Course Title: Direct rehearsal of performers
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2018
Course Code: EMPL7119C
Course Title: Direct rehearsal of performers
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6160 - Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting
Course Contact: Program Administration
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815
Course Contact Email: mcvet@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Alan Woodruff
Phone: 9925 4307
Email: alan.woodruff@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 50
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None.
Course Description
In this course you will learn the craft skills and knowledge required to develop your ideas for the screen in webisode format, by writing, casting and directing short drama scripts. You will share in collaboratively planning and managing the project through to finished product, practising the high-level communication, collaboration and management skills to inspire and motivate a team of performers and technical crew. This course addresses the following units of competency, clustered for delivery and assessment:
- BSBCRT501 Originate and develop concepts
- CUADRT501 Direct rehearsals of performers
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUADRT501 Direct rehearsal of performers |
Element: |
1. Plan rehearsals |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Establish key dramatic elements to be addressed in rehearsal, and plot and document scenes 1.2 Note areas of scripts that require special attention and prioritise scenes that may need additional emphasis in rehearsal 1.3 Research a range of sources to enhance artistic interpretations of script materials 1.4 Liaise with relevant production personnel to confirm rehearsal infrastructure is in place to meet production, safety and security requirements 1.5 Establish communication processes with relevant production personnel, and check documentation requirements are fulfilled |
Element: |
2. Conduct initial read-throughs |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Brief relevant production personnel on intended creative, dramatic and technical aspects of productions 2.2 Use rehearsal exercises to establish cast cohesion and communication 2.3 Conduct an initial read-through of script to identify key dramatic elements and proposed visualisation of narrative 2.4 Discuss interpretations of script and characterisations with performers and record responses for potential inclusion in productions 2.5 Provide performers with additional materials and sources to assist with their interpretation of characters and their performance |
Element: |
3. Conduct rehearsals |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Incorporate innovative ideas in rehearsal exercises and strategies to enhance overall performance 3.2 Facilitate performers' understanding of how scripts will be translated into visual narratives 3.3 Discuss dramatic elements of scenes with performers, and work together to refine and improve quality of performances 3.4 Assist performers in realising the relationship between visual and narrative aspects of scripts 3.5 Experiment with narrative conventions and elements to achieve desired creative outcomes and extend the range of own directing skills 3.6 Monitor disposition of performers throughout rehearsals and create an environment that enables optimum performance 3.7 Develop and establish blocking and staging of each scene with production personnel, noting input from participants 3.8 Confirm performers understand the context of blocking and staging arrangements in each scene 3.9 Provide feedback to performers during rehearsals in a clear and constructive manner |
Element: |
4. Direct final rehearsals |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Liaise with relevant production personnel to finalise technical and design requirements for full dress rehearsals 4.2 Conduct final rehearsals, incorporating planned and rehearsed aspects of productions 4.3 Evaluate all aspects of rehearsals, including own performance, and note areas for future improvement 4.4 Provide constructive feedback to production personnel on their performances, and invite comment on the rehearsal process |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to develop a concept into a draft of a short drama script, and to rehearse, block and direct performers in collaboration with production personnel.
Details of Learning Activities
You learn through:
1. In-class activities:
• teacher directed group activities and projects
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussion
2. Out-of-class activities:
• online and other research
• independent study
Teaching Schedule
Note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the order is
subject to change depending on class needs and availability of resources.
Week beginning |
Class content |
Assessment |
|
Week 1 5 Feb |
Introduction to web series production. Initial brief re character, setting, theme. View work from previous productions. |
|
|
Week 2 12 Feb |
Pitching ideas – each student develops and presents two ideas. These ideas are workshopped in groups and then pitched to the class. |
|
|
Week 3 19 Feb |
Readings of first draft scripts with feedback from the class. |
|
|
Week 4 26 Feb
|
Readings of first draft scripts with feedback from the class. |
Assessment 1 Due Sunday 4 March |
|
Week 5 5 Mar |
Approaches to working with actors
Concepts and scripts will be further workshopped and redrafted
Casting |
|
|
Week 6 12 Mar |
Approaches to working with actors, incorporating camera
Concepts and scripts will be further workshopped and redrafted
Rehearsal strategies |
|
|
Week 7 19 Mar |
Second draft scripts: rehearsals with actors |
Assessment 2 Due in class |
|
Week 8 26 Mar |
Second draft scripts: rehearsals with actors |
Assessment 2 Due in class |
|
Mid-semester break Friday 30 March to Friday 6 April
|
|
|
Week 9 9 Apr |
Second draft readings with feedback from the class. |
|
|
Week 10 16 Apr |
Second draft readings with feedback from the class. |
|
|
Week 11 23 Apr |
Rehearsals and preproduction |
|
|
Week 12 30 Apr |
Final rehearsals |
|
|
Week 13 7 May |
Production – rehearsing and shooting |
|
|
Week 1 14 May |
Production – rehearsing and shooting |
Assessment 3 |
|
Week 15 21 May |
Production – rehearsing and shooting |
Assessment 3 Conducting rehearsals in class Reflection DUE Sunday 27 May |
|
|
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
You require access to a computer, preferably with Final Draft screenwriting software, and to the internet for this course.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment is ongoing throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of knowledge and skills and will include participation in class exercises, oral presentations and practical writing, rehearsal and production tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided.
Assessment Tasks
This unit of competency is clustered for delivery and assessment with BSBCRT501 Originate and develop concepts. To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete all the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive written feedback on all assessment (refer to Canvas for assessment criteria). Assessment #1: First draft script, concept for second episode, and workbook (BSBCRT501: Elements 1, 2, 3). Due Week 4, Sunday 4 March, on Canvas.
Assessment #2: Plan and conduct rehearsals (CUADRT501 Elements 1, 2, 3). Due Weeks 7 & 8, in class.
Assessment #3: Plan and conduct final rehearsals (CUADRT501 Element 4), and written reflection (BSBCRT501: Element 1). Plan and conduct final rehearsals due Weeks 14 & 15 in class, written reflection due Sunday 27 May, on Canvas.
Grades that apply to this course:
CAG Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program Administration.
Other Information
Other information
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students
How to submit work
Your assessment brief will specify how you should submit your work – as hard copy, digital copy or electronically through Canvas. When you submit your work, you must include a declaration of authorship.
For submissions on Canvas, you need to agree to an assessment declaration when you submit.
For all other submissions, you must complete and sign a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=x3ddsmsrwa1hz
Attendance
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises. We strongly advise that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
We request that you speak to your teacher if regular attendance becomes difficult.
Assessment feedback
You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work. Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qwxbqbg739rl1
Student progress
Monitoring academic progress is helps us to assist you in achieving your learning potential.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/acadprogress
Adjustments to assessment
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the assessment.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kehn9bz22r41
Academic integrity and plagiarism
Academic integrity is about the honest presentation of work that is your own. RMIT University has a clear policy on plagiarism (see web page for more detail).
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Credit Transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview