Outline

Overview

Students in this unit build their competency in choreographed dance styles and work in detail on forms and styles in music theatre movement, acting, ensemble singing, audition, rehearsal and performance skills 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 in preparation for an industry showcase.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Performance
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	MSTH3216
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Robert McDougall, robert.mcdougall@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Interactive oral	Oral Presentation of Refection A one-on-one interview with the course coordinator, providing a verbal presentation of the students submitted reflection, and a defence of their reflections.	10%	Formal exam period Due date: 12 Jun 2026 at 17:00	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Showcase Reflection Creatively developed reflective journal, detailing embodied awareness (sensory, physical, vocal observations), Critical reflection, Integration of practice and concept knowledge, Adaptability - evidence of personal change	10%	Formal exam period Due date: 12 Jun 2026 at 23:59	Submitted assessment	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task - Quiz Canvas quiz #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03	10 Mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Showcase - Public Performance Summative performance for industry professionals in Footbridge Theatre. Students will be required to perform in an ensemble and in a solo capacity, demonstrating high levels of competencies in all three music theatre disciplines, as well as effective and	50%	Week 13	60 Minute Public performance	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Dance Formative Assessment In-class formative assessment of commitment and progress throughout the year.	10%	Weekly	Formative, ongoing.	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Acting Formative Assessment In class assessment of commitment and progress in Acting across the semester.	10%	Weekly	Formative, ongoing.	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Formative vocal assessment Formative in-class assessment of commitment and progression in vocal class.	10%	Weekly	Formative, ongoing.	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Provide a Career Progression Plan.

Assessment criteria

D	High distinction	85 - 100	Demonstrates an understanding and critical engagement with the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, including an analysis of their own and others' acting technique, choreography competency and physical gesture.
DI	Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrates the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, including an ability to reflect on one's own acting practice, choreography learning skills and embodiment onstage.
CR	Credit	65 -75	Can describe acting, music and singing elements in detail in themselves and others.
PS	Pass	50 - 64	Prepares an acceptable reflection with detail in acting, music and singing elements.
FA	Fail	0 - 49	Doesn't meet or describe 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:

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.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Intensive rehearsal period leading into production, including one day off site intensive.	Practical (26 hr)
Week 13	A full production week, containing 25 hours of rehearsal culminating in two performances of the 4th year showcase as worked on across the term.	Practical (25 hr)
Weekly	A weekly performance workshop with the Director and Musical Director for the 4th year agents showcase. Focus on appropriate repertoire selection, masterclass work on vocal technique and acting through song in preparation for showcase.	Practical (2 hr)
	A one-hour practical ballet technique class, aimed at supporting choreographed work in upcoming showcase performance.	Practical (1 hr)
	A one hour acting technique class, delivered by the director of the 4th year showcase, aimed at building physical performance skills and text interpretation on chosen showcase repertoire.	Practical (1 hr)
	A one-hour choreography class, delivered by the choreographer of 4th year showcase. Working on chosen choreography for the show, with a focus on healthy technique.	Practical (1 hr)
	A two-hour musical direction session, with the Musical Director of 4th year showcase, focusing on ensemble technique and musicality.	Practical (2 hr)

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

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Recognize, discuss, and perform a variety of dance styles appropriate to music theatre to a professional standard
LO2. Demonstrate practical strategies for maintaining personal and ensemble health and wellbeing in a professional context
LO3. Demonstrate finessed and self-actualized application of a range of acting techniques
LO4. Demonstrate ability to seamlessly integrate singing, acting, and dancing competencies to a professional standard
LO5. Demonstrate developed understanding and implementation of theoretical concepts introduced in MSTH1601, MSTH1602, MSTH2603 and MSTH2604 and their application in rehearsal and performance contexts
LO6. Demonstrate professional competency in vocal technique across a variety of styles appropriate to music theatre
LO7. Purposefully and thoughfully 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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

New unit

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MSTH4217: Music Theatre Performance 7 (Extended)

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links