New Work

This subject is not offered in 2014.

144 Hours

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

Students work in a creative development format with professional artists-in-residence. Students will participate in short-term intensive workshop periods that may range from new musical theatre works, to physical theatre, to avant-garde form, to children’s theatre. The primary skill development is in the possible use of improvisation, cold and/or sight-reading and adaptiveness to new forms and input in service of the writer, composer or choreographer. Whilst students will have an experience of active participation as collaborator/performers, at other times they will be required to become a ‘working audience’, acquiring skills in giving constructive feedback and critical response to work in which they have not been primarily engaged. Following this, students will be required to create and perform a new short work. The style and content of these works will be dictated by the particular skills and interests of the student but must involve at least two of the ‘triple threat’ areas of singing, dancing and acting. Initial introductory workshops will focus on devising skills and understanding form. With much of the emphasis on autonomous creative practice and self-direction, tutors will provide regular feedback, guidance and provocation towards new directions. As with all year 3 subjects, a high level of preparation and autonomy is expected, with students exhibiting strong organisational skills and confident application of technical and artistic principles in self-directed work

• Develop skills in collaboration and contribution to the development of new works of other artists.
• Develop skills in generating and developing student ideas for new music theatre works that may challenge or develop existing forms.
• Develop skills in creative realisation of ideas in performance.
• Develop skills in giving and receiving critical feedback as part of the creative development process.

Class work evaluation: development of new work. Weeks 9-15. 40%

Focusing on achievements against set criteria in areas such as: engagement, developing a methodology, transference of skills into performance, professional attitude and commitment, ability to discuss & give/receive feedback.

Presentation of original performance work (small group or solo performance of 10-15 minutes). Week 15. 40%

Completion of written score/script/rationale (equivalent of 1,000 words) . Week 15. 20%

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Upon completion of this subject, students will:
• Demonstrate an enhanced understanding of the construction and development of works for music theatre.
• Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in creative development processes.
• Adapt and apply their skills in a range of contexts and styles of performance material
• Apply creative processes to develop ideas from inception to performance.
• Apply critical thinking to the relationship of form and content in creating new work, developing work that is cohesive in its intention and execution.
• Perform to a professional standard.