Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to add range and depth to techniques for integrating acting, singing and dancing for musical theatre performances. This could be in commercial or competition settings and performers would usually be performing as members of an ensemble, though some solo work could be expected.
At this level, performers are constantly refining their technique and expression to produce performances that convey the mood and style of music through complex dance, vocal and song sequences. While supervision and guidance are provided in practice sessions and rehearsals, dancers are expected to display a high level of motivation and responsibility for themselves and others in live performances.
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. Maintain a physical conditioning program | 1.1 In consultation with relevant personnel, identify a range of techniques to prevent injuries and improve stamina, strength and flexibility 1.2 Set realistic physical conditioning goals aimed at improving own dance technique 1.3 Identify risk factors that may inhibit the achievement of goals and seek professional advice as required 1.4 Take fatigue and personal limitations into account when undertaking physical conditioning program 1.5 Observe safe dance practice by performing physical warm-up and warm-down activities in conjunction with dance and exercise activities 1.6 Perform vocal warm-up procedures in conjunction with vocal activities 1.7 Ensure that clothing and footwear are appropriate for exercise regime and for practising performance technique |
2. Use practice sessions to increase level of expertise in dance techniques | 2.1 Demonstrate correct posture and body alignment appropriate to musical theatre style and movements 2.2 Demonstrate isolation and coordination of upper and lower body in complex movement sequences 2.3 Apply a range of techniques that integrate balance, flexibility, stamina, coordination and weight transfer skills, and control and articulation of individual body parts 2.4 Apply memory retention skills, control and attention to detail when performing complex phrases of dance movements 2.5 Practise dance combinations to a mixed metre 2.6 Incorporate musicality, rhythm and correct timing into performances 2.7 Apply understanding of the relationship between musical theatre styles and the accompanying music or other media 2.8 Incorporate spatial awareness, connectivity and interactive skills when performing with others |
3. Use practice sessions to increase level of expertise in musical theatre techniques | 3.1 Demonstrate correct posture and breathing techniques 3.2 Apply appropriate dynamics and pitch 3.3 Practise singing in tune with others 3.4 Ensure phrasing is appropriate to the music 3.5 Experiment with various acting styles and methods as appropriate 3.6 Sustain complex characterisation through musicality, dance and voice phrasing, and correct timing as choreographed 3.7 Practise incorporating complex expressive qualities into musical theatre techniques 3.8 Incorporate complex dance and vocal techniques to confidently portray choreographic and dramatic intentions |
4. Maintain expertise | 4.1 Practise and refine combinations of complex movements and routines while following safe dance practice 4.2 Maintain and update knowledge of musical theatre trends and terminology 4.3 Use feedback from others to identify and develop ways to improve own musical theatre techniques 4.4 Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas, identifying trends, maintaining motivation, and improving own technique |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
perform, in a learning environment, a range of routines in at least one musical theatre style in a way that demonstrates:
choreographic intention
well-developed musical theatre performance technique
follow safe dance practice
respond to constructive feedback on own performance.
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 how the following principles 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 nutrition and diet
explain principles underlying vocal techniques in a musical theatre performance context
explain and demonstrate how the musical elements of time signatures, beat, tempo and syncopation apply to performing in musical theatre
describe the main periods and prominent dancers, composers and choreographers in the history of musical theatre.
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 music, resources and equipment
appropriate dance performance areas or spaces.
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, 4.3, 4.4 | Seeks the views and opinions of others to develop and refine own techniques Observes industry practitioners, sources new ideas and identifies trends, and applies to own techniques |
Oral communication | 1.1, 4.3 | Obtains information by listening and questioning |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 | Follows accepted industry practices in relation to safe dance practices and injury-prevention strategies Takes responsibility for own professional development |
Interact with others | 1.1, 2.8, 3.3, 4.3 | Works collaboratively to develop and improve musical theatre techniques Uses acting, singing and dancing techniques to convey meaning to spectators |
Get the work done | 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 4.1 | Adopts a methodical, disciplined and positive approach to physical conditioning program, classes and evaluation of own skill development Works creatively with music and dance Takes steps to minimise risk of injury through appropriate physical conditioning program |
Sectors
Performing arts – cross-sector performance