Basic Acting Test - Content and Criteria

Basic Acting Test - Content and Criteria

This document is intended to provide a clear and concise framework for the expectations and requirements involved in passing the Basic Acting Test.

Requirements

In order to be considered for attempting this test, the candidate must have received adequate training from their Group Acting Officer (GAO) or other qualified person and have advised the department when and where they wish to take their test, PRIOR to turning up for the session.

Candidates should ideally have two assessors, one of which can be a trainee. However, if only one assessor is available, they should not be in the same group as the candidate. If this is the only option at an event, an alternative testing opportunity will be identified for the candidate.

Pass/Fail Criteria

Pass - Candidate will demonstrate an adequate understanding of what is expected of them in regard to Use of Space, Projection, Character, Continuity, Body Language, Appropriateness (Historical and Verbal), and Safety.

Fail - If the candidate is unable to demonstrate the necessary skills, after feedback from the deliverer and all skits have been performed, they may be asked to repeat their training and attempt the test again at another time. An automatic fail is awarded if there are any safety breaches, or if there is a serious and/or repeated violation of Appropriateness.

Assessment Activities

“Silent” Skit

This is a short activity, where the candidates are asked to (in a group), come up with a short, 1- or 2-minute max, skit to perform for the assessors. The candidates will *not* let the assessors know what their character/scene is before it is performed. This skit will be performed without verbal interaction, focusing on body language and use of space. Limited verbal/vocal communication *will* be allowed, but over-reliance on such will count against the candidate. The assessor will then attempt to determine who the characters were and what the scene was about and will provide feedback and guidance as necessary.

First Major Skit

The candidate will, in a group, come up with a character and scene (3-5 minutes long), and perform it for the assessor. Attention will be paid to volume, content, body language and use of space, as well as character interaction and appropriateness. Once performed, the assessor/s will provide feedback and guidance as needed.

Second Major Skit

The candidate will be given a character and scene to perform (3-5 minutes long), which will typically be a reversal of the role and character they chose for themselves in the First Major Skit. Attention will be paid to volume, content, body language and use of space, as well as character interaction and appropriateness. Once performed, the assessor/s will provide feedback and guidance as needed.

Assessment of Performance

The overall performance of the candidate over the three activities will be judged by the assessor/s, with extra focus on the Second Major Skit, being the one performed with the most feedback and practice. An exceptional performance in one activity may “make up” for a poorer performance in another (at the discretion of the assessor/s).