Course Title: Audition and select performers

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2023

Course Code: PERF5107C

Course Title: Audition and select performers

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6172 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Directing)

Course Contact: Andrew Harrison

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4350

Course Contact Email: andrew.harrison@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Angela How

Email: angela.how@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

This course describes the skills and knowledge required to audition and select suitable performers for screen productions. It involves preparing for auditions to be undertaken, assessing performers and selecting performers according to production requirements.

 

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	CUADRT612 Audition and select performers
Element:	1. Prepare for auditions
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Clarify production requirements and timelines in consultation with required personnel 1.2 Develop comprehensive character profiles from script materials that meet production requirements 1.3 Assess resumes of performers who may match character profiles 1.4 Schedule and advertise auditions according to production requirements 1.5 Determine whether applicants receive audition information prior to, or at auditions 1.6 Arrange venue and facilities for conducting auditions and recording performers
Element:	2. Audition performers
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Establish performance criteria for assessing performers at audition 2.2 Create audition environment that meets production requirements 2.3 Assist performers with performance by briefing them on required characterisation and scene context 2.4 Check performers provide required slate details for audition tapes, including auditioning role 2.5 Allow performers sufficient time and repeats to develop character and refine performance 2.6 Provide feedback to performers during and after auditions
Element:	3. Select performers
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Determine different performers that meet production requirements by reviewing screen tests and notes 3.2 Consider performers' previous work and ability to take direction and interact with other performers in making selections 3.3 Arrange additional auditions or call backs as required 3.4 Select performers for required roles and notify all applicants of audition outcomes 3.5 Organise to contract selected performers in collaboration with required personnel

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.

Details of Learning Activities

In this program, structured learning occurs in the classroom and through completion of assessment. However, as an independent learner you will also be engaged in unstructured activities such as private study and practice of technical skills required in using cameras, lighting and sound equipment and editing tools . You are also expected to  familiarise yourself with different aspects of the screen and media industry. This includes spending time engaged in attending films and film festivals, watching streamed content, attending industry events and exhibitions and building relationships with industry bodies such as Screen Producers Australia and the Australian Society of Cinematographers.

In-class learning activities include, but are not limited to:

• demonstrations and practical application
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussions
• screenings
• online research
• independent project based work
• teacher directed group activities/projects

Out-of class activities include, but are not limited to:

• reading set texts
• research
• screenings
• production work
• independent project based work 

Teaching Schedule

Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

Week	Class Content - Semester 1	Assessment	Elements
1	What is the role of the Director? Reading and creating drama for screen production.   Determining the role of the actor. Analyse a scene - Identify • precise points in the script where there is evidence of characters objectives or changes to those objectives, • characters’ objectives in each scene • characters’ objective in the story? • changes to intent /objective, when do these occur, and why.   Preparation for audition   1. Analyse your scene - Identify • precise points in the script where there is evidence of characters objectives or changes to those objectives, • characters’ objectives in each scene • characters’ objective in the story? • changes to intent /objective, when do these occur, and why.   2. Write a character profile for two (2x) characters in your story – in-class task (A1)   3. Write abbreviated character profiles for two (2x) characters in your short film -  in-class task (A1)   4. List min. 3x verbs / backstory / moments before etc. adjustments to use during the audition for each of your characters - in-class task (A1)   5. Write and Post the casting call at a casting website - in-class task (A1)   6. Schedule your auditions, and book a space for the auditions - in-class task (A1)		CUADRT512 1.1, 2.1, 2.6   CUADRT612 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5
2	Preparation for audition   Workshop: The Audition	A1 Part 1 Due	CUADRT512 2.1, 2.6   CUADRT612 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5
3	Conduct your auditions – scheduled class task (A1)	A1 Part 2 Due (Rolling assessment)	CUADRT512 2.1, 2.6   CUADRT612 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1
4	Conduct your auditions – scheduled class task (A1)	A1 Part 2 Due (Rolling assessment)	CUADRT512 2.1, 2.6   CUADRT612 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1
5	The Audition – scheduled class review   • Review of students’ audition footage in class (played off students’ external drives)   • Finalise cast and communicate decision, and contracts – scheduled class task (A2)   3. Schedule your rehearsal, and book a space for the call back - in-class task (A2)   • Schedule scene production date   • Make location arrangements for the production of your scene.   The Rehearsal - how to get the maximum out of your actors / co-creators.   Staging, how to bring your actor into the geographical space available. Blocking strategies.    Take notes of the actors’ input during the rehearsals and what positive elements work for the roles you have written, including blocking. Amend your script analyses, to capture changes or actors input gathered during the rehearsals.   Communicating with actors and technicians on set.   Practical workshop: The Rehearsal - Exploring text and improvisation		CUADRT512 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.6,   CUADRT612 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5
6	Conduct your rehearsal with cast – scheduled class task (A2)	A2 Part 1 Due (Rolling Assessment)	CUADRT512 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.6
7	Conduct your rehearsal with cast – scheduled class task (A2)	A2 Part 1 Due (Rolling Assessment)	CUADRT512 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.6
8	Review of students’ rehearsal footage in class (played off students’ external drives)   Preparation of pre-production paperwork   Pre-production meetings with your crew	A2 Parts 2 and 3 Due (Rolling Assessment)	CUADRT512 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.6
9	Preparation of pre-production paperwork   Pre-production meetings with your crew	A2 Parts 2 and 3 Due (Rolling Assessment)	CUADRT512 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.6
10	Direct a scene - Production	A3 Parts 1, 2 and 3 Due (Rolling Assessment)	CUADRT512 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5
11	Direct a scene - Production  / Post Production	A3 Parts 1, 2 and 3 Due (Rolling Assessment)	CUADRT512 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5
12	Direct a scene - Production  / Post Production	A3 Parts 1, 2 and 3 Due (Rolling Assessment)	CUADRT512 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5
13	Direct a scene - Production  / Post Production	A3 Parts 1, 2 and 3 Due (Rolling Assessment)	CUADRT512 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5
14	Scene - Post Production – Final edits in-class screenings *   * Provided students have completed their work to screen.		CUADRT512 3.4
15	Scene - Post Production – Final edits in-class screenings *   * Provided students have completed their work to screen.	A3 Part 4 Due	CUADRT512 3.4
16	Review - Assessment 3		CUADRT512 3.4

 

Week	Class Content - Semester 2	Assessment	Elements
1	A1 – Preparation for audition - in-class task (A4)   1. Analyse your short script- Identify • precise points in the script where there is evidence of characters objectives or changes to those objectives, • characters’ objectives in each scene • characters’ objective in the story? • changes to intent /objective, when do these occur, and why.   2. Write a character profile for min. four (4) characters in your story – in-class task (A4)   3. Write abbreviated character profiles for min. two (2x) characters in your short film -  in-class task (A4)   4. Identify scenes (min. one(1) scene for each character) to audition with - in-class task (A4)   5. List min. 3x verbs / backstory / moments before etc. adjustments to use during the audition for each of your characters - in-class task (A4)   6. Write and Post the casting call at a casting website - in-class task (A4)   7. Schedule your auditions, and book a space for the auditions - in-class task (A4)	A4 Part 1 Due	CUADRT512 2.1   CUADRT612 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1
2	Conduct your auditions – scheduled class task (A4)	A4 Part 2 Due (Rolling assessment)	CUADRT512 2.1, 2.6   CUADRT612 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5
3	Conduct your auditions – scheduled class task (A4)	A4 Part 2 Due (Rolling assessment)	CUADRT512 2.1, 2.6   CUADRT612 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5
4	The Call-back - Scheduled workshop on how to conduct a call-back audition (A2)   Group discussion    1.Casting decision – Scheduled workshop on assessing the call-backs and auditions, and cast (including communication, and contracts).   2. Workshop – how to run a call-back.   3. Schedule your call-back audition, and book a space for the call-back - in-class task (A5)	A5 Part 1 Due	CUADRT512 2.1, 2.6   CUADRT612 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5
5	Conduct your callbacks and cast – scheduled class task (A2)	A5 Part 2 Due (Rolling assessment)	CUADRT512 2.1, 2.6   CUADRT612 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5
6	Conduct your callbacks and cast – scheduled class task (A2)	A5 Part 2 Due (Rolling assessment)	CUADRT512 2.1, 2.6   CUADRT612 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5
7	The Call-back * – scheduled class review   • Review of students’ callback footage in class (played off students’ external drives)   • Finalise cast and communicate decision, and contracts – scheduled class task (A5 Part 2)   * (this is provided students are not scheduled to go out to film from Week 7)   The Rehearsal – review (rehearsals to be conducted by students at self-scheduled time and space before their individual productions)	A5 Part 2 Due	CUADRT512 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.6   CUADRT612 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5
8	Short Film Productions	Short Film Production (precursor to A6)	CUADRT512 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5
9	Short Film Productions / Post Production – Collaborate with Editor	Short Film Production (precursor to A6)   Short Film Post Production (A6)   A6 Part 1 Due (Rolling assessment)	CUADRT512 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5
10	Short Film Productions / Post Production – Collaborate with Editor	Short Film Production (precursor to A6)   Short Film Post Production (A6)   A6 Parts 1 and 2 Due (Rolling assessment)	CUADRT512 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5
11	Short Film Productions / Post Production – Collaborate with Editor	Short Film Production (precursor to A6)   Short Film Post Production (A6)   A6 Parts 1 and 2 Due (Rolling assessment)	CUADRT512 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5
12	Short Film Productions / Post Production – Collaborate with Editor	Short Film Production (precursor to A6)   Short Film Post Production (A6)   A6 Parts 1 and 2 Due (Rolling assessment)	CUADRT512 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5
13	Short Film Post Production – Collaborate with Editor	Short Film Post Production (A6)   A6 Parts 1 and 2 Due (Rolling assessment)	CUADRT512 3.5
14	Short Film Post Production – Collaborate with Editor Final edits in-class screenings *   * Provided students have completed their work to screen.	Short Film Post Production (A6)   A6 Parts 2 and 3 Due (Rolling assessment)	CUADRT512 3.4, 3.5
15	Short Film Post Production – Collaborate with Editor Final edits in-class screenings *   * Provided students have completed their work to screen.	Short Film Post Production (A6)   A6 Part 3 Due (Rolling assessment)	CUADRT512 3.4
16	Review - Assessment 6		CUADRT512 3.4

 

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None

References

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

Other Resources

Other resources for this course are available on Canvas.

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through Study Support:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab

Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.

Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed 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.

Semester 1

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1 - The Audition - The Scene. Part 1 - You will be provided with several dialogues between two unnamed characters for 1x scene that you are required to produce. Part B - You will choose 1x dialogue and incorporate it into 1x scene of your design.

Part 1 - Due Date: week 2

Part 2 - Due Date: week 4

Assessment Task 2 - Pre-Production - The Scene. Part 1 - In preparation for the filming of your scene, you the student will run rehearsals with your actors for both scenes, and relay changes to the scripts (as a result of the rehearsal) to your cast and crew. Part 2 - You will prepare and share documents such as storyboard, shot list, and camera and blocking plan for both scenes with your crew. Part 3 - You will run 1x pre-production meeting with your crew, to discuss production concerns for the scene, including health,
security, and safety issues on set. You will also establish health, security, and safety measures to safeguard the well being of your cast and crew.

Part 1 - Due Date: week 7

Part 2 - Due Date: week 9

Part 3 - Due Date: week 9

Assessment Task 3 - Production and Post Production - The Scene. Part 1 - Part 1 - During the productions of your scene, you will, with the assistance of your Assistant Director (AD), run a production safety meeting first thing on your production day, to outline established safety measures to be adopted on set (as outlined during the pre-production meeting in Assessment 2). You will then, in the presence of your crew, rehearse/run through the scene with your actors, prior to your crew setting up camera and lights for the shoot, and prior to sending your actors to make-up
and wardrobe. Part 2 - Direct your cast and crew to achieve your vision. Part 3 - At the end of your shoot, you will review your shots and wrap the shoot. Part 4 - Edit your scene.

Part 1 - Due Date: week 13

Part 2 - Due Date: week 13

Part 3 - Due Date: week 13

Part 4 - Due Date: week 15

Assessment Tasks 1, 2 and 3 to be finalised by no later than end of semester 1 Week 16.

 

Semester 2

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 4 - The Audition - The Short Film. Part 1 - Using the script of your short film for Drama Production, you will examine and analyse each scene, by identifying intentions or beats, and articulate subtext in the dialogue. Part 2 - In preparation for the production of the same short film, you the student director will examine and analyse your characters in your script, and write comprehensive character profiles for min. two (2) characters in your film. You will then conduct in-person auditions to cast actors to play the two (2) characters in your scene, based on your character profiles / casting needs.

Part 1 - Due Date: week 1

Part 2 - Due Date: week 3

Assessment Task 5 - The Callback - The Short Film and Casting Knowledge Questionnaire. Part 1 - Following the audition of actors for your short film production in Assessment 4, you the student director will conduct in-person callback(s) with two actors for character / role #2, review callback screen tests and cast the actors to play the character / role #2 in your short film, based on production casting needs. Part 2 - You will complete a casting short-answer knowledge task designed to assess your skills and knowledge of the process of casting a fiction film.

Part 1 - Due Date: week 4

Part 2 - Due Date: week 7

Assessment Task 6 - Post Production and Directing Knowledge Questionnaire. Part 1 - You will complete the edit of your short film, by working with a student editor of your choice. You will share your vision for your film with the editor and provide feedback on the different drafts of the edit. Part 2 - You will then finalise your edit for both scenes by signing-off on a locked cut. Part 3 - You will complete a short-answer knowledge questionnaire designed to assess your understanding and progress with directing performers for the screen.

Part 1 - Due Date: week 13

Part 2 - Due Date: week 14

Part 3 - Due Date: week 15

Assessment Tasks 4, 5 and 6 to be finalised by no later than end of semester 2 Week 16. 

 

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 are available through the course contact in 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 Student Essentials 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