Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research and analyse theatrical references for application to work in the entertainment industry.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application of the unit 

This unit is relevant to a wide range of industry professionals, and is particularly relevant to designers. The scope and nature of theatrical references will vary depending on the work context, and the unit is written for contextualisation to these different contexts.

This unit has linkages to a wide range of other specialisation units within the Entertainment Training Package and other Training Packages in the cultural industries. Combined assessment and/or training would be appropriate with those units.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Research theatrical references

1.1. Identify theatrical references  which are appropriate to area of work

1.2. Use formal and informal research techniques appropriately to access information 

1.3. Organise research materials  and findings for current and future use by self and others in a manner which facilitates easy access and cross-referencing

2. Link research to industry practice

2.1. Critically evaluate  information in the context of current industry practice and philosophy of work

2.2. Assess ways in which theatrical references may be used, adapted or challenged within work practices

2.3. Develop positions in relation to theatrical references to inform work practice

2.4. Discuss ideas and research findings with colleagues and incorporate the views of others into work practice as appropriate

3. Update and maintain knowledge of theatrical trends

3.1. Identify and use relevant opportunities to update and expand knowledge  of theatrical trends and developments

3.2. Incorporate and integrate knowledge in work activities

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• research skills sufficient to analyse and interpret complex and varied references for application to work practices
• literacy skills sufficient to interpret theatrical references of a complex and varied nature

Required knowledge 

• sources of theatrical references in relation to particular areas of work
• different types of references that apply to professionals involved in cultural productions
• current production trends within the relevant industry context
• evolution of theatrical and other productions as relevant to the industry context, e.g. film, performance, set design
• networks and opportunities for maintaining current industry knowledge
• copyright, moral rights and intellectual property issues and legislation and their impact on industry practice

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

• application of research and analytical skills to inform specific work practice
• sound knowledge of theatrical references and their application to the relevant area of work.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

The assessment context must provide for:

• project or work activities that allow the candidate to apply research and analytical skills to a specific industry context.

Method of assessment 

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

• case studies to assess ability to analyse references for specific purposes
• review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Guidance information for assessment 

Assessment of this unit requires access to:

• theatrical references.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Theatrical references  may apply to multiple aspects of production, including:

• costume design
• lighting design
• production technology
• props design
• set design

Theatrical references  may include:

• films
• historical texts
• images/objects
• Internet
• journal articles
• oral histories
• other productions

Information  may relate to a vast range of topics which may include:

• architectural styles
• colour
• history of theatre
• light
• philosophy of theatre
• production genres
• social history
• texture

Organising research materials  may involve the use of:

• charts/diagrams
• databases
• files
• indices
• plans

Critical evaluation  may include:

• comparing
• considering merit
• contrasting
• critiquing/challenging
• discussion and debate
• reflecting

Opportunities to update and expand knowledge  may include:

• formal training
• further research
• industry networks
• professional associations
• seminars

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Industry capability - industry context

Co-requisite units