There are four (4) compulsory units:
UNIT 1 Musical Theatre skill development
UNIT 2 Ensemble performance skills
UNIT 3 Understanding and responding to text, score or music
UNIT 4 Presenting polished Musical Theatre performances
The first three units will be delivered concurrently and culminate in Unit 4 – the Musical Theatre production season.
UNIT 1 MUSICAL THEATRE SKILL DEVELOPMENT
This unit focuses on the development of core Musical Theatre skills. While these skills will vary according to the learner’s role in the production, a minimum of three (3) skill areas will be studied:
- vocal technique (spoken and singing)
- musical instrument technique
- movement and dance
- improvisation to develop character/dance or music repertoire, and to solve problems in performance
- text, score or music interpretation
- acting as a member of an ensemble.
UNIT 2 ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE SKILLS
This unit focuses on individual and group rehearsal and performance processes. Learning will focus on:
- developing and using an appropriate theatrical, musical or dance vocabulary
- responding appropriately to artistic direction
- using feedback to improve performance
- working collaboratively as a member of an ensemble and contributing to positive performance outcomes
- identifying and appropriately reacting to potential hazards in a rehearsal/theatre environment
- negotiating rehearsal and performance schedules.
UNIT 3 UNDERSTANDING AND RESPONDING TO TEXT, SCORE OR MUSIC
This unit focuses on using skills, techniques and processes used to explore and communicate ideas in musical theatre, including:
- developing an understanding of the characteristics of Musical Theatre, and the genre, style and thematic context of the performance
- developing an understanding of the artistic intent of designer/director, and how their role(s) relate to the intent
- working with others (such as tutors, musicians, choreographers, directors, and designers), and stimulus materials to workshop and develop ideas
- accurately preparing and/or memorising performance material such as: scores; text; dance; blocking; and song
- documentation of the processes involving in creating, making and presenting creative arts performances.
UNIT 4 PRESENTING POLISHED MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCES
Learners will perform as either a member of the onstage ensemble or instrumental ensemble within the production of at least one Musical Theatre season. The season will comprise at least 3 public performances. Learning will include:
- well prepared and confident participation in own or ensemble performance
- solving problems in performance
- applying work safe principles and practices in a theatre environment
- management of personal props, costumes, set items and/or instruments and other music materials
- listening and responding to others in performance
- confident and sustained presentation to engage an audience.