ATS3307 · Improvisation in performance practice

Overview

This unit works from the premise that improvisation underpins contemporary performance practice in music and theatre. You will be introduced to a series of improvisation techniques and strategies that draw on the body, gesture and movement, image and symbol, sound, and word in individual and collaborative performing arts practice. You will also explore key concepts of improvisation such as communication, elaboration, extension, agreement and inclusion, rhythm, limitation, and problem solving and their application to a range of performing arts contexts, as well as their usefulness in a number of industries. The cross-disciplinary nature of the unit will enable collaborative improvisatory practices and provide you with opportunity to work within and across performance genres.

Areas of study: Critical performance studies

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Analyse and explain key concepts, strategies and techniques of improvisation and their use in a range of performing arts practice
2. Critically evaluate the role that improvisation plays in contemporary music and theatre performance
3. Create original performance work that showcases the role and importance of improvisation in contemporary performance and other industries.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.