Clarification details
Updated December 2017. This clarification has been updated to address issues that have arisen from moderation.
Preparing for the role
Students are expected to have memorised lines and not be prompted for evidence to reflect curriculum level 7.
The latest versions of the TKI assessment resources for this standard can be used as a guide for the requirements of supporting material.
Musical theatre
If a Musical theatre text is selected as the context for the scripted production, it is necessary that the text is confirmed to be of sufficient substance to merit attention and has some depth of meaning (Explanatory Note 2). For example, the lead character would develop, transform or change in some way during the acting context of the musical.
Roles which involve music or dance may not offer sufficient opportunities for role development or performance detail to provide an appropriate choice. In acting terms, much is already prescribed and pure acting opportunities are limited by the plot and musical frame.
Performance evidence
The student’s final grade is determined by their performance, and the role presented must reflect the statement of intention.
Response to other performers and feeding purposefully into the ongoing scene will be an indication of 'sustaining a credible role skilfully’ for Merit. Students must sustain the acting role in a credible manner for a skilful performance. This includes controlled and purposeful use of body and voice to enhance the role and communicate dramatic context.
For Excellence, effectiveness in terms of an accomplished realisation of the student's stated intention as well as the overall contribution that makes to the overall performance, requires the role to be consistently very strongly played.
When students are playing two roles, both roles need to be sustained effectively and truthfully for Excellence.
Evidence of the impact required for Excellence could be indicated by general audience awareness, for example in the control of phrasing and pauses, body position and clarity of motivation.