Outline

Overview

This unit provides an overview of stage skills as they relate to vocal performance. Students are introduced to the historical and cultural conventions of various stage settings and are taught the specific ways the voice and body are used to express meaning for a range of audiences. Students are taught the basics of embodiment and movement for the stage as is appropriate for their style of vocal performance. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to rehearse a short performance in their indicated style for a final concert. Students work collaboratively to create an ensemble to understand their voice and body and how it communicates onstage to an audience through voice, body and story.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Performance
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
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

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Weekly formative assessment Collaborate and participate in ensemble acting and singing exercises weekly	40%	Progressive	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Early Feedback Task - Rubric Engagement/participation rubric #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 10 Mar 2026 at 10:00 Closing date: 17 Mar 2026	N/A	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Performance as scheduled Performance of ensemble scenes (Week 13 as scheduled)	30%	Week 10 Due date: 08 May 2026 at 18:00 Closing date: 15 May 2026	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Performance Practice Reflection E-Portfolio and Oral Defence Creatively developed reflective journal, detailing embodied awareness (sensory, physical, vocal observations), Critical reflection, Integration of practice and concept knowledge, Adaptability - evidence of personal change.	30%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 07 Jun 2026	1000 words/8 minutes with oral defence.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task
Performance Practice E-Portfolio: Students keep a journal of their performing practice, in particular the learning reflected on throughout the semester (mandatory). Students incorporate feedback received after rehearsals and tutorials. Student analyse the creative process in the preparation of a scene, ensemble or opera for performance, including a detailed analysis of text, deportment, dance, stage movement and direction, collaborative processes, improvisational discovery, performance reflection.
Class skills acquisition and ensemble participation: A series of in-class exercises test the student’s ability to assimilate and apply material in the context of solo and/or ensemble scenes. Students must demonstrate an awareness and engagement with group dynamics to produce communicative performance and produce work that exhibits healthy vocal technique and imaginative dramatic choice. Rolling assessment throughout semester, including the use of the LMS and emerging technologies to analyse dramatic choice.
Performance: Students rehearse and perform a one act opera, operetta or music theatre work or scenes deemed appropriate for their age group and experience. Students will perform in a public performance at the conclusion of the semester for assessment of technique/application in context. Students’ performances will be assessed on suitability and ease of use of performance techniques studied in the course to communicate in performance, including stage presence, movement, characterization and engagement with ensemble players.

Assessment criteria

The following assessment criteria are used for written work in this unit of study:

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Demonstrates high level of initiative in research and reading; sophisticated critical analysis of evidence; high level engagement with theoretical issues, innovative use of reading/research material and impressive command of underlying debates and assumptions; properly documented and written with style, originality and precision.
Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrates initiative in research and wide, appropriate reading; complex understanding of question and ability to critically review material in relation to underlying assumptions and values; analyses material in relation to empirical and theoretical contexts; properly documented; clear, well-developed structure and argument with some signs of literary style.
Credit	65 - 74	Evidence of broader understanding than pass level; offers synthesis with some critical evaluation of material; coherent argument using a range of relevant evidence; some evidence of independent thought, good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some evidence of ability to problematise and think conceptually.
Pass	50 - 64	Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading/research; relevant material; tendency to descriptive summary rather than critical argument; makes a reasonable attempt to avoid paraphrasing; reasonably coherent structure; often has weaknesses in particular areas, especially in terms of narrow or underdeveloped treatment of question; acceptable documentation.
Fail	0 - 49	Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; poor spelling; poor presentation; grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; failure to demonstrate understanding of content; insufficient or overlong word length.

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.

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	Developing the actor/singer's reflective practice	Practical (6 hr)
Multiple weeks	Online lecture program to be watched asynchronously detailing concepts of acting, characterisation, text to music and scene to song.	Lecture (6 hr)
Week 01	1. Introduction and explanation of course requirements; 2. Terminology and principles of projection for the acting singer 3. The proscenium arch	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	The Third Line - The role of text, music and external direction (from director and conductor).	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	1. The singing actor - Embodiment and gesture	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	2. The singing actor - Set, Costume and Prop use. The mise-en-scene.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	3. The singing actor - Objectives and Internal Motivation	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	4. The singing actor - The role of music	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	5. The singing actor - Exploring Derrida's principle	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Rehearsal techniques and scenes preparation	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	Special Projects Week Intensive Rehearsal	Workshop (6 hr)
Week 10	Scenes/One act studio performance	Practical (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recording: Lectures for this unit of study will be recorded and made available to students via the Learning Management System (LMS)
Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned. The Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%.

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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 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. develop and demonstrate confidence in stage terms, rules and conventions within historical, cultural and musical principles
LO2. demonstrate a thorough understanding of the historical development of opera, operetta and music theatre staging conventions and rules
LO3. demonstrate an understanding of the conventions of a vocal stage rehearsal and apply in practice, including ensemble skills
LO4. be able to perform and reflect as a member of a musical ensemble in a public performance, utilising concepts of acting and characterisation obtained in the course
LO5. Manage props, sets and costumes with reference to textual, contextual cues and directorial feedback for a particular desired performance outcome
LO6. portray character in a narrative arc while singing onstage in a legitimate theatre style.

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.

An adjustment to word length in the EPortfolio reflects the additional work in special projects week.

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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

VSAO3601: Stage Fundamentals For Singers

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - 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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links