Course Title: Direct rehearsals of performers

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2020

Course Code: EMPL7119C

Course Title: Direct rehearsals of performers

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6160 - Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting

Course Contact: Penny Johnson

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email: svdsc.mac@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Alan Woodruff
Phone: 9925 4307
Email:  alan.woodruff@rmit.edu.au

Teacher: Neil Triffett
Email: neil.triffett@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 will learn through:
 
1. In-class activities:

  • teacher directed group activities/projects
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • group discussion
  • class exercises
  • reading of script
  • rehearsing performers
  • participation in production of scripts

 

2. Out-of-class activities:

  • independent project based work
  • writing and reading assignments
  • 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 speakers and resources.

Week beginning

Class content

Assessment
Due

Competency and  Elements

Week 1

 Feb 10

Introduction to web series production. Initial brief re character, setting, theme. View work from previous productions.

 

BSBCRT501

1, 2, 3, 4

CUADRT501

1, 2, 3, 4

Week 2

Feb 17 

Pitching ideas – each student develops and presents two ideas. These ideas are workshopped in groups and then pitched to the class.

 

BSBCRT501

1, 2, 3, 4

CUADRT501

1

Week 3

Feb 24

 

Readings of first draft scripts with feedback from the class.

 

BSBCRT501

1, 2, 3

CUADRT501

1

Week 4

 Mar 2

Readings of first draft scripts with feedback from the class.

Visit TV studio to meet TV students (Tuesday afternoon only at 1500).

Assessment Task 1

 

BSBCRT501

1, 2, 3

CUADRT501

1

Week 5

 Mar 9

Concepts and scripts will be further workshopped and redrafted

Please note: there will be no class on Monday 9 March (Labour Day public holiday). Content for this class will be delivered in Week 6.

 

BSBCRT501

1, 2, 3

CUADRT501

1, 2

Week 6

 Mar 16

Students select 18 scripts for production.

 

Approaches to working with actors, incorporating camera

 

Concepts and scripts will be further workshopped and redrafted

 

Rehearsal strategies

 

BSBCRT501

1, 2, 3, 4

CUADRT501

1, 2, 3, 4

Week 7

Mar 23 

Directing actors workshop with Denny Lawrence

 

NOTE: BOTH CLASSES WILL COMBINE FOR A SINGLE CLASS TO BE HELD IN THE BUILDING 94 TV STUDIO (NOT THE STUDIOS IN BLG 10!) SEE CANVAS FOR DETAILS.

 

BSBCRT501

1, 2, 3, 4

CUADRT501

1, 2, 3, 4

Week 8

Mar 30 

Second draft scripts: rehearsals with actors

Assessment Task 2

Due in class

BSBCRT501

2, 3, 4

CUADRT501

2, 3, 4

 

Mid-semester break Monday 6 to Monday 13 April inclusive

 

 

Week 9

 Apr 13

Second draft scripts: rehearsals with actors

Please note: there will be no class on Monday 13 April (Easter Monday public holiday). Content for this class will be delivered in Week 10.

Assessment Task 2

Due in class

BSBCRT501

1, 2, 3, 4

CUADRT501

1, 2, 3, 4

Week 10

Apr 20

 

Second draft scripts: rehearsals with actors

Assessment Task 2

Due in class

BSBCRT501

2, 3, 4

CUADRT501

2, 3, 4

Week 11

Apr 27 

Second draft scripts: rehearsals with actors

Assessment Task 2

Due in class

BSBCRT501

2, 3, 4

CUADRT501

2, 3, 4

Week 12

May 4

 

Rehearsal workshop with the TV students' mentor director

 

BSBCRT501

3, 4

CUADRT501

3, 4

Week 13

May 11

 

Production – rehearsing and shooting

 

BSBCRT501

3, 4

CUADRT501

3, 4

Week 14

May 18

 

Production – rehearsing and shooting

 

BSBCRT501

3, 4

CUADRT501

3, 4

Week 15

 May 25

Production – rehearsing and shooting

Assessment Task 3

 

BSBCRT501

3, 4

CUADRT501

3, 4

Week 16

Jun 1

Semester review

 

BSBCRT501

1, 2, 3, 4

CUADRT501

1, 2, 3, 4

  


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None


References

You are advised to look on Canvas for ongoing updated information.


Other Resources

You will require access to a computer and to the internet for this course. RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software. You will also have access to the library resources.


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 competency is co-assessed with:

  • BSBCRT501 Originate and develop concepts

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria.

 

Assessment 1a: Webisode concepts and first draft script

Due Date: Week 4 (submit on Canvas; due Sunday 8 March)

You are required to submit the first draft of the script you wrote based on of the two concepts you developed for the webisode series. The running length of the draft script must be between three and five pages, and delivered in screenplay format. 

Assessment 1b: The creative process 1

Due Date: Week 4 (submit on Canvas; due Sunday 8 March)

 

Document your early activities as you develop ideas for the webisode series.

 

Assessment 1c: The creative task 2

Due Date: Week 4 (submit on Canvas; due Sunday 8 March)

 

Document your creative processes and outcomes as you develop your ideas for your webisode script.

 

Assessment 2: Plan and conduct rehearsals

Due Date: Weeks 8-11 (in class)

 

Working in groups, with each student rotating through the role of director, you will conduct a series of rehearsals that follow the preparation of a webisode script for shooting in RMIT’s television studio, from the initial planning phase through to the final, camera-ready, rehearsal.

 

Assessment 3: Plan and conduct final rehearsals/written reflection

Due Date: Weeks 13-15 (in class) written reflection Week 15 (submit on Canvas; due Sunday 31 May)

 

This Assessment Task requires you to respond to questions relating to the design and implementation of your webisode screenplay, and to evaluate its effectiveness.

 

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA: 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 matrices are available through Program Administration.

Other Information

Attendance
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises

It is strongly advised 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. 

Information about your studies
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.

 https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

Assessment
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
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.  

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview