Skip to main content
Unit outline_

MSTH1601: Music Theatre Experience 1

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Sydney

Students will explore ensemble and solo repertoire appropriate to their ensemble development, with an emphasis on the development of technical dance and acting skills, musical expression and ensemble communication. Students apply these skills in performance while reflecting on their own and peers' work. On completion of this unit, students should be able to demonstrate technical dance and acting skills, ensemble and musical performance skills in preparation for music theatre studies at higher levels.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Performance
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Narelle Yeo, narelle.yeo@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Narelle Yeo, narelle.yeo@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Robert McDougall, robert.mcdougall@sydney.edu.au
Simon Kenway, simon.kenway@sydney.edu.au
Peter Cousens, peter.cousens@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Participation Dance formative assessment
Formative
40% Ongoing
Due date: 31 May 2024 at 23:59
Weekly - application and improvement
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4 LO3
Small continuous assessment Acting/somatic practice assessment
Formative.
60% Ongoing
Due date: 01 Jun 2024 at 23:59
Weekly assessment.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5
Online task Early feedback task
Canvas quiz #earlyfeedbacktask
0% Week 03
Due date: 06 Mar 2024 at 23:59
5-10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

40% Dance formative, across dance genres. Weekly assessment and final prepared choreography (less than 3 minutes and 20% mark)

60% Acting formative. Participation. Ensemble behaviours (40%). Final monologue or scene in Week 13 (20%)

0% Pass/Fail for Service component. Participate and report on one service activity per semester. A short 2 paragraph maximum report detailing your service will be submitted by Week 13 (June 2 at 11.59pm)

Assessment criteria

 

Descriptions

High distinction

85 - 100

Demonstrates high level of initiative in rehearsal, contextual reading and discussion, technique and embodiment; sophisticated approach to physical work; high level engagement with physical and theoretical knowledge, innovative use of skills and impressive command of underlying principles.

Distinction

75 - 84

Demonstrates attention in rehearsal, contextual reading and discussion, technique and embodiment; dedicated approach to physical work; high level engagement with physical and theoretical knowledge, innovative use of skills and solid command of underlying principles.

Credit

65 - 74

Demonstrates adequate concentration in rehearsal, some contextual reading and discussion evidenced in technique and embodiment; some engagement with physical and theoretical knowledge, appropriate use of skills and solid command of underlying principles.

Pass

50-64

Demonstrates adequate concentration in rehearsal, some contextual reading and discussion evidenced in technique and embodiment; some engagement with physical and theoretical knowledge, appropriate use of skills and solid command of underlying principles.

Fail

0 - 49

Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable attendance or commitment to group learning processes; irrelevance of content; poor engagement; poor presentation; failure to demonstrate understanding of content physically or in discussion.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% every day after 5 days simple extension

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Somatic work - An introduction to theatrical and improvisational work - Discuss the Social Self and character development from outside in - Introduction to groove and setting a creative, playful environment - Observe movement habits to create characters in real-time Workshop (3.5 hr) LO2 LO4
Music Theatre Technique - An introduction to stylised movement in musical theatre and the social infulences through the eras - Explore the use of rhythm and timing in pedestrian movement and basic dance phrases Ballet technique: - What is conditioning and how is it useful? - Posture, alignment and stability (approximate 60min) - Physics of movement and biomechanical concepts in ballet technique (approximate 60min)" Practical (4 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 02 - An overview of Authentic Movement. History and practices - what is your Authenticity? - Explore working from an impulse, control and losing control - Find presence through movement, sound and text Workshop (3.5 hr) LO2 LO4
Music Theatre Technique " - Discuss and discover characterisation and storytelling in musical theatre - Embody storytelling through connecting steps that travel. - Develop characterisation through pedestrian movement " Practical (4 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 03 - The emotional 'You' and character development from the inside out (Derrida) - Generate movement from scored emotional states - Discuss the relationship between emotions and actions - Explore and discuss truthful vs authentic movement - Explore the act of 'Being' in the context of theatre Workshop (3.5 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Music Theatre Technique Introduction to 1920's dance styles - Discuss the sociocultural influences - Explore movement styles of the era - Discuss the Charleston as a key dance style of the era Ballet technique - Full body conditioning exercises integrating strength building (approximate 60min) - Basics of a classical ballet class with a focus of centre practice - French dance terminology and English translations Practical (4 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 04 - An overview of somatic practices - what, how and why now - Introduction to terminology in somatic practices - Introduction to introspective exercises heightened senses and spatial awareness - Discuss links between artforms and use of somatic practice Workshop (3.5 hr) LO4 LO5
Music Theatre Technique 'The Charleston' - Internal and external rotation, rhythmic syncopation, dynamics of the movement (swinging, bouncing, twisting) Ballet Technique - Full body conditioning exercises with dynamic balance and strength training. - Expand embodied vocabulary in Ballet technique Practical (4 hr) LO2 LO5
Week 05 -Somatic Practice 1 - Perception and proprioception Workshop (3.5 hr) LO2 LO3
Music Theatre Technique Self-choreography - period movement Modern and contemporary technique 1 " - Introduction to Modern and Contemporary Dance. - Terminology and movement phrases Practical (4 hr) LO1 LO4
Week 06 - Kinaesthesia and the somatosensory system Work in and through movement to discover the body’s relationship with groove, momentum and effort. - Learn core improvisation skills to support organic decision making" Workshop (3.5 hr) LO4 LO5
Tap technique - Rhythm and beat through tap dancing, percussive movement in theatre, use of soft-shoe and tap dancing Modern and contemporary - Introduction to Contemporary floorwork. - Parallel alignment, spinal alignments, contraction and release. Practical (4 hr) LO2 LO4
Week 07 Theatricality - Movement practice from warm-up to character - Scored improvisations encompassing physical, emotional and theatrical tools used in previous sessions. Workshop (3.5 hr) LO2 LO3
Tap technique - Tap combinations - Building progressions of tap dance steps (eg, time steps) and learn basic combinations Modern and contemporary technique - Learn and progress in movement phrases covering basic Modern and Contemporary themes. Practical (4 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 08 Somatic practice Recap, explore and practice learnings from previous somatic practice sessions Workshop (3.5 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Tap combination for assessment Movement phrases covering Modern and Contemporary themes to be assessed in week 13 Practical (4 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 09 Rehearse tap combination and self choreographed 20's phrase with tap and jazz technique warmup exercises Rehearse Modern, Contemporary and Classical ballet dance phrases for assessment with conditioning warmup Practical (4 hr) LO3 LO5
Week 10 Special Projects Week Project (0.5 hr) LO1
Week 11 Acting for singers primer (Derrida) - inside out and outside in Workshop (3.5 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
- Rehearse tap combination and self choreographed 20's phrase and modern/contemporary/classical phrase - Includes tap and jazz, contemporary technique warmup exercises and conditioning Practical (4 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 Stage directions, placement, poise and sound embodiment Workshop (3.5 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
- Rehearse tap combination and self choreographed 20's phrase and modern/contemporary/classical phrase - Includes tap and jazz, contemporary technique warmup exercises and conditioning Practical (4 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 - Warmup and rehearsal of Co-Creative Choreographic Development (approximately 1.5 hours) - Assessment of 20 minute group performance Workshop (3.5 hr) LO1 LO5
- Rehearse and perform Tap and 20's phrase Rehearse Modern / Contemporary and Classical ballet dance phrases for assessment - Includes a conditioning warmup Seminar (4 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

100% attendance required, unless documented due to illness/misadventure

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Understand the context, aims and goals of music theatre ensemble performance
  • LO2. Be able to apply skills in acting, movement and singing in a group rehearsal laboratory context
  • LO3. Understand the role of the individual in ensemble acting and movement. Understanding and applying philosophies of group empowerment, individual responsibility, capacity building and shared purpose.
  • LO4. Work collaboratively to create work of imagination, be able to accept feedback and apply individual creativity to a range of laboratory circumstances
  • LO5. Purposefully and thoughfully apply principles of the course to individual and group feedback in a constructive, strengths building approach.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Work, health and safety

Proper footwear and attire for dance and movement training.

Closed-in shoes for acting training.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.