Technical Theatre Production is a Level 2 course requiring a strong interest in the technical elements of theatre
Learners study units in Lighting and Sound, Set and Properties, Costume and Theatrical Make-up, Stage Management, Publicity and Front of House Responsibilities. Further study in this area is available through vocational training pathways.
On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:
Technical Theatre Production Level 2 is a pathway to studying:
The study of Technical Theatre Level 2 is relevant to learners who wish to pursue further study at tertiary level, in vocational educational training settings or to pursue industry or community related pathways.
Providers of this course will need ongoing access to:
Due to the significance placed on working as a member of a team in a range of technical areas, providers must give learners access to working on a minimum of two (2) public performance events/theatrical productions. These must be distinct, not repeated performances of the same event/show.
Learners must attend at least two (2) different theatre performances in order to appraise the use and effect of technical elements in live theatre. These will be live, not recordings or video/filmed performances.
This course has a complexity level of 2.
At Level 2, the learner is expected to carry out tasks and activities that involve a range of knowledge and skills, including some basic theoretical and/or technical knowledge and skills. Limited judgement is required, such as making an appropriate selection from a range of given rules, guidelines or procedures. VET competencies at this level are often those characteristic of an AQF Certificate II.
This course has a size value of 15.
Working as a member of a production team learners will develop a range of basic design and operational skills across a wide scope of technical production elements: lighting; sound; costume; effects; publicity; set and properties; and stage management. These design and operational skills will be developed within the context of theatre and associated dramatic events. Emphasis will be given to work-safe principles and practices in theatre environments.
Learners will also assess the use and effect of technical elements in viewed live theatre productions.
Learners must work as a member of a production team on a minimum of two (2) performance events/theatrical productions. These must be distinct and separate events, not repeated performances of the same event/show.
Learners must attend at least two (2) different theatre performances in order to appraise the use and effect of technical elements in live theatre. These will be live, not recordings or video/filmed performances. These will not be performances in which they work as a member of a production team.
There are four (4) compulsory units:
UNIT 1 Skills and technique development
UNIT 2 Pre-production and presenting
UNIT 3 Reflective Practice
UNIT 4 Appraising the use and effect of technical elements in live theatre productions.
These units may be delivered as discrete units or run concurrently throughout the year. While the sequence for delivery is not mandated, learners undertaking specific roles in Unit 2 will need to have the basic skill set required for these roles from study of Unit 1.
UNIT 1 SKILLS AND TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT
This unit focuses on the development of core technical skills and theoretical background incorporating theatrical terms and vocabulary.
Learners will study the significance of each listed area to theatre production, relationships between the areas in the realisation of artistic intent and performance, and develop basic skills in each of the listed areas.
In all listed areas learners will study and apply workplace health and safety practices including the ability to recognise and manage potential hazards in theatrical and associated dramatic spaces.
UNIT 2 PRE-PRODUCTION AND PRESENTING
This unit focuses on individual and group planning and preparation for the presentation of theatrical productions and associated events.
In all listed areas learners will study and apply workplace health and safety practices including the ability to recognise and manage potential hazards in theatrical and associated dramatic spaces.
UNIT 3 REFLECTIVE PRACTICE
This unit focuses on reflecting on and responding to personal technical production experiences including:
UNIT 4 APPRAISING THE USE AND EFFECT OF TECHNICAL ELEMENTS IN LIVE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
This unit focuses on observing, identifying, and assessing the use and effect of technical elements in live theatre productions, including:
The following are minimum work requirements for this course.
Practical Tasks – Learners will complete practical work in two areas:
Work as a member of a production team
Learners must work as a member of a production team on a minimum of two (2) public performance events/theatrical productions. These must be distinct and separate events, not repeated performances of the same event/show run. Illustrative examples of suitable performance events/theatrical productions include, but are not limited to, production team in support of:
In addition, work as a member of a production team working to support minor events – such as items in a school/college assemblies – may be undertaken to develop skills and for formative assessment purposes.
View live theatre productions
Learners must attend at least two (2) different theatre performances in order to appraise the use and effect of technical elements in live theatre. These will be live, not recordings or video/filmed performances. These will not be performances in which they work as a member of a production team.
Theoretical Tasks – Learners will complete theory work in two areas:
Reflective Practice
Learners will complete TWO written reports about their work as a member of a production team – one for each of the performance events/theatrical productions in which they must be involved. Each report of approximately 600 – 900 words (2 – 3 pages) in length.
Focus of each report will be:
Each report will also include support materials such as: call books; schedules; prop lists; and designs. These are in addition to the report length requirement.
Appraisal of technical elements in live theatre
Learners will complete TWO written reports appraising the use and effect of technical elements in live theatre – one for each of the public performance events/theatrical productions they have viewed. These will be live, not recordings or video/filmed performances. These will not be performances in which they work as a member of a production team.
Each report of approximately 600 – 900 words (2 – 3 pages) in length.
Focus of each report will be:
Each of the written reports will use the following format:
*For further information see the TASC documents: Authenticity and Academic Integrity: A Guide and 'How do I reference (cite) other peoples' information, images, ideas or words used in my work?'
GENERAL WORK EXPECTATIONS
This course requires a class of learners to undertake and fulfil the role of a technical production team member working as part of a group and individually. Individual learners must be aware that such roles involve expectations that they will:
In addition to any penalties a provider may choose to impose on an individual who fails to meet these expectations, learners must be aware that failure to meet these expectations will have adverse effects on their assessment outcomes.
Criterion-based assessment is a form of outcomes assessment that identifies the extent of learner achievement at an appropriate end-point of study. Although assessment – as part of the learning program – is continuous, much of it is formative, and is done to help learners identify what they need to do to attain the maximum benefit from their study of the course. Therefore, assessment for summative reporting to TASC will focus on what both teacher and learner understand to reflect end-point achievement.
The standard of achievement each learner attains on each criterion is recorded as a rating ‘A’, ‘B’, or ‘C’, according to the outcomes specified in the standards section of the course.
A ‘t’ notation must be used where a learner demonstrates any achievement against a criterion less than the standard specified for the ‘C’ rating.
A ‘z’ notation is to be used where a learner provides no evidence of achievement at all.
Providers offering this course must participate in quality assurance processes specified by TASC to ensure provider validity and comparability of standards across all awards. To learn more, see TASC's quality assurance processes and assessment information.
Internal assessment of all criteria will be made by the provider. Providers will report the learner’s rating for each criterion to TASC.
The following processes will be facilitated by TASC to ensure there is:
Process – TASC will verify that the provider’s course delivery and assessment standards meet the course requirements and community expectations for fairness, integrity and validity of qualifications TASC issues. This will involve checking:
This process may also include interviews with past and present learners. It will be scheduled by TASC using a risk-based approach.
The assessment for Technical Theatre Production Level 2 will be based on the degree to which the learner can:
The learner:
Rating A | Rating B | Rating C |
---|---|---|
consistently maintains effective on-task engagement within specified time frames | maintains effective on-task engagement within specified time frames | remains on task for an agreed time |
contributes ideas and suggestions that improve technical outcomes and support artistic intent | contributes ideas and suggestions that improve technical outcomes | contributes suggestions and ideas in appropriate ways |
co-operates with others to achieve technical outcomes, and facilitates team’s technical outcomes in support of artistic intent | co-operates with others to achieve technical outcomes, and appropriately supports team members | co-operates with others to achieve technical outcomes, as directed |
responds appropriately, promptly and accurately to verbal and non-verbal instruction and direction | responds appropriately and promptly to verbal and non-verbal instruction and direction | responds appropriately to verbal and non-verbal instruction and direction |
exhibits appropriate theatre behaviours and etiquette during rehearsals and performances, and collaboratively supports others to do so. | exhibits appropriate theatre behaviours and etiquette during rehearsals and performances. | exhibits appropriate theatre behaviours and etiquette during rehearsals and performances, as directed. |
The learner:
Rating A | Rating B | Rating C |
---|---|---|
creates and uses records of technical production elements using appropriate formats | creates and uses simple records of technical production elements | creates and uses simple records* of technical production elements, as directed |
modifies and adapts records of technical production elements during the production process to accurately reflect changing conditions or requirements and support artistic intent | modifies and adapts records of technical production elements during the production process to reflect changing conditions or requirements | |
promptly and accurately follows instruction and direction about the organisation, placement and storage of technical production equipment, and appropriately adapts methods to reflect changing conditions or requirements during the production process | promptly and accurately follows instruction and direction about the organisation, placement and storage of technical production equipment | follows instruction and direction about the organisation, placement and storage of technical production equipment |
appropriately cares for technical production equipment, collaboratively supports others to do so, and clearly explains why such care is significant | appropriately cares for technical production equipment, and articulates why such care is significant | appropriately cares for technical production equipment, as directed, and articulates why such care is required |
follows workplace safety requirements, protocols and procedures in theatrical spaces, and collaboratively supports others to do so. | follows workplace safety requirements, protocols and procedures in theatrical spaces. | follows workplace safety requirements, protocols and procedures in theatrical spaces, as directed. |
* Records of technical production elements include, but are not limited to: prompt copy; lighting cue sheets; and running sheets.
The learner:
Rating A | Rating B | Rating C |
---|---|---|
correctly explains* characteristics and role(s) of the following elements in a production:
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correctly describes* characteristics and role(s) of the following elements in a production:
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correctly identifies* basic characteristics and role(s) of the following elements in a production:
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correctly explains relationships between the following elements in a production, and their contribution to artistic intent:
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correctly describes relationships between the following elements in a production:
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correctly identifies simple relationships between the following elements in a production:
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correctly explains how elements of technical theatre production can be used to support artistic intent and communicate meaning to an audience | correctly describes how elements of technical theatre production can be used to support artistic intent and communicate meaning to an audience | correctly identifies how some elements of technical theatre production can be used to support artistic intent and communicate meaning to an audience |
uses basic and specialised terminology relevant to technical theatre production. | uses basic terminology relevant to technical theatre production. | uses some basic terminology relevant to technical theatre production. |
* Identify: to point out, name, list, distinguish, recognise, establish or indicate who or what someone or something is
Describe: to recount, tell of/about, chronicle, comment on, give an account of characteristics or features
Explain: to make plain, clear, intelligible, to describe in detail, revealing relevant facts
The learner:
Rating A | Rating B | Rating C |
---|---|---|
competently applies basic skills* to performance of technical theatre tasks, as directed, in technologies associated with:
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applies basic skills* to performance of technical theatre tasks, as directed, in technologies associated with:
There may be occasional errors or omissions in the application of these skills. |
applies some basic skills* to performance of technical theatre tasks, as directed, in technologies associated with:
There may be errors or omissions in the application of these skills. |
competently applies appropriate skills to performance of technical theatre tasks in technologies associated with two of:
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competently applies basic skills* to performance of technical theatre tasks, in technologies associated with two of:
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competently applies basic skills* to performance of technical theatre tasks, as directed, in technologies associated with two of:
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follows workplace safety requirements, protocols and procedures in the use of technology in theatrical spaces, and collaboratively supports others to do so. | follows workplace safety requirements, protocols and procedures in the use of technology in theatrical spaces. | follows workplace safety requirements, protocols and procedures in the use of technology in theatrical spaces, as directed. |
* Examples of ‘basic skills’ include, but are not limited to: turning equipment on and off; using a simple hand tool such as a hammer or paintbrush; turning a follow-spot; returning props to storage; and moving set items on stage.
The learner:
Rating A | Rating B | Rating C |
---|---|---|
explains* own role(s) in a production, and relationships between own role(s) and those of other production team members, director(s), cast and other personnel | correctly describes* own role(s) in a production, and relationships between own role(s) and those of other production team members, director(s), cast and other personnel | correctly identifies* own role(s) in a production, and relationships between own role(s) and those of other production team members, director(s), cast and other personnel |
explains artistic intent of designer/director and how own role(s) in production supports intent | correctly describes artistic intent of designer/director and how own role(s) in production supports intent | correctly identifies artistic intent of designer/director and how own role(s) in production supports intent |
reflects – orally and in writing – on progress towards meeting production goals, assesses progress and plans effective future actions | reflects – orally and in writing – on progress towards meeting production goals, assesses progress and plans future actions | reflects – orally and in writing – on progress towards meeting production goals, and articulates some ways in which goals could be met in the future |
accurately describes own technical skill development and application of skills to production process and outcomes. Areas for future skill development are identified and justification is given | describes own technical skill development and application of skills to production process and outcomes. Areas for future skill development are identified | identifies own technical skill development and application of skills to production process and outcomes. Some areas for future skill development are identified |
reflects - orally and in writing – on feedback from others, and modifies own technical practice to effectively address issues. | reflects – orally and in writing – on feedback from others, and modifies own technical practice to address issues. | modifies own technical practice as directed. |
* Identify: to point out, name, list, distinguish, recognise, establish or indicate who or what someone or something is
Describe: to recount, tell of/about, chronicle, comment on, give an account of characteristics or features
Explain: to make plain, clear, intelligible, to describe in detail, revealing relevant facts
The learner:
Rating A | Rating B | Rating C |
---|---|---|
communicates ideas and information with fluency and consistent control of language and expression appropriate to purpose | communicates ideas and information using clear and appropriate language and expression suited to purpose | communicates ideas and information with some control of language and expression appropriate to purpose |
correctly describes technical elements used in a production, and explains* relationships between these elements | correctly describes* technical elements used in a production, and relationships between these elements | correctly identifies* technical elements used in a production, and some relationships between these elements |
assesses* effectiveness of use of technical elements in a production, with reference to artistic intent and technical qualities | discusses effectiveness of use of technical elements in a production, with reference to technical qualities | makes some valid observations about effectiveness of use of technical elements in a production |
draws logical conclusions supported by relevant argument and evidence | draws some relevant conclusions supported by argument and evidence | provides limited support for conclusions |
uses basic and specialised terminology relevant to technical theatre production | uses basic terminology relevant to technical theatre production | uses some basic terminology relevant to technical theatre production |
uses appropriate referencing/citation methods. | uses some appropriate referencing/citation methods. | uses referencing/citation methods, as directed. |
* Identify: to point out, name, list, distinguish, recognise, establish or indicate who or what someone or something is
Describe: to recount, tell of/about, chronicle, comment on, give an account of characteristics or features
Explain: to make plain, clear, intelligible, to describe in detail, revealing relevant facts
Assess: to make a judgement about, to rate, to weigh up, to form an opinion
Technical Theatre Production Level 2 (with the award of):
EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
HIGH ACHIEVEMENT
COMMENDABLE ACHIEVEMENT
SATISFACTORY ACHIEVEMENT
PRELIMINARY ACHIEVEMENT
The final award will be determined by the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification from 6 ratings.
The minimum requirements for an award in Technical Theatre Production Level 2 are as follows:
EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT (EA)
5 ‘A’ ratings, 1 ‘B’ rating
HIGH ACHIEVEMENT (HA)
3 ‘A’ ratings, 2 ‘B’ ratings, 1 ‘C’ rating
COMMENDABLE ACHIEVEMENT (CA)
3 ‘B’ ratings, 3 ‘C’ ratings
SATISFACTORY ACHIEVEMENT (SA)
5 ‘C’ ratings
PRELIMINARY ACHIEVEMENT (PA)
3 ‘C’ ratings
A learner who otherwise achieves the ratings for an SA (Satisfactory Achievement) award but who fails to show any evidence of achievement in one or more criteria (‘z’ notation) will be issued with a PA (Preliminary Achievement) award.
The Department of Education’s Curriculum Services will develop and regularly revise the curriculum. This evaluation will be informed by the experience of the course’s implementation, delivery and assessment.
In addition, stakeholders may request Curriculum Services to review a particular aspect of an accredited course.
Requests for amendments to an accredited course will be forwarded by Curriculum Services to the Office of TASC for formal consideration.
Such requests for amendment will be considered in terms of the likely improvements to the outcomes for learners, possible consequences for delivery and assessment of the course, and alignment with Australian Curriculum materials.
A course is formally analysed prior to the expiry of its accreditation as part of the process to develop specifications to guide the development of any replacement course.
The accreditation period for this course is from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022.
During the accreditation period required amendments can be considered via established processes.
Should outcomes of the Years 9-12 Review process find this course unsuitable for inclusion in the Tasmanian senior secondary curriculum, its accreditation may be cancelled. Any such cancellation would not occur during an academic year.
Version 1 – Accredited on 26 June 2019 for use from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022. This course replaces Technical Theatre Productions (SDT215115) that expired on 31 December 2019.