Body and Voice 1A

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

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

This subject allows the individual to discover the interdependence of voice and body. The focus of the work lies in addressing idiosyncratic habits which may inhibit the moving speaking performer in order to develop a functional, efficient and flexible body and voice. This subject will include a selection from the following: physical awareness of breath in the body, muscularity, resonance, active listening and kinaesthetic awareness, fundamental patterns of physical organization and use, physical improvisation, dynamic imagery and rhythmical play to activate sensory perception.

This subject enables students to:
• identify and work towards freedom from idiosyncratic habituated vocal and movement patterns which impede effective communication;
• develop a kinaesthetic understanding of vibration in the body;
• develop a kinaesthetic understanding of the relationship between the spine and breath support;
• develop a kinaesthetic understanding of the relationship between impulse, breath, sound, body, space and action;
• develop a kinaesthetic awareness of embodied sound supported by a reflexive breath musculature;
• achieve increased physical integration and articulation including spinal mobility, flexibility, coordination and balance of the body;
• prepare the body and voice mindfully and consciously;
• develop active listening skills in a variety of contexts.

Practical Studio Class Work 70% (Focusing on achievements against set criteria in areas such as: developing a methodology, transference of skills into performance and professional attitude and commitment.)
Practical assessment of an assigned individual presentation. 10% mid-semester
Practical assessment of assigned tasks in group presentations. 20% end of semester
Hurdle requirements: Students must attend 80% of all scheduled classes and attempt all elements of assessment to be eligible for a pass in this subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completing this subject students will be able to:
• solve problems creatively;
• have a capacity for kinaesthetic awareness;
• work confidently in the “unknown”;
• work with focus, energy and responsibility in class;

• collaborate in a team.