NZQA Expiring unit standard
17564 version 3
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Title
Demonstrate and apply advanced performance knowledge and
techniques as an actor
Level
7
Credits
50
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard, in the context of drama,
are able to: plan an acting performance programme;
demonstrate advanced acting techniques that are suited to the
performance situation; and demonstrate ability to promote and
manage oneself as an actor.
Classification
Drama > Drama Performance
Available grade
Achieved
Entry information
Recommended skills
and knowledge
Unit 17560, Demonstrate and apply comprehensive knowledge
of developed acting techniques in practice situations; Unit
17562, Apply comprehensive knowledge and developed acting
techniques in rehearsal and live performance; and Unit 12830,
Manage arts performance process as performing artist; or
demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.
Explanatory notes
1
Performance for assessment at this level will include a programme of at least four
significant drama performance pieces of contrasting periods, styles, and/or genres, in
which the candidate plays a leading character role.
2
Performance may include improvisation where it suits the chosen dramatic style.
3
A candidate will present a written portfolio to support their acting performance. The
portfolio will describe the performance programme for assessment, including reasons
for selection of a balanced programme of drama performance pieces of contrasting
periods, styles, and/or genres. The portfolio must include programme notes on each
performance piece and the character roles to be portrayed for assessment.
4
Definitions
Advanced implies a commanding, refined, and mature level of performance
knowledge, skills, and techniques.
Audience consists of at least ten or more students and/or adults independent of the
ensemble production team and the assessor(s).
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
5
17564 version 3
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References
The following references are recommended reading for this unit standard:
Barkworth, Peter, About Acting, Secker & Warburg, London, 1980;
Benedetti, Jean, Stanislavski: an introduction, Methuen, London, 2000;
Brook, Peter, The Empty Space, Simon & Schuster, New York, 1996;
Feldenkrais, Moshe, Awareness Through Movement: Health Exercises For Personal
Growth, Harper & Row, London, Arkana, 1997;
Gordon, Hayes, A Compleat Compendium Of Acting And Performing, In Two Parts,
Milsons Point, N.S.W., Ensemble Press, 1992;
Moore, Sonia, Training an Actor: The Stanislavski System In Class, Penguin Books,
London, 1979;
Park, Glen, The Art Of Change: A New Approach To The Alexander Technique,
Ashgrove Press, Bath, 1989;
Stanislavsky, Konstantin, Stanislavsky on the Art of the Stage, any edition.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Plan an acting performance programme.
Range
programme – a season of four performances.
Evidence requirements
1.1
Portfolio establishes and justifies programme selection.
Range
1.2
Portfolio includes critical analysis of the works selected for performance which
shows advanced knowledge of each performance piece and the roles of
selected characters.
Range
1.3
factors include but are not limited to – venue, occasion, audience,
repertoire selection;
examples of repertoire selection criteria may include but are not
limited to – unity, variety, appropriate level of difficulty.
analysis for each work includes but is not limited to – social,
historical and literary context of author and work; structural format
of text; selected parts of the text to illustrate author’s intention,
style, themes and/or motifs; selection of range of other works and
themes of author; analysis of commentators’ and critics’ views of
author’s work; connections, complexities, and concepts of
character role in work.
Portfolio includes effective audience programme notes that meet publishing
requirements.
Range
features of effective programme notes include but are not limited
to – accurate and informative content, sound analysis, appropriate
language and presentation style, acknowledgments, quality
presentation.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
17564 version 3
Page 3 of 5
1.4
Portfolio and/or planning methodology provide evidence of ability to develop
and explore creative concepts for use in performances.
1.5
Portfolio and/or planning methodology provide evidence of ability to explore and
make informed vocal, physical, emotional, and psychological choices to develop
character role.
Range
1.6
choices include but are not limited to those relevant to – character
realisation appropriate to genre and style of script; enhanced and
energised performance; emotional, technical, and physical
demands; demands of performance space; connections with other
actors.
Portfolio and/or planning methodology provide evidence of ability to create and
realise as an actor a sequence of advanced stage movements for production.
Range
advanced stage movements include but are not limited to – use of
advanced stage movement techniques, integration of a range of
technical skills to create a stage sequence, devising logical and
safe rehearsal processes.
Outcome 2
Demonstrate advanced acting techniques that are suited to the performance situation.
Range
performance situation – four live performance pieces before actual audiences.
Evidence requirements
2.1
Performances convincingly contribute to realisation of the works as rehearsed.
2.2
Performances demonstrate utilisation of knowledge of a range of styles, and/or
genres appropriate to text-based and/or devised contexts.
2.3
Performances demonstrate an advanced standard of free and varied physical
expressiveness.
Range
2.4
expressiveness includes but is not limited to utilisation of –
flexibility, control, stamina, stage movement techniques, integrated
use of breath and body movements, physical interaction with
others.
Performances demonstrate a comprehensive range of advanced vocal skills
and techniques.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
2.5
Performances demonstrate stylistic and commanding character portrayal.
Range
2.6
17564 version 3
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stylistic and commanding portrayal includes but is not limited to –
dramatic integrity consistent with creative ideas and acting choices
made, convincing and accurate interpretation;
other examples may include but are not limited to – consistency
with period, style and genre; application of acting techniques to
meet full emotional, technical and physical demands of role;
attention to demands of performance space; mature
understanding of dynamics of movement.
A professional attitude is maintained throughout the performance season.
Range
examples of professional attitude include but are not limited to –
learning of lines, punctuality, appropriate preparation and focusing
techniques, self-motivation, responsiveness to directions and
refinements, effective interaction with other actors and members of
production ensemble, support for ensemble objectives, meeting
demands of acting space, responsiveness to different audiences.
2.7
Performances demonstrate ability to respond spontaneously, to integrate
unrehearsed incidents, and maintain the integrity of performance.
2.8
Self-assessment of performance includes identification of specific areas of
strength and any aspects needing refinement.
Outcome 3
Demonstrate ability to promote and manage oneself as an actor.
Evidence requirements
3.1
Demonstration includes completion of a personal profile that enhances acting
opportunity.
Range
3.2
Demonstration includes the ability to identify and select performance
opportunities appropriate to acting strengths and experience.
Range
3.3
profile includes but is not limited to – personal details, information
on prior performances and/or audition work, current work,
professional training and support.
research of – market, professional options and career pathways,
entrepreneurial opportunities;
other examples may include but are not limited to – use of an
agency, management liaison awareness, sponsorship, educational
opportunities, demonstration contacts.
Demonstration includes evidence of sufficient working knowledge of contracts,
copyright, and mechanical and performance rights to support employment
opportunities.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
3.4
17564 version 3
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Demonstration includes evidence of a working knowledge of requirements
placed on the actor by recording and TV mediums, and auditioning processes.
requirements may include but are not limited to – preparation and
mental readiness, personal appearance, punctuality, concentration
and focus, spatial considerations, patience and flexibility, pacing,
listening and responding appropriately, effective use of equipment.
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
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