Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to rehearse performers for film, media and stage productions.
It applies to individuals responsible for visualising and defining style and structure of productions. They apply high-level communication, collaboration and management skills to inspire and motivate a team of performers and technical crew, to realise their creative vision for productions. They operate with a high degree of autonomy and are members of a production team.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Plan rehearsals | 1.1 Establish key dramatic elements to be addressed in rehearsal, and plot and document scenes 1.2 Note areas of scripts that require special attention and prioritise scenes that may need additional emphasis in rehearsal 1.3 Research a range of sources to enhance artistic interpretations of script materials 1.4 Liaise with relevant production personnel to confirm rehearsal infrastructure is in place to meet production, safety and security requirements 1.5 Establish communication processes with relevant production personnel, and check documentation requirements are fulfilled |
2. Conduct initial read | 2.1 Brief relevant production personnel on intended creative, dramatic and technical aspects of productions 2.2 Use rehearsal exercises to establish cast cohesion and communication 2.3 Conduct an initial read-through of script to identify key dramatic elements and proposed visualisation of narrative 2.4 Discuss interpretations of script and characterisations with performers and record responses for potential inclusion in productions 2.5 Provide performers with additional materials and sources to assist with their interpretation of characters and their performance |
3. Conduct rehearsals | 3.1 Incorporate innovative ideas in rehearsal exercises and strategies to enhance overall performance 3.2 Facilitate performers' understanding of how scripts will be translated into visual narratives 3.3 Discuss dramatic elements of scenes with performers, and work together to refine and improve quality of performances 3.4 Assist performers in realising the relationship between visual and narrative aspects of scripts 3.5 Experiment with narrative conventions and elements to achieve desired creative outcomes and extend the range of own directing skills 3.6 Monitor disposition of performers throughout rehearsals and create an environment that enables optimum performance 3.7 Develop and establish blocking and staging of each scene with production personnel, noting input from participants 3.8 Confirm performers understand the context of blocking and staging arrangements in each scene 3.9 Provide feedback to performers during rehearsals in a clear and constructive manner |
4. Direct final rehearsals | 4.1 Liaise with relevant production personnel to finalise technical and design requirements for full dress rehearsals 4.2 Conduct final rehearsals, incorporating planned and rehearsed aspects of productions 4.3 Evaluate all aspects of rehearsals, including own performance, and note areas for future improvement 4.4 Provide constructive feedback to production personnel on their performances, and invite comment on the rehearsal process |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
analyse scripts to identify areas that need particular attention in rehearsals
research aspects of scripts to improve understanding of artistic requirements
set rehearsal schedules that meet production requirements and timelines
brief performers and production staff on the creative vision for productions
use initial read-throughs with performers to discuss characterisation and ways of visualising narratives
take a collaborative and motivating approach to directing rehearsals of performers
work with production personnel on blocking and staging of scenes
use effective communication skills to provide feedback to performers during rehearsals.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
explain practical and theoretical aspects of character development and the craft of screen and stage acting
describe roles and responsibilities of production personnel involved in rehearsals
explain artistic and technical elements to consider when directing productions
identify typical problems with directing performers in rehearsals, and briefly describe solutions
describe conventions and practices of directing for screen and stage
provide examples of topics that might need to be researched in preparation for directing productions
explain visual story-telling techniques and ways of moving from written to visual narrative
describe work health and safety procedures that apply to conducting rehearsals.
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:
productions that require directing of performers
scripts
performers and technical personnel
rehearsal space and facilities.
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 |
Reading | 1.1-1.3, 1.5, 2.3, 3.2 | Interprets a range of complex documents to extract and confirm scheduling information, establish priorities, and determine requirements Identifies and analyses information that supports interpretation of scripts |
Writing | 1.1, 1.2, 2.4 | Develops material for performers using clear and detailed language to convey information and requirements Records information from discussions for future use |
Oral Communication | 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.4, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.7-3.9, 4.1, 4.4 | Elicits views and opinions of others using listening and questioning Conveys requirements clearly using language appropriate to audience and environment |
Navigate the world of work | 1.5, 2.2, 2.5, 3.2, 4.3 | Meets expectations associated with own role in compliance with rehearsal practices and protocols Assists performers to interpret and enhance their performance Identifies improvement opportunities for self and others |
Interact with others | 1.4, 1.5, 2.1-2.4, 3.2-3.5, 3.7, 3.9, 4.1, 4.4 | Collaborates with performers to achieve joint outcomes, playing a leading role in facilitating effective interaction Builds connections between performers and technical personnel to improve rehearsal process Selects and uses appropriate communication methods and practices to engage in discussions and provide constructive feedback to others |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 2.5, 3.1, 3.6, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2 | Takes responsibility for planning of relatively complex tasks for rehearsals and read-throughs with performers Sequences and directs rehearsal activities incorporating key dramatic elements as required Monitors progress and makes creative decisions quickly and intuitively to elicit optimum performances Manages relevant communication with performers and production personnel to confirm requirements for final rehearsals |
Sectors
Media and Entertainment Production – Directing