Introduction to Performance Skills (10432.1)
| Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
|---|---|---|
| View teaching periods | On-campus |
South Bank, QLD |
| EFTSL | Credit points | Faculty |
| 0.25 | 6 | Faculty Of Arts And Design |
| Discipline | Study level | HECS Bands |
| School Of Arts And Communications | Level 1 - Undergraduate Introductory Unit | Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021) Band 2 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021) |
The students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of contemporary acting practice, as well as the history and development of acting and performance styles.
The students will be introduced to acting vocal technique. An overview of the teachings of a variety of internationally recognised voice teachers will be provided in this course, but specific training will be provided exploring the approach known as 'Freeing the Natural voice' developed by Kristin Linklater.
The students will engage in physical performance training to study the use of the body as an instrument of expression and power for performance, and will be introduced to the history of performer training and various key theatre practitioners.
Learning outcomes
After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:1. Recognise and explain the theories of acting, vocal and body practices;
2. Identify and discuss the practical application of acting, vocal and body theories;
3. Employ acting, vocal and physical training techniques at a basic level in performance; and
4. Apply communication skills in an academic/creative context.
Graduate attributes
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
Prerequisites
None.Corequisites
None.Incompatible units
None.Equivalent units
None.Assumed knowledge
None.| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | South Bank, QLD | Semester 1 | 05 February 2024 | On-campus | Ms Lisa O'Neill |
| 2025 | South Bank, QLD | Semester 1 | 03 February 2025 | On-campus | Ms Lisa O'Neill |
Required texts
ACTING
Required text:
Merlin, B. (2018). Acting: The basics (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Recommended texts:
Ball, D. (1983). Backwards and forwards: A technical manual for reading plays. Southern Illinois University Press.
Stanislavski, K. & Benedetti, J. (2017). An actor's work. Routledge.
Other:
Alfreds, M. (2007). Different every night: Freeing the actor. Nick Hern Books.
Carey, D. (1998). The actor's audition manual. Currency Press.
Donellan, D. (2014). The Actor and the target. Theatre Communications Group.
Hagen, U. (1991). A challenge for the actor. Scribener.
Kohlhaas, K. (2005). The monologue audition: A practical guide for actors. Limelight Editions.
Konijn, E. A., Leach, B. & Chambers, D. (1997). Acting emotions: Shaping emotions on stage. Amsterdam University Press.
Mamet, D. (1998). True and false: Heresy and common sense for the actor. Faber and Faber.
Morris, E. (1985). Irreverent acting: A bold new statement on the craft of acting and individual talent. Ermore Enterprises.
Moss, L. (2006). The intent to live: Achieving your true potential as an actor. Bantam Books.
VOICE
Barton, J. (1984). Playing Shakespeare: An actor's guide. Methuen.
Berry, C. (1973). Voice and the actor. Harrop Limited.
Houseman, B. (2008). Tackling text. Nick Hern Books.
Linklater, K. (2006). Freeing the natural voice. Nick Hern Books.
Nelson, J. (2015). The voice exercise book. National Theatre Publishing.
Rodenburg, P. (1992). The right to speak. Routledge.
Shewell, C. (2009). Voice work: Art and science in changing voices. Wiley-Blackwell.
BODY
Allain, P., & Harvie, J. (2014). Theatre and performance. Routledge.
Callery, D. (2001). Through the body. Nick Hern.
Keefe, J., & Murray S. (Eds.). (2007). Physical theatres: A critical introduction. Routledge.
Keefe, J., & Murray S. (Eds.). (2007). Physical theatres: A critical reader. Routledge.
Marshall, L. (2008.) The body speaks (2nd ed.). Bloomsbury Methuen Drama.
Watson, I. (Ed). (2001). Performer training: Developments across cultures. Routledge.
Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.
Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.
UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).
UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.
Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.
Participation requirements
It is encouraged that students attend all lectures and practical workshops to succeed in this unit.
Required IT skills
Students will use the LMS Canvas to access all learning materials and the submission of assignments.
Work placement, internships or practicums
N/A
