CUAPRF307
Develop performance techniques


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare physically and psychologically for live performances.

People who want to pursue a career as performers in the entertainment, theatre and events industries apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. They could be training to be actors, dancers, circus performers, musicians or vocalists. From an early stage in their careers, performers need to develop skills associated with preparing themselves to perform before audiences in contexts as varied as small and large entertainment venues, street festivals, corporate functions and community events.

The development of these skills is usually carried out in private practice, rehearsal and performance settings and under supervision and guidance.

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. Clarify performance requirements

1.1 Discuss performance requirements with relevant personnel

1.2 Confirm own role and level of responsibility in relation to performances

1.3 Obtain necessary resources in a timely fashion within own level of responsibility

2. Rehearse for performances

2.1 Maintain personal practice to achieve the required standard for rehearsals and performances

2.2 Develop technical skills and address performance issues and weaknesses during private practice sessions

2.3 Participate in rehearsals as required and adjust performance techniques in response to feedback from others

2.4 Consult with relevant personnel and develop an interpretation of performance pieces

2.5 Critically analyse own performance and performance of others to inform own work

2.6 Respond to other performers and adjust own performance in an ensemble as required

3. Use body effectively and safely

3.1 Observe health and safety principles in private practice and in performances

3.2 Assess and monitor body to realise its own potential and limitations and maximise performance

3.3 Avoid danger of injury both to self and others through controlled use of body

3.4 Note possible stresses and strains of activity on specific parts of the body and take suitable preventative measures to minimise them

3.5 Where damage is done or suspected, seek advice promptly from appropriate sources and take recommended remedial action

4. Prepare for performances

4.1 Use appropriate methods to maintain physical and psychological condition for performances

4.2 Undertake appropriate mental preparation and physical warm-up exercises to ensure readiness for performance

4.3 Ensure that personal presentation is appropriate to performance contexts

4.4 Respond effectively to theatre conventions

5. Perform basic technique before audiences

5.1 Implement a range of strategies to overcome performance anxiety

5.2 Maintain concentration throughout performances

5.3 Follow the lead of other performers as required

5.4 Respond flexibly and effectively to contingencies as required in order to maintain integrity of performances

5.5 Seek feedback on own performance from relevant personnel and incorporate into strategies for continuously improving own technique

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

apply strategies to overcome the effects of performance anxiety

use personal practice time and rehearsals to reach the standard required for performances

respond to constructive feedback on own performance

take account of personal health and safety considerations during practice sessions

communicate effectively with others involved in practice sessions or rehearsals

prepare personal presentation for performances.

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:

in the context of performing live, demonstrate basic knowledge of:

strategies to overcome performance anxiety

how staging is used to create dramatic effect

role of make-up and hairstyling in performance

common theatre conventions

hearing protection

techniques for protecting body against injury from overuse

safe lifting practices

explain issues and challenges that arise when preparing for performances and suggest solutions to address them

describe key features of techniques and repertoire in area of specialisation.


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 resources and equipment

opportunities for rehearsals and performances in either a real or simulated situation.

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

2.3, 2.5, 5.5

Seeks the views and opinions of others to develop strategies to improve own technique

Uses self-evaluation and analysis of others’ performances to improve own technique

Oral communication

1.1, 1.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.5, 5.5

Obtains information by listening and questioning

Navigate the world of work

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.3, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4

Follows accepted industry practices in relation to safe movement practices and injury-prevention strategies

Identifies and follows procedures and expectations associated with own role

Interact with others

1.1, 1.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 3.5, 5.3, 5.5

Works collaboratively with others involved in rehearsals and performances

Get the work done

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2,4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4

Adopts a methodical, disciplined and positive approach to preparing for live performances through practice, preparation and rehearsals

Develops a movement memory


Sectors

Performing arts – cross-sector performance