NZQA Expiring unit standard
17559 version 3
Page 1 of 4
Title
Demonstrate and apply theoretical knowledge of acting techniques in
practice situations
Level
5
Credits
20
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard, in the context of drama,
are able to demonstrate knowledge of acting theory, and apply
knowledge and techniques of acting in practice situations.
Classification
Drama > Drama Performance
Available grade
Achieved
Entry information
Recommended skills
and knowledge
Unit 16429, Carry out a role in a drama production, and Unit
16436, Explore and direct a theatre movement and/or style; or
demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.
Explanatory notes
1
It is intended that practice situations will be in a controlled training environment.
2
It is intended that the candidate’s knowledge in outcome 1 will be based around
selected texts, and that the acting application of outcome 2 will be demonstrated
through performance of at least two characters from the texts.
3
Laban may be used as the standard reference for movement in outcome 2.2 (see
explanatory note 5).
4
Definition
Genre applies to the style(s) of dramatic presentation and/or production.
5
References
The following references are recommended reading for this unit standard:
Benedetti, Jean, Stanislavski: an introduction, Methuen, London, 2000;
Conable, Barbara & William, How to Learn the Alexander Technique: a manual for
students, Andover Press, USA, 1995;
Newlove, Jane, Laban for Actors and Dancers, Nick Hern, London, 1993.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
17559 version 3
Page 2 of 4
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Demonstrate knowledge of acting theory.
Evidence requirements
1.1
Demonstration identifies distinguishing features and historical background of
one theory of acting methodology.
Range
1.2
Demonstration explains physical characteristics of effective voice production in
acting.
Range
1.3
techniques may include but are not limited to – safe and effective
warm-up routines, exercises to release body tension, movement
through different spatial levels, integrated breath and body
movements, movement sequences, alignment, flexibility, mobility,
control.
Demonstration explains dramatic shape of selected texts.
Range
1.5
characteristics may include but are not limited to – involvement of
anatomy parts in respiration and phonation, basic phonetics using
symbols of International Phonetic Alphabet, release of vocal
tension, projection.
Demonstration identifies and explains stage movement techniques in acting.
Range
1.4
example of acting methodology theory – Stanislavski.
selected texts – at least two;
dramatic shape includes but is not limited to – characters, setting
in time and place, genre, structural format, theme(s) and/or
motif(s).
Demonstration identifies characters and explains acting performance objectives
for each.
Range
two characters from at least two selected texts;
at least two objectives for each character.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
17559 version 3
Page 3 of 4
Outcome 2
Apply knowledge and techniques of acting in practice situations.
Range
practice situations – at least two controlled training sessions.
Evidence requirements
2.1
Acting practice applies theory of acting methodology and supports
predetermined performance objectives.
2.2
Acting practice applies a range of voice production techniques to acquire the
basics of effective voice production.
techniques may include but are not limited to – diaphragmatic
breathing and support; techniques to release vocal tension and
improve tone, projection, placement, pronunciation, resonance,
voice range, dynamics; techniques to release and control physical
tension and improve vocal fitness; singing skills; responsiveness
to rhythm.
Range
2.3
Acting practice demonstrates a range of stage movement techniques.
techniques may include but are not limited to – safe and effective
warm-up routines, exercises to release body tension, movement
through different spatial levels, integrated breath and body
movements, movement sequences, alignment, flexibility, mobility,
control.
Range
2.4
Acting practice demonstrates ability to portray character role, and applies
knowledge of dramatic shape of text.
character role – two characters from selected texts;
dramatic shape includes but is not limited to – characters, setting
in time and place, genre, structural format, theme(s) and/or
motif(s).
Range
This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by
the last date for assessment set out below.
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
28 August 2000
31 December 2016
Rollover and
Revision
2
19 March 2010
31 December 2016
Review
3
18 September 2014
31 December 2016
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
17559 version 3
Page 4 of 4
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0144
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016