Acting Studies 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

144 hours Years 1/2/3: Students are expected to undertake a minimum of 36 hours or self-directed, individual practice.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Acting in this Degree focuses on the self as the foundation of the performer’s work, whilst balancing this personal investment against the demands of serving the style and substance of story and text. This subject focuses on developing the creative and expressive potential of the actor through a thorough understanding of voice technique, self-awareness, imagination, flexibility, connection and play, whilst simultaneously developing analytical and craft-based skills to assist the performer’s development of a personal process. Specific tasks will be undertaken to identify habitual patterns and areas of resistance or difficulty and to investigate the language concepts central to the actor’s craft. Initially, the work is concerned with developing a sense of play and imaginative response, through games, storytelling, improvisation and impulse work, which will also assist in the development of performance-making skills. Subsequent work builds on this developing freedom. Text work integrates the twin requirements of working organically through personal connection, impulse and imagination, with the development of analytical skills and the practical application of these to shape the performer’s craft across material with a range of styles and demands. The focus on the self will place the actor at the centre of their work as performer and theatre maker, and will be balanced against the requirements of working as an ensemble.

Continuous: Assessment is based upon class participation and interaction and commitment as demonstrated by a regular updated journal of activities (c. 1,800 words) embracing all areas studied, level of preparation, and the degree to which stated outcomes have been achieved. (40%)

Formal: Preparation and participation in assessment performance project. (60%)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of the Bachelor of Music Theatre students should be able to:

• exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of their discipline including relevant professional knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as they relate to the practising musician;

• demonstrate an open and independent attitude towards contemporary cultural developments;

• demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the challenges for the professional musician in the 21st century;

• critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across the broader community;

• work at various levels, both individually and as a team member, in a wide variety of musical environments;

• understand and appreciate how the arts connect with the broader society and culture; and,

• demonstrate the ability to lead and take initiative in the learning process.