VSAO5623: Semester 1, 2022

University home

Library

Current students

Staff intranet

Find an event

Give

Current students

Units VSAO5623 Semester 1 2022 [Normal day]

Unit of study_

VSAO5623: Advanced Opera Performance Stage 1

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

This unit develops the primary communication tools of stagecraft, acting and movement as they apply to performing on the operatic stage. Surveying the major schools of acting, this unit develops and refines methodologies and strategies for establishing expert stage skills in opera performance, building the performer's role as expert and confident communicator. Skills in movement and movement style are facilitated by separate classes in dance. The unit is application based, allowing students to experiment with implementation of critical theoretical ideas in a performing environment. Much of the work of these courses is associated with rehearsal and performance of mainstage and chamber operas scheduled by SCM, in recognition of the crucial role these performances play in synthesizing the vocal, musical, linguistic, stylistic and dramatic threads undertaken in the Masters in Music Studies (Opera Performance). These skills are complemented by separate lectures in Opera History, which surveys the development of operatic style from the Florentine Camerata to contemporary Australian opera. NB: Students who have completed the Graduate Diploma (Opera) are exempt from Opera History. All new Masters of Music Studies (Opera Performance) students are required to complete this component of the Unit of Study.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	VSAO5623
Academic unit
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Narelle Yeo, narelle.yeo@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Brian Fitzgerald, brian.fitzgerald@sydney.edu.au
	Felicity Jurd, felicity.jurd@sydney.edu.au
	Lorena Otes, lorena.otes@sydney.edu.au
	Olivia Ansell, olivia.ansell@sydney.edu.au
	David Greco, david.greco@sydney.edu.au
	Simon Lobelson, simon.lobelson@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	Acting/movement practical classes Participation in ensemble tasks over semester	40%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Jun 2022 at 23:59	Series of short ensemble tasks
Outcomes assessed:
Creative assessment / demonstration	Performance assessment Performance scenes or performance as advised	30%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Jun 2022 at 23:59	Nominated performance of scenes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Reflective journal Reflective journal in creative format eg video/podcast/creative response.	30%	Week 13 Due date: 10 Jun 2022 at 23:59	1200 words or up to 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

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.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Dance training in one hour sessions to build competency in operatic movement styles.	Rehearsal (12 hr)
Week 01	Introduction and explanation of course requirements. Stage directions. Entering and exiting. Moving onstage. Voice direction. Stage basics terminology. Audition basics.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	Taking direction. Creating shapes onstage. Ensemble behaviours.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	Using props and set pieces. Using costume.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Make-up masterclass and the stage visage.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Stage combat, safety and routines. Stage falls and mad scenes. Defenestration.	Rehearsal (2 hr)
Week 06	Elements of characterization. Methods of transporting ideas into the character.	Rehearsal (2 hr)
Week 07	Developing a character in the mind: the role of homework. Preparation of scenes 1.	Rehearsal (2 hr)
Week 07	Character in the body, gesture and form. Preparation of scenes 2	Rehearsal (2 hr)
Week 08	Authenticity and gesture: Comedy, drama. Examples from scenes.	Rehearsal (2 hr)
Week 10	Role preparation toolbox: Authentic performance in opera. Effective rehearsal techniques and movement exercises. Application to prepared scenes.	Rehearsal (2 hr)
Week 11	Scenes in context. Scenes in performance. The difference between rehearsal and performance.	Rehearsal (2 hr)
Week 12	Performance and self-reflection. How to analyse your own work.	Rehearsal (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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Clark, M. R., & Clark, L. V. (2002). Singing, acting, and movement in opera: a guide to singer-getics. Indiana University Press.

Davidson, J. W. (2005). Bodily communication in musical performance. Musical communication, 215-238.

Helfgot, D., & Beeman, W. O. (1993). The Third Line: The Opera Performer as Interpreter. Schirmer Books.

Hines, J. (1982). Great singers on great singing. Amadeus Press.

Hines, J. (1997). The four voices of man. Amadeus Press.

Ostwald, D. F. (2005). Acting for singers: creating believable singing characters. Oxford University Press, USA.

Termini, Olga (1993) "The Role of Diction and Gesture in Italian Baroque opera," Performance Practice Review: Vol. 6: No. 2, Article 7. DOI: 10.5642/perfpr.199306.02.07

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. understand the terminology and processes involved in rehearsals for operatic performance
LO2. understand and apply principles of ensemble performance to a range of contexts
LO3. understand basic use of props and principles of costume wear for the operatic stage context
LO4. understand and apply appropriate collegial behaviour in a rehearsal context
LO5. develop a basic understanding of Commedia Dell'Arte and physical theatre styles appropriate to opera, including stage falls and combat where necessary
LO6. develop your own personal style for inhabiting an operatic character onstage, based on the tools obtained in class in various methods
LO7. become cognisant of the relationship between the creation of music and theatre onstage in the context of your own physicality in the mise-en-scene.

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.

Students will be learning in live mode as possible this semester. Students' journalling will be less onerous.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect