Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply a well developed range of stagecraft skills during performances.
It applies to musicians and performers in all genres, whose image and reputation rely on the way they approach performances and engage with audiences, and not just their ability to play an instrument or sing.
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. Develop stagecraft skills | 1.1 Consult with relevant personnel, identifying appropriate learning and stage experience opportunities to develop stagecraft skills relevant to area of music performance 1.2 Identify own strengths and weaknesses, and determine strategies to develop stagecraft skills in line with personal goals 1.3 Plan stage image, including use of technology, to present a coherent and appropriate image that enhances performances 1.4 Use rehearsal, stage opportunities and private practice to develop stagecraft skills |
2. Apply stagecraft skills | 2.1 Present performance confidently and unselfconsciously 2.2 Maintain appropriate communication with audience, and use gestures, mannerisms and facial expressions appropriate to the performance and image being projected 2.3 Maintain performance energy and flexibility, using appropriate spontaneous or rehearsed stage movements suited to performance space 2.4 Pace performance to allow adequate energy output for the duration of performance 2.5 Respond appropriately to the unexpected on stage or front of house, to maintain the flow and integrity of performances 2.6 Interact cooperatively with other performers on stage, and acknowledge their work appropriately 2.7 Communicate effectively with audiences before, between and after performances 2.8 Acknowledge applause in a manner that is appropriate to the context and sensitive to other performers |
3. Maintain stagecraft skills | 3.1 Evaluate own stagecraft to identify areas for improvement in line with personal performance goals and career aspirations 3.2 Discuss perceived stagecraft issues with peers and leaders, and use their feedback to improve performance and refine stagecraft skills 3.3 Seek and use relevant publications, work, workshops and/or study opportunities in specific aspects of stagecraft |
4. Follow safe work practices | 4.1 Identify and use appropriate mental and physical warm-up and warm-down exercises for all practice sessions, rehearsals and performances 4.2 Verify safe sound levels, and use strategies to control the length of exposure to protect hearing 4.3 Perform in smoke-free environments wherever possible 4.4 Identify the physical risks of carrying equipment, and use safe lifting practices to avoid injury 4.5 Maintain stage fitness, and apply healthy posture habits in practice, rehearsal and performance to maintain muscular and skeletal strength 4.6 Plan adequate rest breaks to avoid overuse injury, counter stress and anxiety, and maintain work performance 4.7 Report injuries or symptoms according to designated procedures, or seek medical advice promptly |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
use strategies to develop and improve own stagecraft skills
apply a range of stagecraft skills appropriate to the style of performance on at least three occasions, including:
engaging effectively with audiences
interacting effectively with other performers
evaluate own stagecraft skills, and integrate with feedback from others to improve
rehearse and perform safely in line with work health and safety (WHS) principles.
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:
describe key stagecraft skills and outline strategies to develop these skills
describe ways technology can be used to enhance stage image
outline and evaluate issues and challenges that arise in the context of applying stagecraft skills to performances, and how they might be overcome
outline work health and safety (WHS) principles as they apply to preventative practice against injury, healthy performance habits and performance anxiety.
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:
relevant instruments and equipment
opportunities to perform before an audience.
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, 1.2, 3.1 | Identifies and uses appropriate learning strategies to improve stagecraft skills |
Reading | 3.3 | Recognises and interprets textual information from various sources to inform own stagecraft |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 2.2, 2.6, 2.7, 3.2, 4.7 | Uses clear and industry appropriate language to liaise with relevant personnel and to discuss any issues |
Numeracy | 2.4, 4.6 | Uses sense of time to pace performance Calculate time sequences in whole numbers and fractions |
Navigate the world of work | 2.8, 4.1-4.7 | Follows protocols associated with own role Follows work health and safety protocols and procedures |
Interact with others | 1.1, 2.2-2.8, 3.2, 4.7 | Collaborates and cooperates with others to achieve goals Uses appropriate communication practices and protocols |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.4, 3.1-3.3, 4.1-4.6 | Plans, organises and completes tasks required to achieve required outcomes Analyses information to evaluate options and decide on solutions and improvements Understands the purpose and functions of some common digital tools used in stagecraft contexts |
Sectors
Performing arts – music performance