Unit Outline

The Theatre Machine is a device to make sense of the world, generating meaningful experiences for audiences. It is a complex system balancing diverse artistic forms, media and technologies. This unit explores the theatre machine from the perspective of design and technology. You will learn about the history of theatre production elements such as lighting, sound, special effects and other forms of media. You will learn how to design and create performance environments that enhance and generate contemporary performance. Through the exploration of techniques and technologies, ranging from the traditional to the cutting edge, you will learn the technical skills, duties and safe work practices required to achieve a production design.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Implement safety procedures of responsible theatre operation.
2	Use basic terminology, equipment and techniques for theatre production
3	Integrate technical theatre elements as part of an interpretive stage design.
4	Investigate key technical developments and/or practitioners in regard to theatrical production.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Complete WHS induction, risk assessment and follow safe operational procedures throughout semester.	Week 1	10 %	LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 2:	Design Implementation	Week 2	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Design Proposal	Week 3	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 4:	In class Presentation and summary	Week 4	20 %	LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Complete WHS induction, risk assessment and follow safe operational procedures throughout semester.

Task Description:

You will complete a WHS induction for the theatre space you will be working in through semester, undertake risk assessments and demonstrate these skills in practice.

Task Length:

In-class exercises including induction, and associated technical, production and/or stage management operational roles for in-class exercises. This also includes preparation for class and completion of out of class tasks.

Due Date:

Week 1

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Adhere to theatre safety procedures and protocols	LO1
2	Use stage terminologies, equipment, software, and techniques.	LO2
3	Work collaboratively and individually as part of a production team.	LO1

Assessment Task 2: Design Implementation

Task Description:

You will be assessed across a number of backstage roles installing and running a show, during in-class practical assessments

Task Length:

In-class assessment during design implementation workshops.

Due Date:

Week 2

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrates the ability to perform basic duties associated with production roles.	LO1, LO2
2	Demonstrated knowledge of responsible technical theatre operation and production protocols.	LO1
3	Demonstrated ability to work both collaboratively and individually as part of a production team to realise a stage design	LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 3: Design Proposal

Task Description:

You will create a design concept, lighting design, and risk assessment for a short script excerpt.

Task Length:

Equivalent to 1500 words

Due Date:

Week 3

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Outline a design proposal that adheres to industry standards	LO2
2	Design in response to the script excerpt	LO3
3	Integrate technical theatre elements to communicate with an audience	LO3
4	Undertake a risk assessment for your design	LO1

Assessment Task 4: In class Presentation and summary

Task Description:

An in-class presentation showing investigation and research into an element of the theatre machine, or a key practitioner, with referencing of sources.

Task Length:

Equivalent to 800 words

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate research and knowledge of the work of a theatre practitioner, inventor, or technical apparatus.	LO4
2	Ability to present with clarity and to the designated time limit.	LO3
3	Produce written summary showing your research sources.	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.