Diploma in Performing Arts in Musical Theatre

Purpose

The three-year musical theatre Diploma offers the serious musical theatre student the chance to develop into a fully prepared professional performer. The qualification offers intensive training with equal emphasis in all three disciplines of acting, singing and dancing in order to become a fully rounded "triple threat" performer. The qualification is industry linked (through content consultation and work integrated learning opportunities) and will promote the student into the world of performing arts with access to agents, casting directors and potential employers.

Rationale

The rationale for this qualification is to produce competent, professional performing artists who contribute to the South African Performing Arts industry. It will equip qualifying learners with competencies in the performing arts in order to work successfully as singers, actors, dancers, choreographers, composers, directors, producers, teachers and writers.

The qualification aims to produce artists who are versatile, disciplined and professional in their approach to their work and who have a sound knowledge of the technical and artistic requirements of performance.

Arts and culture are fundamental to human society. Artists reflect the strength and weaknesses of our society and are powerful instruments for creating change. The Institution fulfils a significant role by providing the competencies necessary to ensure employment in the performing arts and to encourage qualified learners to manage their own careers in ways so as to generate employment and to invigorate the performing arts in South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning

This qualification can be achieved wholly, or in part, through Recognition of Prior Learning. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including previous international or local qualifications, reports, testimonials, mentoring, functions performed, portfolios, work records and performance records. As such, evidence should be judged according to the general principles of assessment.

Should equivalent competencies be demonstrated, learners may be advanced into a second or later year of study.

Entry Requirements

A potential candidate must

• Hold a National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Diploma studies.

Or

• Hold a Senior Certificate (obtained prior 2008) granting access to Diploma studies.

Or

• Hold a National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4.

Or

• A Higher Certificate in a cognate field of study.

Or

• An Advanced Certificate in a cognate field of study.

The qualification consists of compulsory modules which are spread across NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 380 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 5

• Academic Literacy, 5 Credits.
• Business Communication, 10 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship, 10 Credits.
• Drama I, 20 Credits.
• Singing I, 20 Credits.
• Music Studies, 10 Credits.
• Dance Styles I, 10 Credits.
• Dance Techniques I, 10 Credits.
• Creative and Artistic Direction I, 5 Credits.
• Art History I, 10 Credits.
• Musical Theatre Studies I, 10 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 5: 120.

Modules at NQF Level 6

• Art Administration, 10 Credits.
• Drama II, 20 Credits.
• Music Studies II, 10 Credits.
• Singing II, 20 Credits.
• Dance Styles II, 10 Credits.
• Dance Techniques II, 10 Credits.
• Creative and Artistic Direction II, 10 Credits.
• Art History II, 10 Credits.
• Musical Theatre Studies II, 10 Credits.
• Performance II, 10 Credits.

Total Credits at Level 6: 120

Modules at NQF Level 7

• Stage Craft, 10 Credits.
• Drama III, 20 Credits.
• Music Studies III, 10 Credits.
• Singing II, 20 Credits.
• Dance Styles III, 10 Credits.
• Dance Techniques III, 10 Credits.
• Creative and Artistic Direction III, 10 Credits.
• Art History III, 10 Credits.
• Musical Theatre Studies III, 10 Credits.
• Performance III, 20 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning, 10 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 7: 140.

1. Demonstrate a systematic and well-rounded knowledge and understanding of important theories, scholarly positions and basic methodologies of musical theatre.
2. Apply entrepreneurial and management skills in order to function as a professional musical theatre practitioner.
3. Show competence with his/her critical attitude and communication skills to participate and contribute to the economy and general society.
4. Conduct formal and stylistic analysis of musical theatre works.
5. Display a fundamental understanding of the effects that historical, socio-political and cultural forces have had on contemporary musical theatre.
6. Have the capacity to interact effectively with others, operate in variable and unfamiliar contexts with responsibility, and become increasingly self-directed.
7. Act innovatively and pro-actively within a career.
8. Demonstrate the capability to apply advanced musical theatre techniques, as well as the theory of musical theatre, which are appropriate to follow a career within the musical theatre.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Different, relevant theories used and applied to the methodology of Musical Theatre are identified.
• Various theories relevant to the methodology of Musical Theatre are defined.
• Firm understanding of the various and relevant scholarly positions in the theory and methodology of Musical Theatre is demonstrated.
• Theories and scholarly positions to the learner's own musical theatre practices are critically analysed and applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Firm knowledge and understanding of the various concepts and principles of entrepreneurship related to the musical theatre environment are demonstrated.
• Correct management skills to various scenarios in the musical theatre environment are applied.
• A business plan is designed and created.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Relevant knowledge and understanding of the communication skills needed to participate in the Musical Theatre world of work are demonstrated.
• Relevant knowledge and understanding of the attitudes and communication skills needed to participate and contribute to society in general are demonstrated.
• Necessary communication documents such as a Curriculum Vitae, memorandum and business letter for personal and business use are created.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Relevant knowledge and understanding of the various forms and styles of musical theatre works are demonstrated as used in the industry.
• Various forms and styles of musical theatre works, used in the past and present musical theatre industry are identified.
• Various forms and styles of musical theatre works used in the past and presently in musical theatre industry are critically analysed.
• Critical essays on the various forms and styles of musical theatre works used in the past and presently in musical theatre industry are written.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Relevant knowledge and understanding of the different historical events that have had an effect on contemporary musical theatre are demonstrated.
• Relevant knowledge and understanding of the different socio-political and cultural forces that have had an effect on contemporary musical theatre are demonstrated.
• Various historical, socio-political and cultural events that took place and determine the extent and impact each event had on contemporary musical theatre are critically analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• The ability to make responsible decision in terms of time management and teamwork is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Own initiative is used to prepare for a future career.
• Confidence and own abilities are demonstrated through self marketing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Relevant knowledge and understanding of the theory of musical theatre and how the theory applies to self individually are demonstrated.
• Relevant knowledge and understanding of the various techniques taught and used in musical theatre are demonstrated.
• Most appropriate and relevant musical theatre techniques are determined to suit the different scenarios that the learners are exposed to.
• Various techniques are applied practically to succeed in their performances and future careers in the musical theatre industry.

Integrated Assessment

In the assessment strategy, competence must be demonstrated and assessed through a variety of options.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment methods include Class tests, Semester Tests, Practical projects/assignments (subject dependent), Research and project-based assignments.

Formative assessment is useful in terms of assessment of Critical Cross-Field Outcomes, as these are often difficult to assess during summative assessments. Gaps in terms of knowledge and abilities can be identified with individuals at this stage and appropriate action planned.

Summative Assessment

Summative assessment includes Final Examinations and Final Production. This assessment is conducted at the end of each study cycle of learning; and is used to determine whether the student is competent in the required knowledge and skills. Student-readiness determines whether the student will qualify for the respective examinations. It is required that the assignments are submitted in order to write an examination in each module.