VSAO3601: Semester 1, 2024

Overview

This unit provides an overview of stage skills as they relate to vocal performance. Students are introduced to the historical and cultural conventions of various stage settings and are taught the specific ways the voice and body are used to express meaning for a range of audiences. Students are taught the basics of embodiment and movement for the stage as is appropriate for their style of vocal performance. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to rehearse a short performance in their indicated style for a final concert. Students work collaboratively to create an ensemble to understand their voice and body and how it communicates onstage to an audience through voice, body and story.

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	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Narelle Yeo, narelle.yeo@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Narelle Yeo, narelle.yeo@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Karen Cummings, karen.cummings@sydney.edu.au
	Felicity Jurd, felicity.jurd@sydney.edu.au
	Elizabeth Daly, elizabeth.daly@sydney.edu.au
	Lorena Otes, lorena.otes@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Presentation	Performance as scheduled Performance of ensemble scenes (wk 10 or wk 13 as scheduled)	30%	Formal exam period Due date: 07 Jun 2024 at 23:59	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Weekly formative assessment Collaborate and participate in ensemble acting and singing exercises weekly	40%	Progressive Due date: 07 Jun 2024 at 23:59	2 hour class * 13
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Performance Practice Reflection E-Portfolio Creative self-reflection task based on weekly exercises and performance.	30%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2024 at 23:59	1200 words OR 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Performance Practice E-Portfolio: Students keep a journal of their performing practice, in particular the learning reflected on throughout the semester (mandatory). Students incorporate feedback received after rehearsals and tutorials. Student analyse the creative process in the preparation of a scene, ensemble or opera for performance, including a detailed analysis of text, deportment, dance, stage movement and direction, collaborative processes, improvisational discovery, performance reflection.
Class skills acquisition and ensemble participation: A series of in-class exercises test the student’s ability to assimilate and apply material in the context of solo and/or ensemble scenes. Students must demonstrate an awareness and engagement with group dynamics to produce communicative performance and produce work that exhibits healthy vocal technique and imaginative dramatic choice. Rolling assessment throughout semester, including the use of the LMS and emerging technologies to analyse dramatic choice.
Performance: Students rehearse and perform a one act opera, operetta or music theatre work or scenes deemed appropriate for their age group and experience. Students will perform in a public performance at the conclusion of the semester for assessment of technique/application in context. Students’ performances will be assessed on suitability and ease of use of performance techniques studied in the course to communicate in performance, including stage presence, movement, characterization and engagement with ensemble players.

Assessment criteria

The following assessment criteria are used for written work in this unit of study:

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Demonstrates high level of initiative in research and reading; sophisticated critical analysis of evidence; high level engagement with theoretical issues, innovative use of reading/research material and impressive command of underlying debates and assumptions; properly documented and written with style, originality and precision.
Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrates initiative in research and wide, appropriate reading; complex understanding of question and ability to critically review material in relation to underlying assumptions and values; analyses material in relation to empirical and theoretical contexts; properly documented; clear, well-developed structure and argument with some signs of literary style.
Credit	65 - 74	Evidence of broader understanding than pass level; offers synthesis with some critical evaluation of material; coherent argument using a range of relevant evidence; some evidence of independent thought, good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some evidence of ability to problematise and think conceptually.
Pass	50 - 64	Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading/research; relevant material; tendency to descriptive summary rather than critical argument; makes a reasonable attempt to avoid paraphrasing; reasonably coherent structure; often has weaknesses in particular areas, especially in terms of narrow or underdeveloped treatment of question; acceptable documentation.
Fail	0 - 49	Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; poor spelling; poor presentation; grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; failure to demonstrate understanding of content; insufficient or overlong word length.

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:

After 5 day simple extension, 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.

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.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	3. The singing actor - Objectives and Internal Motivation	Practical (6 hr)
	4. The singing actor - The role of music	Practical (4 hr)
	5. The singing actor - Exploring Derrida's principle	Practical (4 hr)
	Rehearsal techniques and scenes preparation	Practical (4 hr)
Week 01	1. Introduction and explanation of course requirements; 2. Terminology and principles of projection for the acting singer 3. The proscenium arch	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	The Third Line - The role of text, music and external direction (from director and conductor).	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 03	1. The singing actor - Embodiment and gesture	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	2. The singing actor - Set, Costume and Prop use. The mise-en-scene.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	Intensive rehearsals	Practical (6 hr)
Week 11	Developing the artist's reflective practice	Practical (2 hr)
Week 12	Final performance	Performance (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recording: Lectures for this unit of study will be recorded and made available to students via the Learning Management System (LMS)
Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned. The Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%.

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

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. develop and demonstrate confidence in stage terms, rules and conventions within historical, cultural and musical principles
LO2. demonstrate a thorough understanding of the historical development of opera, operetta and music theatre staging conventions and rules
LO3. demonstrate an understanding of the conventions of a vocal stage rehearsal and apply in practice, including ensemble skills
LO4. be able to perform and reflect as a member of a musical ensemble in a public performance
LO5. Manage props, sets and costumes with reference to textual, contextual cues and directorial feedback for a particular desired performance outcome
LO6. portray character in a narrative arc while singing onstage in a legitimate theatre style.

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

An adjustment to word length in the EPortfolio reflects the additional work in special projects week.

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 02 Feb 2024.

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

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

VSAO3601: Stage Fundamentals For Singers

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect