Course Title: Direct rehearsals of performers
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2023
Course Code: PERF5118C
Course Title: Direct rehearsals of performers
Important Information:
Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.
School: 515T Creative Industries
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6180 - Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting
Course Contact: Alan Woodruff
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4307
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:
BSBCRT512 Originate and develop concepts
CUADRT511 Direct rehearsals of performers
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUADRT511 Direct rehearsals of performers |
Element: |
1. Plan rehearsals |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Determine rehearsal requirements and plot and document scenes 1.2 Note key areas of scripts according to rehearsal requirements and prioritise scenes that need additional emphasis in rehearsal 1.3 Research different sources when interpreting script materials 1.4 Confirm infrastructure is in place to meet rehearsal, safety and security requirements in collaboration with required personnel 1.5 Establish communication processes with required personnel, and check documentation requirements are fulfilled |
Element: |
2. Conduct initial read-throughs |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Brief required personnel on intended creative, dramatic and technical aspects of productions 2.2 Establish cast cohesion and communication using rehearsal exercises 2.3 Conduct initial read-through of script and identify key dramatic elements and proposed visualisation of narrative 2.4 Discuss interpretations of script and characterisations with required personnel and record responses for potential inclusion in productions 2.5 Assist required personnel with interpretation of characters and performance by providing additional materials and sources |
Element: |
3. Conduct rehearsals |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Incorporate innovative ideas in rehearsal exercises and strategies to rehearsal 3.2 Facilitate performers' understanding of how scripts are translated into visual narratives and the relationship between visual and narrative aspects 3.3 Refine and improve quality of performances by discussing dramatic elements and working with required personnel 3.4 Achieve desired creative outcomes and expand own directing skills by experimenting with narrative conventions and elements 3.5 Monitor disposition of required personnel throughout rehearsals and create environment that allows rehearsal requirements to be met 3.6 Develop and establish blocking and staging of each scene with required personnel, noting input from participants 3.7 Confirm required personnel understand context of blocking and staging arrangements in scenes 3.8 Provide feedback to performers during rehearsals in clear and constructive manner |
Element: |
4. Direct final rehearsals |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Finalise technical and design requirements for full dress rehearsals in liaison with required personnel 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 required personnel on performances and invite comment on 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: The Direct and develop a webisode course involves two competencies: Originate and develop concepts and 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 |
Week 1 |
Introduction to web series production. Initial brief re character, setting, theme. View work from previous productions. In-class work on PART A of AT1. |
|
Week 2 |
Pitching ideas – each student develops and presents an idea for the specified theme. These ideas are workshopped in groups and then pitched to the class. |
|
Week 3 |
In-class work on PART B of AT1. |
|
Week 4 |
Readings of first draft scripts with feedback from the class. |
|
Week 5 |
Readings of first draft scripts with feedback from the class.
|
|
Week 6 |
Labour Day public holiday 13 Mar. The Mon class will not run this week due to the public holiday. Material scheduled for this class will be covered in the surrounding weeks. Concepts and scripts will be further workshopped and redrafted. Review of PART A and PART B of AT1. |
Assessment Task 1 due |
Week 7 |
Students select 12 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 |
|
Week 8 |
Second draft scripts: rehearsals with actors |
Assessment Task 2 Practical assessment, in-class |
Week 9 |
Second draft scripts: rehearsals with actors |
Assessment Task 2 Practical assessment, in-class |
|
Mid-semester break: Friday 7–Friday 14 April, inclusive |
|
Week 10 |
Second draft scripts: rehearsals with actors |
Assessment Task 2 Practical assessment, in-class |
Week 11 |
Anzac Day public holiday 25 Apr. The Tue class will not run this week. The material scheduled for this class will be covered in the surrounding weeks. Review of rehearsal strategies and techniques in preparation for Assessment Task 3 |
Assessment Task 2 Practical assessment, in-class |
Week 12 |
Storyboarding workshop |
|
Week 13 |
Production – rehearsing and shooting in RMIT TV studio |
|
Week 14 |
Production – rehearsing and shooting in RMIT TV studio |
|
Week 15 |
Production – rehearsing and shooting in RMIT TV studio |
Assessment Task 3 due |
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
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 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.
BSBCRT512 & CUADRT511 AT1: Develop concept to table reading
TASK A – DEVELOP A CONCEPT
Document your early activities as you develop ideas for the webisode series.
Due: Week 6
TASK B – DEVELOP A SCRIPT
Document your creative processes and outcomes as you develop your webisode concept into a script.
You will also submit the script you wrote for the webisode series. The running length of the draft script must be between three and five pages, and delivered in screenplay format.
Due: Week 6
BSBCRT512 & CUADRT511 AT2: Practical Assessment Rehearse the script
As part of a production team, you will prepare for rehearsals, carry out an initial read through, conduct rehearsals, and direct final rehearsals.
Due: Weeks 8–11
BSBCRT512 & CUADRT511 AT3: Shooting strategy and reflection
TASK A – BLOCK THE STAGING OF A SELECTED WEBSERIES EPISODE
Each student will block the chosen script for the group in which they are working.
TASK B – WRITE A REFLECTION
Reflect on the impact of the production paradigm on the script you blocked in TASK A. What would the ideal production scenario be? Refer to production design, shooting style, casting, etc.
Describe the circumstances of the shoot. For instance, was it in a studio or elsewhere? What worked and what didn’t work? What compromises were made in order to 'get it in the can'? What did you learn that you could apply to a shoot in the future?
Once you have achieved competency for all assessments in a unit of competency, you will receive an overall result. 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