Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop techniques for integrating singing with the acting and dancing skills required of musical theatre performers. Moments of dramatic intensity are often expressed in songs so an ability to move from spoken to sung voice is essential, along with the physical stamina required to sustain a role that includes dancing.
At this level supervision and guidance are provided during practice sessions but individuals are expected to work independently on experimenting with ways to sustain a role and convey complexity of meaning by integrating vocal and movement skills.
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. Develop warm-up techniques | 1.1 In consultation with appropriate personnel, analyse aspects of the human voice, especially those relevant to performers 1.2 Analyse physical problems that can limit movement and physical expression, or cause injury 1.3 In consultation with appropriate personnel, discuss ways to avoid physical and vocal problems and strategies for addressing problems if they arise 1.4 Perform vocal and physical warm-up procedures in preparation for performance activities 1.5 Strengthen and expand vocal and physical technique through regular exercises |
2. Extend singing skills to include musical theatre | 2.1 Develop range and scope of own voice and musical theatre repertoire options that best fit it 2.2 Experiment with bringing characters to life through expressive interpretation of songs from a range of musical theatre styles 2.3 Develop techniques for conveying emotion and storylines to audiences through song, and moving from spoken to sung voice 2.4 Develop techniques for speaking and singing in a range of accents 2.5 Develop a range of singing techniques to perform, in character, scenes that include solos, duets and ensemble pieces 2.6 Develop techniques for integrating singing into dance routines and performing with a range of microphone placements 2.7 Apply and practise memorisation skills for retaining lyrics and lines of dialogue 2.8 Develop expertise in performing from simple song lead sheets |
3. Maintain expertise | 3.1 Practise and refine singing techniques relevant to musical theatre 3.2 Maintain and update knowledge of musical theatre terminology and trends 3.3 Use feedback from others to identify and develop ways to improve own singing skills 3.4 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:
develop singing skills appropriate to performing in musical theatre
do vocal warm-ups and warm-downs
apply singing skills to convey meaning and emotion in solo, partnered and group work
sing from a simple song lead sheet
work collaboratively
improve own singing techniques in response to constructive feedback.
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:
describe features of a range of musical theatre styles
explain how songs can be used to bring characters to life
identify the elements of simple music notation and explain how they relate to interpreting songs
explain principles underlying vocal techniques in a musical theatre performance context
explain the effect different vocal techniques have on audiences and the relationship between performers.
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 venues and spaces with suitable acoustics 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 | 3.3, 3.4 | 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 | 1.2, 2.7, 2.8, 3.2 | Memorises lyrics of songs to be performed Applies knowledge of music notation and directions when singing from simple lead sheets Obtains information relevant to working in musical theatre from written sources |
Oral communication | 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3 | Obtains information by listening and questioning Uses tone of voice, vocabulary and other verbal and non-verbal strategies to convey emotions and intentions in speech and song |
Navigate the world of work | 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 | Follows accepted industry practice in relation to safe vocal practice Develops relevant skills and knowledge Takes responsibility for own professional development |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.3 | Works collaboratively to develop and improve singing techniques Works creatively on developing techniques for bringing characters to life to convey storylines to spectators Builds rapport with ensemble members |
Get the work done | 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 3.2 | Allows adequate time for vocal and physical warm-up procedures in advance of acting activities Implements ways to minimise the risk of physical problems related to inappropriate vocal use Experiments with a range of singing techniques and songs relevant to performing in musical theatre productions Uses the internet as a source of information on industry trends |
Sectors
Performing arts - voice and singing