MSTH4217: Semester 1, 2025
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Unit outline_

MSTH4217: Music Theatre Performance 7 (Extended)

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Students in this unit build their competency in choreographed dance styles and work in detail on forms and styles in music theatre movement, acting, ensemble singing, audition, rehearsal and performance skills whilst reinforcing their already strong skill base. Students devise scenes, movement and choreography, manage their responsibilities in rehearsal processes, work in ensemble scenes to create characters of authenticity in context in preparation for an industry showcase.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Performance
Credit points 12
Prerequisites
? 
MSTH3216
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Robert McDougall, robert.mcdougall@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Elizabeth Daly, elizabeth.daly@sydney.edu.au
Simon Kenway, simon.kenway@sydney.edu.au
Narelle Yeo, narelle.yeo@sydney.edu.au
Robert McDougall, robert.mcdougall@sydney.edu.au
David Gardos, david.gardos@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Participation Ensemble Participation
100% attendance requirement, engagement in class ensemble skills exercises, submission of original ideas, skills advancement. Semester routine: a music theatre routine rehearsed with the music theatre expert, vocal teacher and dance coordinator. Assessed
20% Ongoing Continuous
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO6 LO5
Assignment AI Allowed Career Progression Plan
Submission of a career progression plan in any appropriate format, consisting of reflective self-analysis regarding the student's individual professional strengths, areas for growth and potential or aspirational career trajectory.
20% Week 06
Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59
Submitted assessment
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO5
Creative assessment / demonstration group assignment Showcase - Public Performance
Summative performance for industry professionals in Footbridge Theatre. Students will be required to perform in an ensemble and in a solo capacity, demonstrating high levels of competencies in all three music theatre disciplines, as well as effective and
30% Week 13 60 Minute Public performance
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Creative assessment / demonstration Performance Exam Dance
Dance excerpt, and drama ensemble monologue/scene
15% Week 13 In Class Examination
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO3 LO2
Creative assessment / demonstration Performance Exam Acting
Acting excerpt, and drama ensemble monologue/scene
15% Week 13 In Class Examination
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5 LO4
group assignment = group assignment ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Provide a Career Progression Plan.

Assessment criteria

D

High distinction

85 - 100

Demonstrates an understanding and critical engagement with the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, including an analysis of their own and others' acting technique, choreography competency and physical gesture.

DI

Distinction

75 - 84

Demonstrates the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, including an ability to reflect on one's own acting practice, choreography learning skills and embodiment onstage.

CR

Credit

65 -75

 Can describe acting, music and singing elements in detail in themselves and others.

PS

Pass

50 - 64

Prepares an acceptable reflection with detail in acting, music and singing elements.

FA

Fail

0 - 49

Doesn't meet or describe the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

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

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

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% per day

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.

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 Dance - prepare, stretch, rehearse in studio, perform, and reflect on ballet, jazz, theatre jazz, tap and other forms as required in weekly rehearsals leading to a public performance. Workshop (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Music Theatre Rehearsal Methods - working on embodied singing, blend and variation of vocal colour for a variety of professional contexts and styles. Workshop (3 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Acting - prepare and rehearse a range of monologues, duologues, scenes, and improvisations for performance. Critically analyze the performances of themselves and others using acting methodologies studied in the course. Workshop (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

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 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 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. Recognize, discuss, and perform a variety of dance styles appropriate to music theatre to a professional standard
  • LO2. Demonstrate practical strategies for maintaining personal and ensemble health and wellbeing in a professional context
  • LO3. Demonstrate finessed and self-actualized application of a range of acting techniques
  • LO4. Demonstrate ability to seamlessly integrate singing, acting, and dancing competencies to a professional standard
  • LO5. Demonstrate developed understanding and implementation of theoretical concepts introduced in MSTH1601, MSTH1602, MSTH2603 and MSTH2604 and their application in rehearsal and performance contexts
  • LO6. Demonstrate professional competency in vocal technique across a variety of styles appropriate to music theatre

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.

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Disclaimer

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

This unit of study outline was last modified on 07 Feb 2025.

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