Unit outline_

MSTH3215: Music Theatre Performance 5 (Extended)

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Students in this unit will continue to build their foundational dance styles and work in detail on forms and styles in music theatre movement, ensemble singing and acting whilst reinforcing their already strong skill base. Students devise scenes, movement and choreography, manage their responsibilities in rehearsal processes, work in ensemble scenes to create characters of authenticity in context. Students prepare and perform staged music theatre works as advised.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Performance
Credit points 12
Prerequisites
? 
CPNO2604
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Narelle Yeo, narelle.yeo@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Portfolio or journal Reflective Journal
Creatively developed reflective journal, detailing embodied awareness (sensory, physical, vocal observations), Critical reflection, Integration of practice and concept knowledge, Adaptability - evidence of personal change
20% Formal exam period
Due date: 12 Jun 2026 at 23:59
1000 words or up to 10 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO4
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test Dance Individual and Ensemble
Dance Individual and Ensemble Skills - Formative Assessment
20% Ongoing
Due date: 26 May 2026 at 11:00

Closing date: 29 May 2026
Continuous weekly assessment AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test Acting Methodology in Practice
Ensemble Acting Skills - Formative Assessment
10% Ongoing
Due date: 20 Mar 2026 at 17:00

Closing date: 27 Mar 2026
Continuous weekly assessment. AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4
Out-of-class quiz Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task - Quiz
Canvas quiz #earlyfeedbacktask
0% Week 03 10 Mins AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO5
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test hurdle task 3rd Year Mainstage Production
Performance in 3rd Year Mainstage Production, applying principles studied, including embodiment, movement, dance, acting including characterisation, solo and ensemble singing, professional behaviours in front and backstage, production etiquette.
50% Week 10
Due date: 09 May 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 10 May 2026
Summative Assessment AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Formative assessment of workshop practical classes and reflective journal

Assessment criteria

D

High distinction

85 - 100

Work of exceptional quality and creativity. Nuanced discussion and reflection on course content and personal goals and responses.

DI

Distinction

75 - 84

Work of strong quality and creativity. Student reflects on course content, personal goals and responses. Analyses individual skills, talents and learning through a creative lens.

CR

Credit

65 -75

Adequate response to creative element of the task with comprehensive information on course content, personal goals and responses. Analyses individual skills, talents and learning acceptably.

PS

Pass

50 - 64

Engaged with the reflective process and responded to the course content adequately, with evidence of thinking on personal outcomes of the course.

FA

Fail

0 - 49

Doesn't meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

After 5 day simple extension, 5% per day

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks Production rehearsals - including one day off-site intensive work in ensemble in acting, movement, dance and song to realise a full production as directed. Practical (132 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Dance - prepare, stretch, rehearse in studio, perform, and reflect on ballet, jazz, theatre jazz, tap and other forms as required in weekly rehearsals leading to a studio performance assessment. Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 01 Dance - prepare, stretch, rehearse in studio, perform, and reflect on ballet, jazz, theatre jazz, tap and other forms as required in weekly rehearsals leading to a public performance. Practical (4 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Acting and ensemble - prepare and rehearse text and text to music for year 3 production for performance. Critically analyze the performances of themselves and others using acting methodologies studied in the course. Practical (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02 Dance - prepare, stretch, rehearse in studio, perform, and reflect on ballet, jazz, theatre jazz, tap and other forms as required in weekly rehearsals leading to a public performance. Practical (4 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Dance - prepare, stretch, rehearse in studio, perform, and reflect on ballet, jazz, theatre jazz, tap and other forms as required in weekly rehearsals leading to a public performance. Practical (4 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Acting and ensemble - prepare and rehearse text and text to music for year 3 production for performance. Critically analyze the performances of themselves and others using acting methodologies studied in the course. Practical (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Performance - perform in a full production, including dance, movement, acting, solo and ensemble performance as directed. Practical (25 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Weekly Ensemble - prepare and perform music theatre repertoire in a music theatre-led vocal ensemble Practical (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Ensemble - prepare, rehearse and perform in a music theatre vocal ensemble. Workshop (1 hr) LO3 LO4

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Understand and apply advanced principles of intention, embodiment and action in the context of all major styles of dance relevant to music theatre.
  • LO2. Understand and apply, in rehearsal and performance, advanced principles of acting using one or more known methodologies suitable to the music theatre repertoire.
  • LO3. Understand and demonstrate professional expectations as required in an ensemble rehearsal or performance as it relates to acting, dance and singing.
  • LO4. Demonstrates critical self-analysis as it relates to a student's capacity to achieve the competency standards expected of a career in the performing arts.
  • LO5. Purposefully and thoughtfully apply principles of the course to individual and group feedback in a constructive, strengths-building approach.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This course is new.

Disclaimer

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