MUSTHEAT 3002 - Music Theatre Performance 3B

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2024

DANCE: This course is the culmination of skills and techniques learnt in the entire dance course. The dance stream continues to incorporate techniques of various dance and physical theatre forms but with a focus on tap and jazz/contemporary dance. An advanced level of dance as a soloist and ensemble precision are a feature, as is speed and accuracy in the assimilation of choreographic routines. INDUSTRY: You will complete the process of creating your own professional showreel, providing you with the opportunity to showcase your talent and unique abilities as a performer. Through hands-on practice and feedback from industry professionals, you'll develop your skills in creating compelling, engaging recordings that will impress casting directors and help launch your career in the music theatre industry in song, monologues, acting scene for stage and television. ACTING: This course is designed to deepen the practice of the individual in acting. Moving beyond the acquisition of skills towards an awareness of the whole performer, actors will focus on a series of acting and performance tasks designed to blend theory with practice, and to integrate a complex level of mind and body approaches to theatre performance, with a particular emphasis on contemporary approaches to dramaturgy. This semester will also include audition technique and monologue work.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MUSTHEAT 3002
    Course Music Theatre Performance 3B
    Coordinating Unit Elder Conservatorium of Music
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact 8 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites MUSTHEAT 3001
    Restrictions Available to BMusTheatre students only
    Assessment Continuous criteria based observations within the classroom and tutorial situation 10%, Practical presentation: Voice 20%, Tap technical assessment 20%, Jazz technical assessment 20%, Acting: Monologue showcase 30%
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Mr George Torbay AM

    Course Coordinator

      George Torbay

      E-mail: george.torbay@adelaide.edu.au

      Phone: 0421 245 665

      Location: Schulz Building (Level 11, Room 11.16)

      Availability: M-F, 0900-1700

     

     Course Tutors

      Craig Behenna

      E-mail: craigbehenna@gmail.com

      Phone: 0402 321 076

      Availability: M, W, Class times only

     

    Carla Centofanti

      E-mail: carla.cento@live.com.au

      Phone: 0403 196 942

      Availability: M, 0900-1300

     

      Martin Cheney

      E-mail: martin.cheney@gmail.com

      Phone: 0422 609 357

      Availability: M-F, 0900-1700

     

      Dr. Terry Crawford

      E-mail: terrycrawford61@gmail.com

      Phone: 0434 331 061

      Availability: Tues 0900 - 1330, Thurs 1330 - 1700, Fri 0900 - 1300

     

      Deanna Farnell

      E-mail: deannafarnell@gmail.com

      Phone: 0424 044 043

      Availability: W 0900 - 1430, F 0900 - 1700

     

      Rosie Hosking

      E-mail: rosie@roomtwo.com.au

      Phone: 0419 822 890

      Availability: T, 1600 - 1800

     

      Erin James

      E-mail: erinjames@icloud.com

      Phone: 0415 352 304

      Availability: F, 1400-1700

     

       Peter Johns

      E-mail: peter.johns@adelaide.edu.au

      Phone: 0408 286 894

      Availability: M-F, 0900-1700

     

      Zoë Komazec

      E-mail: zoe.komazec@gmail.com

      Phone: 0431 418 421

      Availability: Wednesdays 9am - 11:30am

     

      Dale March

      E-mail: dalesimonmarch@gmail.com

      Phone: 0413 221 546

      Availability: Wednesdays 1pm - 6pm, Thursdays 9am - 1pm

     

      Martine Quigley

      E-mail: m@stylestation.com.au

      Phone: 0437 143 153

      Availability: M & W, 0900-1300

     

      Joseph Simons

      E-mail: j.simons@adelaide.edu.au

      Phone: 0432 498 020

      Availability: M-F, 0900-1700

     

      Paul Sinkinson

      E-mail: paul.sinkinson@yahoo.com.au

      Phone: 0413 011 964

      Availability: Tues 0900 - 1330, Thurs 1330 - 1700, Fri 0900 - 1300

     

      Anna Steen

      E-mail: anna.s.steen@gmail.com

      Phone: 0418 863 587

      Availability: Tuesdays 0900 - 1330, Thursdays 1330 - 1700

     

      Roel Vorrbij

      E-mail: voorbijroel@gmail.com

      Phone: 0450 225 231

      Availability: W, F, 1300-1730

     

      Dr. James Whiting

      E-mail: james_whiting@live.com

      Phone: 0417 764 970

      Availability: W, F, 1300-1730

     

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1 Demonstrate understanding of technical elements and physical characteristics of Jazz and Tap dance styles
    2 Exhibit increased strength, flexibility, stamina and coordination in the body
    3 Combine technical accuracy with professional-level performance quality
    4 Identify idiosyncratic, habituated physical and vocal patterns and establish an understanding of vocal physiology and its application to performance
    5 Identify the elements that constitute an effective audition monologue
    6 Employ techniques that support them to confidently perform an audition monologue in front of a panel
    7 Receive and effectively apply direction in an audition environment
    8 Pursue and follow up on general auditions in a professional manner
    9 Define the proper care of a performer’s physical instrument, and apply safe techniques to explore the alignment, posture, stamina, flexibility and strength of your body in dance, acting and vocalisation.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    6, 7

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    8

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    1. Carey, D. (1998) “The Actor’s Wishlist.” The Actor’s Audition Manual Volume1:5-17. Strawberry Hills; Currency Press
    2. Carey, D. (1998) “The Perfect Piece.” The Actor’s Audition Manual Volume1:18-24. Strawberry Hills; Currency Press
    3. Carey, D. (1998) “The Dramatic Terrain Ahead.” The Actor’s Audition Manual Volume1:41-66. Strawberry Hills; Currency Press
    4. Tucker, P. (2015). “Auditions.” The Secrets of Screen Acting (3rd ed.): 123-136. New York; Routledge
    5. Maxwell, I, Mark Seton, and Marianna Szabo. (2018). “The Precarious Lives of Actors.”
    Australasian Drama Studies, no. 72: 149–175. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/ielapa.648271094050757
    6
    . Neff, K and Dan Harris. (2020). “Kryptonite for the Inner Critic.” (podcast) https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/kristin-neff

    Recommended Resources

    Donnellan, Declan (2002). The Actor and the Target. London; Nick Hern.

    Dunmore, S. (1998). Alternative Shakespeare Auditions for Women. Sydney; Currency Press.

    Dunmore, S. (1997). Alternative Shakespeare Auditions for Men. Sydney; Currency Press.

    Gaddis, A. (2016). LGBTQ Comedic Monologues that are Actually Funny. Milwaukee; Applause.

    James, T. (2014). Contemporary Monologues for Women. London; Nick Hern.

    James, T. (2014). Contemporary Monologues for Men. London; Nick Hern.

    Shurtleff, M. (1981). Audition. New York; Bantam Dell.
    Online Learning

    Course documents, including the Course Profile and assignments will be available on MyUni.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    All music theatre students must undertake the Music Theatre Performance course. It is a skills-based practical course focussed on the three areas of acting technique, voice production and dance skills. This includes key areas of TAP and JAZZ dance, ACTING technique as well as scene work, INDUSTRY theory and production (auditions). As such, all classes are workshop style where attendance is critical for skills development.

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Acting: 2 x 2 hour workshop each week

    Tap Dance: 1 x 1 hour workshop each week

    Jazz Dance: 1 x 1 hour workshop each week

    In addition to the listed contact hours per week, It is anticipated that students would spend 4-6 hours per week in preparing for workshops, preparing assignments and undertaking required readings.

    Learning Activities Summary

    Students are expected to maintain 100% attendance at all classes. See below for penalties. Independent Practice Students must prepare and practise all repertoire, technical exercises and other material assigned by their lecturers and arrive for each session fully prepared Class Activity All classes are practically based skill development. It is essential for growth and development that there is active participation at each session.

    Out of Class Activity Acting and Voice will require students to present to the University community a showing of their semester’s work. These showings usually take place in the final week of classes or in Week 13.

    Specific Course Requirements

    Specific dance wear and rehearsal ‘blacks’ will be quired for all classes. Students will be given this information prior to the first class with clear instructions and guidelines.

     All students will be required to appear for an individual audition with the State Theatre Company in week 8.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Learning Outcome

    Acting:

    1. Weekly practical exercises
    2. Presentation/Audition
    Formative and Summative 50% 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9

    Dance:

    1. Tap Dance Assessment
    2. Jazz Dance Assessment
    Summative 50% 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
    Assessment Related Requirements

    Participation: Active and positive participation in 100% of workshops is expected. Students will need to seek approval from the Head of Music Theatre for any absence. This process is clearly explained in the Music Theatre Handbook in MyUni.

     

    Assessment Detail

    ACTING #1: Weekly Practical Exercises

    Weighting:

    65%

    Due date:

    Week 8

    Task description:

    Students will be assessed on their preparation, class engagement and development as a performer.  Criteria include:

    • The capacity to conduct independent research into a wide variety of suitable monologues and plays.
    • The ability to prepare, memorise and perform a variety of monologues.
    • The ability to make clear, emotionally connected, brave, and imaginative choices.
    • The capacity to receive and apply direction in a professional manner.
    • The ability to retain and build on notes through the rehearsal process.
    • The willingness to offer insightful contributions to group discussions in response to required readings.
    • The ability to engage in productive, insightful observations during the rehearsal process.

     ACTING #2: Mock General Audition

    Weighting:

    35%

    Due date:

    Week 8

    Task description:

    You will perform at least one monologue and a song drawn from the material explored during the semester for performance in a ‘mock’ general audition.  Assessment will be based on your capacity to conduct yourself confidently and professionally in the room; your ability to retain direction received during the semester and apply it in an audition environment; your capacity to effectively receive and apply direction offered by members of an audition panel.

     DANCE #1: Jazz Dance Assessment A

    Weighting:

    20%

    Due date:

    Week 8

    Task description:

    Instructions:   You will be provided with audition briefs for mock-dance calls for two contrasting shows. There will be four routines provided. Choose TWO (2) of the routines – one from each show - and use the instructional video to learn the choreography. You do not need to audition for the same track in each show (ie: you may audition as a Strong Mover in one show, and as a Dancer in the other)

    At the start of each video, present a ‘slate’ which includes your name, age, base city, height, and which track (ie: Dancer or Strong Mover) you are auditioning for. Consider clothing, lighting, and location for your self-tapes.

    Submit to My Uni two self-tape videos presenting the dance routines for consideration by the panel. Do this by pasting two links in the COMMENTS section of the submission page.

     

    Marking:        

    Performance for Camera 50%

    Choreographic Accuracy 40%

    Professionalism of Self-tape 10%

     DANCE #2: Jazz Dance Assessment B

    Weighting:

    30%

    Due date:

    Week 12

    Task description:

    Title:                Practical Examination

    Instructions:   Each student (regardless of level) will present a series of technical exercises across the room demonstrating strength, flexibility and coordination. These exercises will be rehearsed prior in class time.

    You will also learn a new (unseen) choreographic combination to perform. This combination will include optional elements with varying degrees of difficulty.

    Marking:        

    Technique 40%

    Style 25%

    Performance and Presentation 20%

    Musicality 15%

     DANCE #3: Tap Dance Assessment

    Weighting:

    50%

    Due date:

    Week 12

    Task description:

    Title:                Practical Examination

    Instructions:   Each student (regardless of level) will present choreographic content accumulated from a semester of class work. You will be required to learn and present a new (unseen) choreographic combination at this assessment.

    Marking:         Technique & Quality of Sound 50%

                            Musicality 30%

                            Performance Style 20%

     

    Submission

    ALL MUSIC THEATRE ASSESSMENTS INCUR A 10% PER DAY PENALTY FOR LATE SUBMISSIONS. Extensions are only granted prior to the assessment due date.

    Late assignment policy: Extensions are only granted when supporting documentation can be provided and then, and only then, by arrangement with the course lecturer prior to the due date and time. Extensions will not be granted under any other circumstance. Assessed work that is submitted late (after the due date and time) will not be examined for assessment or feedback. In the case of illness this will require a medical certificate, and in the case of personal (non-medical) circumstances you will need a letter of support from a University Student Counsellor. For further information please refer to the following website: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/counselling_centre/

     

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

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