Unit details (Course and Unit Handbook 2002)
1
Principles and Practice of Theatre 1: Australian
Drama
Enrolment code: FPB101
Offered: Ltn, sem 1
Unit description: Develops an awareness of the phenomenon of theatre in
formal and informal aspects of Australian culture; a knowledge and
appreciation of some representative plays by Australian playwrights; an
understanding of the performance modes and conventions associated with
particular plays; and, editorial, acting, and technical skills through the various
approaches and processes involved in realising the play texts as theatre.
Staff: Assoc Prof J Lohrey (Coordinator), Dr S Kent
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching: 3 hrs weekly, lectures, tutorials & practical sessions (13 wks)
Assess: dramatic presentations (25%), tutorial paper (25%), research assignment
(25%), written exams (25%)
Courses: F3J +OC
Principles and Practice of Theatre 2: The
Development of Western Drama
Enrolment code: FPB102
Offered: Ltn, sem 2
Unit description: Leads students to an awareness of the dramatic impulse in
Western societies and to an understanding of the currents of thought and
significant events which led to the development of particular forms of drama.
Students investigate ways in which plays of particular periods were staged
(and may now be staged) and apply acting skills and techniques to selected
texts in order to realise these as theatre.
Staff: Assoc Prof J Lohrey (Coordinator), Dr S Kent
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching: 3 hrs weekly, lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions (13 wks)
Prereq: FPB101
Assess: participation in class activities (30%), practical and written assignments
(70%)
Courses: F3J +OC
Theatre Skills 1
Enrolment code: FPB103
Unit details (Course and Unit Handbook 2002)
2
Offered: Ltn, sem 1
Unit description: Students explore their potential for performance through
the application of various techniques drawn from contemporary approaches to
acting, voice production and movement. Students develop a heightened
physical and vocal awareness; explore the possibilities within their own voice
and free themselves from the restrictions of their habitual movement
behaviours. Students discover and practice improvisation methods and theatre
exercises in the exploration of the performer’s creative and expressive potential.
The students are also introduced to the actor’s qualities of energy, commitment,
enjoyment, freedom and development of confidence and courage.
Staff: Mr P Hammond (Coordinator), Mr M Edgar, Ms L Merritt
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching: 5 hrs weekly, practical sessions (13 wks)
Coreq: FPB105 Technical Theatre
Assess: participation in class activities (20%), practical and written assignments
(80%)
Courses: F3J
Theatre Skills 2
Enrolment code: FPB104
Offered: Ltn, sem 2
Unit description: Students explore the specific physical and vocal skills
required for the demands of text and varying performance contexts. This
exploration focuses on the objective of enlarging the realm of possibilities for
each student as a communicator of emotion, ideas and meaning. Specifically,
students develop an ability to strengthen spinal support; to connect breath and
movement and sound; to centre the natural voice; to free the channel of sound;
to articulate clearly; to extend the range of the voice; to understand phonetics;
and to convey the subtle nuances of thought and feeling present in text. The
unit also introduces the Stanislavski conceptions of action, given circumstances,
sensory awareness, concentration, emotional memory, imagination and
observation.
Staff: Mr P Hammond (Coordinator), Mr M Edgar, Ms L Merritt
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching: 5 hrs weekly, practical sessions (13 wks)
Prereq: FPB103 Theatre Skills 1
Assess: participation in class activities (20%), practical and written assignments
(80%)
Courses: F3J
Technical Theatre
Unit details (Course and Unit Handbook 2002)
3
Enrolment code: FPB105
Offered: Ltn, sem 1
Unit description: Focuses on stage management and involves workshops,
discussions and seminars concerning: responsibilities and channels of
communication within each department and the overall production; duties and
skills required by support staff, and organisational skills appropriate to the
preparation and execution of each theatrical department. Each
workshop/discussion session explores one or more facets of stage
management. Students gain practice in the safety procedures of responsible
theatre operation. Each student selects a technical role within a production and
oversee all associated duties in the execution of that department.
Staff: Mr P Hammond
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching: 3 hrs weekly (13 wks)
Assess: production area on performance(s) (70%), associated
paperwork/prompt copy (10%), written and practical assignments (20%)
Courses: F3J
Performance and Production
Enrolment code: FPB106
Offered: Ltn, sem 2
Unit description: Is conducted in two parts. The first concerns performance of
a given playscript and offers opportunities to explore acting techniques as
taught in Theatre Skills 1. The second part examines processes and procedures
of lighting design. Emphasis is placed on instrumentation, accessories,
electricity and the exploration of the artistic capabilities of using lighting
instruments in order to verify methods and principles taught in theoretical
sessions. Each student assists with the research, organisation, design,
construction and/or realisation of a technical department within a production.
Staff: Mr P Hammond (Coordinator), Mr M Edgar, Assoc. Prof. J Lohrey, Ms L
Merritt
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching: 5 hrs weekly, practical sessions (13 wks)
Prereq: FPB103 Theatre Skills 1, FPB105 Technical Theatre
Assess: participation in rehearsals and production and performances (60%),
associated paperwork, written and practical assignments (40%)
Courses: F3J
Classical Production
Enrolment code: FPB201
Unit details (Course and Unit Handbook 2002)
4
Offered: Not offered in 2001
Unit description: Students work in a number of technical or administrative
roles to support the Classical Performance production. They study the demands
of various areas such as publicity, bookings, sound production etc. Each
student takes a major responsibility in one area as well as assisting in others.
Staff: Mr M Edgar
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching: 3 hrs weekly, practical sessions (13 wks)
Prereq: FPB105 Technical Theatre
Coreq: FPB202 Classical Performance
Assess: participation in class activities (30%), practical and written assignments
(70%)
Courses: F3J
Classical Performance
Enrolment code: FPB202
Offered: Not offered in 2001
Unit description: Students rehearse and present for public performance a
production of a given classical text. ‘Classical’ in this context indicates a text
which has achieved a substantial reputation and performance history and
which provides a worthwhile acting challenge for a large number of students.
The rehearsal process allows students to exercise and further develop skills
learned in Year 1. It also enables them to learn good rehearsal technique and
discipline and gives them the opportunity to develop skills in researching
background material.
Staff: Mr M Edgar
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching: 5 hrs weekly, practical sessions (13 wks)
Prereq: FPB104 Theatre Skills 2
Coreq: FPB201 Classical Production
Assess: participation in rehearsal process and public performance (80%) and
annotated scripts (20%)
Courses: F3J
Devised Performance
Enrolment code: FPB203
Offered: Not offered in 2001
Unit details (Course and Unit Handbook 2002)
5
Unit description: Students rehearse and present for targeted public
performance one or more small scale devised programs. Past productions in
this area have included programs devised for the Queen Victoria Museum and
Art Gallery, pre-show foyer performances for Theatre North, and Nursing and
Social Work conferences, and it is expected that similar areas will be serviced in
the future. Students gain experience in researching and shaping material for
performance and in devising programs for non-theatrical spaces.
Staff: Mr M Edgar (Coordinator), Mr P Hammond
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching: 3 hrs weekly, practical sessions (13 wks)
Prereq: FPB202 Classical Performance
Assess: participation in devising, rehearsals and public performances (80%)
plus annotated scripts (20%)
Courses: F3J
Theatre Skills 3
Enrolment code: FPB204
Offered: Not offered in 2001
Unit description: Students explore the vocal resources required to respond to
the demands of a variety of performance styles. The resonance and range of the
voice are developed and the ability to use the factors of space, time, weight and
rhythm in language extended to widen character performance choices. Accents
and dialects are investigated. Students extend their movement possibilities
through further establishing the physical text of a performance. The ability to
create and investigate character from physical choices is explored. These
physical and vocal skills are integrated into the preparation and performance of
selected dramatic texts. Text analysis and approaches to interpretation further
extend the theory and practice of acting. Various theatrical forms, devices and
presentational modes are investigated.
Staff: Mr P Hammond (Coordinator), Mr M Edgar, Ms L Merritt
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching: 5 hrs weekly, practical sessions (13 wks)
Prereq: FPB202 Classical Performance
Assess: participation in class activities (30%), practical and written assignments
(70%)
Courses: F3J
Drama 2
Enrolment code: FPB215
Offered: Ltn, sem 1&2
Unit details (Course and Unit Handbook 2002)
6
Unit description: Enables students to: understand the currents of thought and
significant events which led to the development of the particular types of
drama which flourished during the period 1600–1900; investigate ways in
which plays of the period were staged and may now be staged; gain knowledge
of the social and theatrical background of these plays; apply acting skills and
techniques to selected texts; work in small groups to research, devise, rehearse
and present a short seminar program based upon the material studied.
Staff: Assoc Prof J Lohrey (Coordinator)
Unit weight: 25%
Teaching: 4 hrs weekly (20 wks)
Prereq: FPB110
Assess: dramatic presentation(s), tutorial paper, research assignment, written
exams
Required texts, etc:
contact School for list
Courses: F3B
Performance Study 2 (Theatre)
Enrolment code: FPB250
Offered: Ltn, sem 1&2
Unit description: Explores further the ability of the students to express
themselves through the development of individual vocal and physical skills
necessary for performance and extend their ability to shape and communicate
meaning in response to the demands of the text. The unit incorporates a major
production. Each student is involved in a variety of directed performances.
Regular attendance at skills classes is essential.
Staff: Mr M Edgar, Mr PR Hammond, Ms LM Merritt
Unit weight: 50%
Teaching: 16 facilitated hrs weekly (26 wks)
Prereq: FPB110
Assess: participation in public performances; practical and written tests and
annotated scripts
Courses: F3B
Advanced Technical Theatre
Enrolment code: FPB251/351
Offered: Not offered in 2001
Unit description: Each student assists with the research, organisation, design,
construction, realisation and stage management of a major production. The unit
is conducted through weekly tutorials and discussions on stage management
Unit details (Course and Unit Handbook 2002)
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techniques and approaches to problem solving. Class content includes revision
of basic stage management principles, prompt corner instrumentation, safety
procedures, organisational skills, scheduling and running the rehearsal room.
Students gain experience and practice in the research of an agreed and specific
stage management portfolio.
Staff: Mr P Hammond
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching: 3 hrs weekly, tutorials & practical sessions (13 wks)
Prereq: FPB105 Technical Theatre
Assess: major role in one or more theatrical productions (80%) and associated
paperwork/prompt copy (20%)
Courses: F3J
Professional Presentation Skills
Enrolment code: FPB252/352
Offered: Not offered in 2001
Unit description: Addresses the communication needs of those students or
intending professionals required to speak in the presentation context. Specific
vocal and physical skills are experienced to assist the student in presenting in a
dynamic and focussed way. A technique to rehearse the material for
presentation is explored. Strategies to allow the presentation to reach the
listeners with the intended impact are investigated. The means of addressing
performance anxiety is covered and the transference of these skills into
professional contexts is developed.
Staff: Ms L Merritt
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching: 3 hrs weekly, practical sessions (13 wks)
Assess: practical assignments (100%)
Courses: F3J +OC
Stage Design
Enrolment code: FPB253/353
Offered: Not offered in 2001
Unit description: Is concerned with contemporary design and the role of the
designer in the theatre as it may affect the stage in its various formations and
configurations; formulating attitudes and approaches to finding the ‘core’ and
‘metaphor’, from which all artistic decisions concerning a production are made.
Tutorial sessions cover the application of design principles for stage: line,
shape, composition, colour, texture, space and the principles of harmony;
contrast, variation, gradation, balance; movement, repetition, emphasis and
Unit details (Course and Unit Handbook 2002)
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rhythm. Students examine the process of text analysis through to the execution
of a completed scale model and white model. Students also design, and assist in
constructing the set for a production.
Staff: Mr P Hammond
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching: 3 hrs weekly, tutorials & practical sessions (13 wks)
Assess: design and realisation of set for one or more productions (60%),
accompanying designs and paperwork (40%)
Courses: F3J
Lighting Design for Installations and
Performances
Enrolment code: FPB254/354
Offered: Not offered in 2001
Unit description: Emphasis is placed on the artistic capabilities of using
theatre luminaires in order to verify methods and principles examined in
seminars, workshops and theoretical sessions. Topics include lighting the event,
the play, or dance performance, and standard drawing/documentation
procedures of lighting design. Each student assists with the research,
organisation, design, and realisation of a lighting design within a production or
installation.
Staff: Mr P Hammond
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching: 3 hrs weekly, tutorials & practical sessions (13 wks)
Prereq:
Assess: design and realisation of one or more lighting designs (80%), associated
lighting plans and plots (20%)
Courses: F3J
Scriptwriting
Enrolment code: FPB255/355
Offered: Not offered in 2001
Unit description: Is designed to heighten awareness of the essential elements
of scriptwriting, characterisation, conflict, suspense, dialogue and subtext. The
unit gives students the opportunity to write their own short scripts, including
mimes, monologues and scenes. These scripts are workshopped throughout the
year with the aim of improving successive drafts which are finally assessed for
their originality and skill in employing the elements of dramatic writing.
Staff: Dr S Kent
Unit details (Course and Unit Handbook 2002)
9
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching: 3 hrs weekly, tutorials & practical sessions (13 wks)
Assess: written assignments (80%), rehearsed play reading (20%)
Courses: F3J
Voice and Media
Enrolment code: FPB256/356
Offered: Not offered in 2001
Unit description: Develops the student’s vocal versatility through the
experience of and skills development in multi media forms. Microphone
technique and the skill of working to the camera is investigated. These skills are
applied to specific industry contexts. Students research and experience the
dynamic of the ‘voice over’; respond to the specific vocal and acting demands of
the radio play; develop the vocal confidence required for taped readings of
material ranging from a financial report to a literary work; and present a
‘stand-up’ to camera in documentary style.
Staff: Ms L Merritt
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching: 3 hrs weekly, practical sessions (13 wks)
Prereq:
Assess: participation in class activity (20%), practical assignments (80%)
Courses: F3J
Acting for Television and Film
Enrolment code: FPB257/357
Offered: Not offered in 2001
Unit description: Develops the techniques acquired in FPB107, FPB104,
FPB204 Theatre Skills 1-3 for application to television and film and be
concerned with the ways in which the television/film medium differs from that
of Theatre. The unit concentrates on how the actor can best adjust the scale of
his/her performance to the electronic media.
Staff: Assoc Prof J Lohrey (Coordinator), Mr A Grgas
Unit weight: 12.5%
Teaching: 3 hrs weekly, practical sessions (13 wks)
Prereq: FPB104 Theatre Skills 2
Assess: practical assignments (80%), participation in class activity (20%)
Courses: F3J
Theatre Project 1: Student Directed Production
Unit details (Course and Unit Handbook 2002)
10
Enrolment code: FPB302
Offered: Not offered in 2001
Unit description: Each student is responsible for selecting base resource
materials or playscript for performance and then overseeing the entire
production and staging process through to, and including, presentation of the
finished product. Lectures and workshops on key issues within the director’s
portfolio are included: auditions, setting up of support structures,
organisational strategies, qualities of leadership and rehearsal techniques.
Staff: Mr P Hammond
Unit weight: 25%
Teaching: 6 hrs weekly, tutorials, workshops & practical sessions (13 wks)
Prereq: FPB204 Theatre Skills 3, FPB203 Devised Performance
Assess: selection, casting, rehearsal and production of a one-act play (80%);
director’s portfolio (20%)
Courses: F3J
Theatre Project 1: Graduate Production
Enrolment code: FPB303
Offered: Not offered in 2001
Unit description: Classes are conducted as rehearsals of a chosen playscript
directed by the lecturer. Students are expected to apply techniques learnt in
FPB107, FPB104, FPB204 Theatre Skills 1, 2 and 3 to the creation of the
production and rehearsal of their role(s). Students are also expected to take part
in discussions on the playscript and to be asked to contribute to design and
production decisions and assist in a technical department in order to realise
elements of the production.
Staff: Mr P Hammond
Unit weight: 25%
Teaching: 6 hrs weekly, practical sessions (13 wks)
Prereq: FPB204 Theatre Skills 3, FPB203 Devised Performance
Assess: participation in rehearsal, production and performance (80%) plus
annotated scripts (20%)
Courses: F3J
Drama 3
Enrolment code: FPB315
Offered: Ltn, sem 1&2
Unit details (Course and Unit Handbook 2002)
11
Unit description: Enables students to develop: some awareness of the
dramatic impulse within European and American societies; an understanding
of the significant trends and developments in British, American and European
drama from 1900 to the present day; knowledge and appreciation of
representative works (plays) by particular playwrights; understanding of the
performance modes and conventions associated with particular plays; editorial,
directorial, acting and technical skills through the various approaches and
processes involved in realising the plays texts as theatre.
Staff: Assoc Prof JE Lohrey, Dr S Kent
Unit weight: 25%
Teaching: 4 hrs weekly (20 wks)
Prereq: FPB215
Assess: participation in class activity, written assignments, seminar, dramatic
presentations and an exam
Courses: F3B
Performance Study 3 (Theatre)
Enrolment code: FPB350
Offered: Ltn, sem 1&2
Unit description: Further consideration of vocal and movement skills and
their integration into performance. In semester 1 each student is responsible for
initiating and overseeing a production as director and experiences the
associated responsibilities of production. In semester 2 each student is required
to participate as a performer in the final production of the course. Each student
is required to run a set of skills classes as preparation for rehearsal room
disciplines.
Staff: Mr M Edgar, Mr PR Hammond, Ms LM Merritt
Unit weight: 50%
Teaching: 16 facilitated hrs weekly (26 wks)
Prereq: FPB250
Assess: participation in class activities, annotated texts where required, and the
documentation of associated tasks
Courses: F3B