Course Title: Direct rehearsals of performers
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2022
Course Code: EMPL7119C
Course Title: Direct rehearsals of performers
Important Information:
Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.
To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.
Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.
Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus
Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.
School: 515T Creative Industries
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6160 - Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting
Course Contact: Alan Woodruff
Course Contact Phone: +61399254307
Course Contact Email: alan.woodruff@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Alan Woodruff
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
1. In-class activities:
- lectures
- teacher directed group activities/projects
- class exercises to review discussions/lectures
- peer teaching and class presentations
- group discussion
- class exercises
2. Out-of-class activities:
- independent project based work
- writing and reading assignments
- online and other research
- independent study
Teaching Schedule
Note: The Direct and develop a webisode course involves two competencies: Originate and develop concepts and Direct rehearsals of performers.
Weeks 1–7, involving the writing of scripts for a webisode series, is driven by Originate and develop concepts and will be delivered online.
Weeks 8–15, involving working with actors in preparation for producing a webisode series, is driven by Direct rehearsals of performers.
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 |
Class content |
Assessment |
Competency and Elements |
Week 1 |
Introduction to web series production. Initial brief re character, setting, theme. View work from previous productions. |
BSBCRT501 1, 2, 3, 4 |
|
Week 2 |
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 |
|
Week 3 |
In-class work on AT1c – The creative process 2. Review AT1b – The creative process 1 |
BSBCRT501 1, 2, 3, 4 |
|
|
Week 4 |
Readings of first draft scripts with feedback from the class. |
BSBCRT501 1, 2, 3 |
|
Week 5 |
Readings of first draft scripts with feedback from the class. |
|
BSBCRT501 1, 2, 3 |
Week 6 |
Please note: there will be no class on Monday 14 March (Labour Day public holiday). Content for this class will be delivered in Week 6. The Tuesday class will operate as normal. Concepts and scripts will be further workshopped and redrafted. |
BSBCRT501 1, 2, 3 |
|
Week 7 |
Students select 18 scripts for production. Students form into production groups. Approaches to working with actors, incorporating camera Concepts and scripts will be further workshopped and redrafted Rehearsal strategies |
Assessment Task 1 |
BSBCRT501 1, 2, 3, 4 CUADRT501 1, 2, 3, 4 |
Week 8 |
Second draft scripts: rehearsals with actors |
Assessment Task 2a–d Practical assessment, in-class |
CUADRT501 2, 3, 4 |
Week 9 |
Second draft scripts: rehearsals with actors |
Assessment Task 2a–d Practical assessment, in-class |
CUADRT501 2, 3, 4 |
Week 10 |
Second draft scripts: rehearsals with actors |
Assessment Task 2a–d Practical assessment, in-class |
CUADRT501 1, 2, 3, 4 |
Mid-semester break from Friday 15 April to Monday 25 April, inclusive. |
|
||
Week 11 |
Review of rehearsal strategies and techniques in preparation for Assessment Task 2e |
CUADRT501 2, 3, 4 |
|
Week 12 |
Rehearsal workshop with the TV students' mentor director |
Assessment Task 2e |
CUADRT501 2, 3, 4 |
|
Week 13 |
Production – rehearsing and shooting |
CUADRT501 3, 4 |
|
|
Week 14 |
Production – rehearsing and shooting |
CUADRT501 3, 4 |
|
|
Week 15 |
Production – rehearsing and shooting |
CUADRT501 3, 4 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
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.
The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The Learning Lab
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
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
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 and more details.
[In Originate and develop concepts you you will originate a series of webisodes built around a single unifying theme.]
Assessment 1a: Webisode concepts and first draft script
Due: Week 7
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: Week 7
Document your early activities as you develop ideas for the webisode series.
Assessment 1c: The creative process 2
Due: Week 7
Document your creative processes and outcomes as you develop your ideas for your webisode script.
Assessment 1d: Screenwriting reflection
Due: Week 7
This assessment task requires you to answer questions relating to the design of your webisode screenplay, and to evaluate its effectiveness.
In Direct rehearsals, you will take the scripts for a series of webisodes built around a single unifying theme, as drafted in the Develop a webisode course, and practise the skills required to cast and rehearse performers prior to the episodes being recorded.
Assessment 2a-d: Direct rehearsals
Due: Weeks 8-10
As part of a production team, you will prepare for rehearsals, carry out an initial read through, conduct rehearsals, and direct final rehearsals. Assessment 2e: Direct rehearsals (written submission)Due: Week 12
You are asked to submit answers to questions regarding directing, screen and stage acting, and production.
If you have not completed an assessment task to a satisfactory standard, you will be given an opportunity to resubmit that task within one week of receiving feedback from your teacher. If the resubmission is deemed unsatisfactory, the matter will be referred to the Program Coordinator.
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