Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop basic dancing, acting and vocal techniques required in musical theatre.
This unit applies to performers who are pursuing a career in musical theatre and other contexts where musical theatre skills are required. Performances could be in commercial settings, such as cruise ships, casinos and corporate events, or community settings. Performers would usually be performing as members of an ensemble.
At this level work is normally supervised, though some autonomy and judgement can be expected within established parameters.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance Criteria Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Analyse musical theatre as an art form | 1.1 Identify characteristics, styles and genres of musical theatre 1.2 Gather information on the history of musical theatre 1.3 Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas, identifying trends, and maintaining motivation 1.4 Maintain and update knowledge of musical theatre terminology |
2. Maintain a physical conditioning program | 2.1 In consultation with relevant personnel, identify a range of techniques to improve stamina, strength and flexibility 2.2 Identify risk factors that may inhibit the achievement of goals and seek professional advice as required 2.3 Take fatigue and personal limitations into account when undertaking physical conditioning program 2.4 Perform physical warm-up and warm-down procedures in conjunction with dance or movement activities 2.5 Perform vocal warm-up procedures in conjunction with singing and acting activities 2.6 Ensure that clothing and footwear are appropriate for exercise regime and practising dance technique 2.7 Follow safe movement practices to prevent injury to self and others |
3. Practise basic dance techniques | 3.1 Demonstrate correct posture and body alignment appropriate to the dance technique and movement 3.2 Demonstrate isolation and coordination of upper and lower body in simple movement sequences 3.3 Apply a range of simple dance techniques and physical conditioning strategies appropriate to musical theatre style 3.4 Apply control and attention to detail when performing short simple phrases of dance movements 3.5 Incorporate connection of phrases, locomotor and non-locomotor movements into dance sequences 3.6 In a learning environment incorporate musicality, rhythm and correct timing into performances 3.7 Apply understanding of the relationship between musical theatre style and the accompanying music or other media 3.8 Incorporate spatial awareness, connectivity and interactive skills when performing with others |
4. Practise basic musical theatre vocal techniques | 4.1 Maintain correct posture 4.2 Apply basic breathing techniques 4.3 Apply appropriate dynamics 4.4 Ensure phrasing is appropriate to the music 4.5 Use feedback from others to identify and develop ways to improve own musical theatre technique |
5. Extend characterisation techniques | 5.1 Analyse character to be performed 5.2 Successfully build a character by using basic acting skills 5.3 Imaginatively respond to given circumstances and how they affect a character |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
perform four basic movement sequences in any of the musical theatre styles that demonstrate:
confident performance skills
accuracy in basic singing, dancing and acting skills
respond to constructive feedback on own performance
follow safe dance practice.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided for each of the above points at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements the individual must:
explain the following principles that relate to physical movements and dance techniques:
relationship with gravity
spatial awareness
successional movement
use of breath
folding
extending
rotating
shifting weight
explain how the following apply in the context of safe dance practice and injury prevention:
articulation of the spine
engagement of the feet
bases of support, including feet, legs, hands, arms and torso
range of motion of the joints
differentiation of the legs and pelvis
healthy food choices
explain and demonstrate how the musical elements of time signatures, beat, tempo and syncopation apply to musical theatre techniques
demonstrate knowledge of:
basic characteristics of musical theatre styles and genres
health and safety issues in musical theatre classes and performances
prominent performers, composers and choreographers in the history of musical theatre
musical theatre terminology.
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:
appropriate dance performance areas or spaces
appropriate footwear and clothing.
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 | 1.3, 2.1, 4.5 | Seeks the views and opinions of others to develop own understanding Observes industry practitioners, sources new ideas and identifies trends, and applies to own techniques |
Reading | 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.2, 5.1 | Obtains information relevant to working in musical theatre from written sources |
Oral communication | 2.1, 2.2, 4.5 | Obtains information by listening and questioning |
Navigate the world of work | 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7 | Applies safe movement and vocal practice |
Interact with others | 2.1, 2.2, 4.5 | Works collaboratively with others involved in musical theatre classes |
Get the work done | 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 | Adopts a methodical, disciplined and positive approach to developing own musical theatre techniques Applies understanding of own physical limitations to planning and implementation of physical conditioning program Works creatively on developing techniques for bringing characters to life Identifies and applies a range of responses to music and rhythm through dance movements Recognises opportunities to develop and apply new approaches to musical theatre |
Range Statement
This section specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.
Simple dance techniques must include: | alignment for contemporary and jazz dance basic elevation techniques basic falling techniques basic turning techniques basic weight transfer techniques focusing eyes and mind while performing isocentric and polycentric isolations locomotor exercises and sequences: pirouettes posés piqués pencil turns châinés kicks jumps and leaps maintaining rhythm and tempo non-locomotor techniques: balance stillness using arm lines appropriately working at differing tempos working on centre and off centre. |
Basic acting skills must include: | observation and sensory awareness personalisation responding to given circumstances translating objectives into action. |
Sectors
Performing arts – cross-sector performance