Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required by singers, dancers and actors to refine the combination of techniques employed in musical theatre performances, namely dance, acting and singing. Performances could be in commercial or community settings and performers would usually be performing as members of an ensemble, or in cabaret settings that could involve a large component of solo routines.
While some supervision and guidance are provided in practice sessions and rehearsals, performers are expected to be self-directed and display a high level of motivation and responsibility for themselves and others.
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 Consult with relevant personnel and identify a range of techniques to improve stamina, strength and flexibility 1.2 Set realistic physical conditioning goals aimed at improving musical theatre techniques 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 Perform warm-up and warm-down procedures in conjunction with dance or movement 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 practising dance and movement techniques |
2. Extend and practise singing techniques for musical theatre | 2.1 Develop listening skills to produce and reproduce sound 2.2 Demonstrate correct posture and breathing techniques to facilitate free and flexible singing 2.3 Ensure maximum vocal range through practising relevant exercises 2.4 Interpret the requirements of songs to be performed 2.5 Practise a range of musical theatre singing styles and genres using relevant vocal techniques 2.6 Practise harmonising and singing in unison with other singers 2.7 Ensure phrasing is appropriate to the music |
3. Extend and conceptualise acting skills | 3.1 Apply knowledge of the dynamics of the human voice to develop own unique voice, as well as that of character roles 3.2 Extend techniques to perform dialogue, sung dialogue and dialogue as underscored 3.3 Extend ways to extend improvisations into a number of different stories 3.4 Identify characters’ actions and intent and follow through in performance 3.5 Apply techniques to develop strong, flexible and safe movements 3.6 Experiment with various acting styles and methods as appropriate 3.7 Critically analyse own work to inform technique |
4. Practise performing a complex musical theatre role | 4.1 Apply principles and characteristics of various musical theatre performance techniques 4.2 Integrate acting, singing and dancing or movement effectively to create a strong performance 4.3 Maintain balance in dynamics, style and musical expression with other singers throughout performances 4.4 Respond promptly to cues and synchronise entries and exits with other performers 4.5 Maintain concentration throughout performances 4.6 Effectively communicate interpretive requirements of other performers as required 4.7 Receive and integrate constructive feedback into performance |
5. Maintain expertise in musical theatre techniques | 5.1 Apply professional work ethic to practice and performance activities 5.2 Incorporate injury-prevention techniques into vocal, dance and movement activities 5.3 Analyse and evaluate feedback and develop strategies for possible adjustments to future work 5.4 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:
maintain an effective physical conditioning program
explore and practise a range of singing and vocal techniques for musical theatre performance
successfully perform a musical theatre role by integrating singing, dancing and acting techniques
maintain own expertise in musical theatre performance skills.
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 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
demonstrate knowledge of:
key theorists, choreographers and directors in musical theatre
distinguishing characteristics and main historical aspects of musical theatre
health and safety requirements relevant to performing live before audiences
in relation to musical theatre, describe key aspects of the following:
moral, social, physical and psychological issues associated with characterisation
principles underlying vocal techniques
effect of voice and vocal processes on audiences
acting, singing and dancing techniques and terminology
kinaesthetic awareness
relationship between performers and audiences.
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:
rehearsal and performance spaces with appropriate flooring
relevant resources and equipment.
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 | 5.3, 5.4 | Observes industry practitioners, sources new ideas and identifies trends, and applies to own techniques Refines techniques based on feedback from others |
Reading | 2.4, 3.2, 3.4 | Interprets scripts, song lyrics or production notes |
Oral communication | 1.1, 1.3, 2.6, 4.6, 4.7 | Obtains information by listening and questioning Shares information and contributes to discussions using appropriate vocabulary and paralinguistic features |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 3.5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 | Follows accepted industry practices in relation to safe dance practices, injury-prevention strategies and general work ethic Takes responsibility for own professional development |
Interact with others | 1.1, 2.6, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 5.3 | Works collaboratively to develop and improve performance techniques Understands how own role meshes with others |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 5.1, 5.2 | Adopts a methodical, disciplined and positive approach to physical conditioning program and the development of own musical theatre performance skills Communicates the mood or style of performance pieces Performs with confidence, style and strong stage presence Takes steps to minimise risk of injury through appropriate physical conditioning program |
Sectors
Performing arts – cross-sector performance