance

add topic CUAOHS401A Apply movement and behavioural principles to physical conditioning

add topic CUAOHS402A Participate in gym and weight training for performances

Other performance genres

add topic CUAPRF401A Employ a range of acting skills in performance

add topic CUAPRF402A Develop conceptual and expressive skills as a performer

add topic CUAPRF403A Employ a range of performance techniques

add topic CUAPRF407A Develop expertise in musical theatre techniques

Cross-industry

add topic BSBCMM401A Make a presentation

add topic BSBCRT401A Articulate, present and debate ideas

add topic BSBPUR402B Negotiate contracts

add topic CUFWRT402A Write extended stories

add topic CUSMKG501A Manage the promotion of creative acts

add topic CUSMPF402A Develop and maintain stagecraft skills

add topic CUSMPF406A Perform music as a soloist

add topic CUSMPF410A Perform music from written notation

add topic CUSMPF605A Develop advanced vocal techniques

Selecting electives for different outcomes

The following examples are designed to assist in the selection of appropriate electives for particular outcomes at this level, but they are in no way prescriptive.

Musical theatre performer

Core units plus:

add topic CUADAN505A Refine contemporary dance technique

add topic CUADAN507A Refine dance partnering techniques

add topic CUAPRF401A Employ a range of acting skills in performance

add topic CUAPRF402A Develop conceptual and expressive skills as a performer

add topic CUAPRF407A Develop expertise in musical theatre techniques

add topic CUAPRF502A Apply theatrical make-up

add topic CUAPRF601A Extend musical theatre performance skills to a professional level

add topic CUSMPF402A Develop and maintain stagecraft skills

add topic CUSMPF406A Perform music as a soloist

add topic CUSMPF505A Perform improvisation for audiences

Cabaret performer/producer

Core units plus:

add topic BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts

add topic CUACHR501A Create and perform complex dance pieces

add topic CUAPPM501A Manage live productions

add topic CUAPRF407A Develop expertise in musical theatre techniques

add topic CUAPRF502A Apply theatrical make-up

add topic CUAPRF601A Extend musical theatre performance skills to a professional level

add topic CUESMT10B Organise and facilitate rehearsals

add topic CUFCMP501A Manage and exploit copyright arrangements

add topic CUFDRT501A Direct rehearsals of performers

add topic CUSMPF602A Manage stagecraft aspects of performances


Pathways...

    Candidates entering this qualification could be expected to demonstrate dance expertise through extensive vocational experience or in grades achieved in different dance styles through dance societies that run examinations linked to certification levels. It is recommended that registered training organisations (RTOs) liaise with relevant dance societies to determine certification level equivalence.


Entry Requirements

An audition or other form of evidence where the candidate demonstrates competence in vocal, dance and/or acting skills at Certificate IV level.


Licensing Information

There is no direct link between this qualification and licensing, legislative and/or regulatory requirements.


Employability Skills

The following table contains a summary of the employability skills required by the creative industries for this qualification. The employability skills facets described here are broad industry requirements that may vary depending on qualification packaging options. This table is a summary of employability skills that are typical of this qualification and should not be interpreted as definitive.

Employability skill

Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification

Communication

obtaining and interpreting information to ensure currency of work practice

sharing industry information with colleagues and peers

communicating effectively with audiences

Teamwork

working effectively in a team and acknowledging cultural protocols

working cooperatively with other performers and production personnel

discussing program requirements in a collaborative manner

Problem-solving

dealing with complex and non-routine difficulties

managing own finances

developing strategies to overcome performance anxiety

Initiative and enterprise

interpreting musical structures and elements to enhance performance outcomes

recovering errors with minimal disruption to performance

achieving own individual style of creative expression

interpreting a character for performance

conveying mood and style of performance pieces to audiences

promoting oneself to potential employers

Planning and organising

monitoring own work and introducing strategies to improve performance

planning work tasks in a logical sequence

setting work and practice goals

researching information on dance styles, history and concepts

planning for contingencies

Self-management

working to personal goals

preparing self for performance

seeking expert assistance when problems arise

maintaining an appropriate standard of personal presentation demonstrating reliability in all agreed work commitments

maintaining a high level of physical fitness

Learning

developing a high level of musical theatre technique

identifying opportunities to maintain and enhance industry knowledge

seeking feedback and integrating constructive advice into own professional practice

practising strategically to overcome specific technique or creative expression problems

using feedback to identify strengths and weaknesses in technique to improve own technique

extending appropriate repertoire knowledge

Technology

storing and retrieving data

using standard word processing and spreadsheet software