VSAO5621: Semester 1, 2020

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Units VSAO5621 Semester 1 2020 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

VSAO5621: Opera Performance Stage 1

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

This unit provides a brief introduction to the primary communication tools of acting, movement and rehearsal/performance as they apply to the operatic stage. Briefly surveying the major schools of acting, it develops methodologies and strategies for establishing expert stage skills in opera performance. Skills in movement and movement style are facilitated by separate classes in dance. The unit is application based, allowing students to experiment with implementation of critical theoretical ideas in a performing environment. Much of the work of this course is associated with rehearsal and performance of mainstage and chamber operas scheduled by SCM, in recognition of the crucial role these performances play in synthesizing the vocal, musical, linguistic, stylistic and dramatic threads undertaken in the Graduate Diploma.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit
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)	Eun-Jung Byun, eunjung.byun@sydney.edu.au
	Rachel Dal Santo, rachel.dalsanto@sydney.edu.au
	Felicity Jurd, felicity.jurd@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	Acting/movement /dance practical classes Incremental exercises in dance, acting and movement with music, weekly	50%	Week 13 Closing date: 29 May 2020	Weekly practical exercises
Outcomes assessed:
Creative assessment / demonstration	Performance assessment Performance assessment of scenes/dance	30%	Week 13 Due date: 24 Feb 2020 at 16:00	Performance < 1hour
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Reflective journal Creative reflective journal as reflective practice on opera skills acquired	20%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2020 at 23:59	2000 words or 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction and explanation of course requirements. Stage directions. Entering and exiting. Moving onstage. Voice direction. Stage basics terminology. Audition basics.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	Taking direction. Creating shapes onstage. Ensemble behaviours.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 03	Using props and set pieces. Using costume.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 04	Make-up masterclass and backstage routines	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 05	Stage combat, safety and routines. Stage falls and mad scenes. Defenestration.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 06	Elements of characterisation. Character development tools and methods.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 07	Internalising character: authenticity through detailed process.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 08	Physicalising character with music: body, gesture and form	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	Comedy and drama: Gesture based analysis.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 10	Role preparation toolbox: Authentic performance in opera. Rehearsal techniques and movement.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 12	Performance	Workshop (2 hr)
Weekly	History of opera	Tutorial (12 hr)
Weekly	Dance practical	Workshop (12 hr)

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. understand stage directions and safety on the operatic stage
LO2. be able to take direction in a rehearsal and work in an ensemble
LO3. be familiar with props, costume and basic stage makeup
LO4. understand basic stage combat and stage falls, including safe practice
LO5. be able to understand and apply the physical elements of opera onstage
LO6. apply rehearsal techniques to short scenes and self-reflect on performing practice for the musician
LO7. understand the historical context of operatic performance and be able to apply historical knowledge to rehearsal practice
LO8. demonstrate the ability to dance and move in the styles expected of opera singers.

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.

No material changes since this course was last taught.

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.

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

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

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