Bachelor of Performing Arts

This course provides students with a coherent knowledge of the performing arts and has strong links to industry.

It seeks to unlock limitations and encourage creativity through practical enquiry.

The inclusion of arts management alongside creative and technical skills make it particularly relevant for independent artists.

The course combines theoretical and technical knowledge of performance through a series of core units, and the choice of a major suited to each students particular field.

The Performance Making major explores original, self-devised and collaborative approaches to creating, producing and presenting independent contemporary performance projects.

Students study devising, directing, movement and voice.

These skills are applied to a series of productions including group performance, solo performance, site-specific production and final independent project.

Students choose from an exciting range of electives such as acting, comic performance, playwriting, and puppetry.

The Practice Transition major allows students to apply existing skills and knowledge to a series of independent performance projects and to the development of a major research project that culminates in an exegesis linking theory and practice.

They have the option to undertake electives from any area at ECU.

The Production and Design major provides students with a focused learning pathway.

They develop the skills and experience required to engage in professional theatre practice.

The major offers students intensive creative and technical training through professional production practices.

This is achieved by undertaking leadership roles within their stream major on the annual repertoire of WAAPA productions across mainstream genres including Acting, Music Theatre, Dance Contemporary &

Classical, Opera, Jazz and Contemporary Music.

WAAPA's professionally staffed and equipped facilities provide the student with the opportunity to develop knowledge and experience through a highly practical and industry-oriented approach.

Students are required to complete: a Core program of 4 Foundation units; plus an 8-unit Major and 4 related Special Skills units. This is supported by a Supplementary Program, approved by the Course Coordinator, comprising of: a second Major; or a Minor plus Elective units; or Elective units. The second major or minor can be from within or outside the School.

Special Skills Units - Performance Making Major

Special Skills Units - Practice Transition Major

^ Core Option * Students will be assessed to see if they have achieved the ECU minimum standard of English language proficiency in this unit. Students who don't meet the minimum standard will be provided with appropriate English language support and development.

Unit sets that can be studied as part of this course

Admission requirement (Band 3)

All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• AQF Cert IV;
• Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;
• Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or
• Experience Based Entry Scheme.

English Language requirement (Band 3)

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;
• IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
• Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;
• Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;
• AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
• Other tests, courses or programs as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Course Specific Admission Requirements

All applicants are required to attend an audition. This is inclusive of an interview component. Applicants will be assessed on their ability to meet the technical requirements of the course and their suitability for the industry.

Portfolio pathway applications are not accepted for this course.

1. Perform in a range of genres or styles displaying the vocal, physical and creative skills required of a professional performance maker.
2. Apply creative problem solving, critical thinking and reflective practice to the generation of material for performance.
3. Apply broad knowledge of the history of performance in the conceptualising and realising of new work.
4. Communicate disciplinary knowledge and values in professional and public contexts.
5. Work collaboratively or take the lead in a team environment that encompasses diverse disciplines, perspectives and levels of expertise in a manner that exhibit a strong sense of self-awareness, sensitivity to human difference and a global awareness.
6. Use digital technologies and literacies to access, evaluate and synthesis relevant information from multiples sources.