Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

NB: Information in this Unit Outline is subject to change prior to commencement of semester

This is an advanced acting unit that deals primarily with preparing the student to be an independent artist through (a) performing contempory and classic dramatic material and (b) working with industry directors who expose the student to the special demands of public performance and challenging venues.

A professional actor must understand and be able to apply their skills to character creation and to a range of performing styles. An actor must be competent in areas of professional text preparation, rehearsal management, audition techniques and acting for film and television. The consolidation of technique with an organic process is essential for believability.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to move you into areas of professional preparation, through text classes, rehearsal management and audition techniques. The students now move from the preparation of their Instrument (themselves) toward the preparation of the role. The emphasis of this unit is on the introduction of increasingly complex text into the acting process, the further development of the emotional instrument, personal research in role presentation, craft development and the efficient use of rehearsal time, both autonomous and lecturer-directed.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1.Implement skills in responding to performing space requirements and in relating to an audience or camera.
2. Analyse dramatic text and understand obligations set forth by the aurthor.
3.Demonstrate the ability to rehearse and perform with increased Skills and Craft.
4. Exhibit creative, reflective and analytic thinking about the role of the performance in rehearsal and in your journals.
5.Employ a professional attitude to auditioning and rehearsing for a public production.
6.Implement skills in responding to performance space requirements and in relating to an audience.

Content

This unit addresses content such as rehearsal and performance of plays and screen works that offer a psychological through-line in keeping with the acting process. You will be introduced to auditioning protocol, the need for motivation in stagecraft, emotional and line cue management, working with given circumstances, choosing craft approaches, effective listening/responding and how to develop and manage stage and screen presence.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Due to the practical nature of this unit and the importance of developing individual skills, you are required to make a serious commitment to taking responsibility for your own progress within the restrictions of a group environment (ensemble). Rehearsal protocol demands that attendance is mandatory. You are also expected to take personal responsibility for maintaining a healthy life style, and to ensure that you maximize your development by doing instrumental workouts in your own time in order to be prepared for rehearsals.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access complete Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information please refer to the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Because of the nature of studio-based teaching, formative assessment is an inherent part of the process. The industry-based procedure of receiving regular performance notes from a director during the rehearsal process will provide you with feedback and direction and these notes should be taken as an indication of your progression in the unit.
Weight: 0%

Assessment name: Practical Assessment
Description: Rehearsals and Performance of Public Performance Project 1.
Relates to objectives: 1-6
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Practical Assessment
Description: Rehearsals and Performance of Public Performance Project 2.
Relates to objectives: 1-6
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Late Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required Text
Merlin, Bella (2007) The Complete Stanislavski Toolkit, London Stanislavski, K. (1961) My Life in Art, New
Constantine Stanislavski (1980) An Actor Prepares, Methuen, London

Recommended References
York, Theatre Arts Books
Benedetti, R. (2000) The Actor At Work, Prentice Hall, Inc.
Merlin, B. (2007) The Complete Stanislavsky Toolkit, Nick Hern Books, London.
Stanislavsky, K. (1967) Creating a Role, London, Trans. E.R. Hapgood. Eyre Methuen
Morris E. (1979) Acting with the Ultimate Consciousness, Los Angeles
Carey, Dean (1995) Master Class, Sydney, Currency Press
Hull, S. Loraine (2004) Strasberg's Method, Hull-Smithers, USA
Brook, Peter (1968) The Empty Space, London, G.B. Macgibbon & Kee
Comey, Jeremiah (2002) The Art of Film Acting

Risk assessment statement

This unit involves physical work primarily in purpose built studios and industry standard rehearsal venues. You are required to comply with the standard health and safety regulations, and take appropriate precautions to minimize risks. Full physical participation in any class/rehearsal is subject to compliance with safe practice. Physical challenges are an inherent part of physical performance. The development of essential risk management skills that minimize potential injury is a high priority. Theatres film sets are potentially dangerous places, particularly backstage during performances when lowlight conditions prevail. You will be warned by the stage manager, the production manger or the director of any specific risks that you will need to be aware of, when your project team first moves in to the theatre. If you are aware of personal physical or emotional vulnerabilities you should inform your tutor if you are feeling unsafe or at risk in any way. Every effort is made by staff at QUT to ensure that theatre students work in a safe environment. Conversely you are expected to follow all safety rules and directions, and to ensure that you do not put at risk the safety of others in any way. Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 26-Mar-2013