Key points about connecting context to character:

• Backstory matters:

  A character's past experiences, family dynamics, and social upbringing provide crucial context to explain their current behaviors and perspectives. 

• Social and historical setting:

  The time period, cultural norms, and societal structures where a character lives significantly impact their choices and limitations. 

• Internal conflict:

  Context can reveal internal struggles a character faces, like personal trauma or societal expectations, which drive their motivations. 

• Character development:

  By exploring a character's context, writers can create more nuanced and believable characters with depth and complexity. 

Example:

• Character:

  A young woman raised in a strict religious community who is now living in a big city.

• Context:

  Her upbringing might lead to internal conflict as she navigates the freedoms of urban life while still grappling with the values instilled by her community.

• How context affects character:

  This could manifest in her behavior as being cautious, questioning her choices, or feeling conflicted about certain actions due to her past beliefs. 

Key aspects of historical context in performance:

• Social norms:

  How people interacted, class structures, gender roles, and societal expectations at the time. 

• Political events:

  Major political happenings, conflicts, or leadership that may be reflected in the performance. 

• Cultural values:

  Dominant beliefs, customs, and artistic styles prevalent during the period. 

• Economic factors:

  The economic situation of the society, including the status of different social classes. 

Why is historical context important in performance?

• Authenticity:

  Understanding the historical context allows performers to accurately portray characters and situations, adding depth and realism to the performance. 

• Interpretation:

  By considering the historical context, audiences can gain a deeper understanding of the themes and messages within a performance. 

• Critical analysis:

  Analyzing the historical context enables a more nuanced discussion of the performance, considering how it reflects or challenges societal norms of its time. 

Example:

• A play set in Victorian England: To accurately portray the characters, actors would need to understand the strict social hierarchies, gender roles, and the limitations placed on women during that era. 

Point State the main idea of the paragraph, Respond to the question or assignment brief, and Make an analytical insight. 

Evidence 

• Support the point with examples or evidence

• Use relevant evidence from research

• Use academic sources like textbooks, journals, or specialist products

Explanation

• Demonstrate how the evidence supports the point 

• Explain why, how, or what the impact is for each point 

• Critically analyze what would happen if the theory was or was not applied 

• Link the point to the next point or back to the main point 

Example 

• Point: Climate change is something that governments should take seriously

• Evidence: NASA scientists report that the average global temperature has increased since 1880

• Explanation: Significant increases in global temperature could make the earth uninhabitable for humans

PEE is a mnemonic formula that can be used to develop critical thinking skills. 

1. Bass: lowest male voice type with a vocal range of E2-E4
2. Baritone: 2nd lowest male voice type with a vocal range of A2-A4
3. Tenor: 2nd highest male voice type with a vocal range of C3-C5
4. Countertenor: highest male voice type with a vocal range of E3-E5
5. Contralto: lowest female voice type with a vocal range of E3-E5
6. Alto: 2nd lowest female voice type with a vocal range of F3-F5
7. Mezzo Soprano: 2nd highest female voice type with a vocal range of A3-A5
8. Soprano: highest female voice type with a vocal range of C4-C6

Be prepared.

If you are asked to present a song or monologue, prepare your piece well. Memorize your selection and practice it many times. - Knowledge of context of the play/musical and writer/composer/lyricists.

Be kind to everyone and smile.

Remember that your audition for every show begins the moment you walk in the door. You may be perfect in the audition room, but rudeness or misbehavior in the lobby will be noticed.

Be on time for your appointment. PLAN YOUR TRAVEL.

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment so that all of your paperwork can be completed before you go in for your auditions. Arriving early also gives you time to relax and focus and not feel rushed.

Use your waiting time wisely.

It is great to see old friends and make new ones at an audition, but be sure to take some time to focus on your audition.

Dress appropriately.

At Stages theatre Company, we always ask that actors come dressed for movement. This means you should dress in clothes that are comfortable and will not impede your movement, but still be neat, clean and nice looking. (Please, no flip-flops, boots, high heels, wheeled shoes, etc. Sturdy shoes that stay on your feet are a must. Dance shoes are appropriate).

Introduce yourself.

When you walk into the audition room, tell us your name and the name of the piece you have prepared. This makes a good first impression.

Don’t watch the directors.

While doing your audition, do not look directly at the people you are auditioning for, unless specifically directed to do so.

Mistakes happen.

If you make a mistake, do not apologize. Remember that others may not even notice a mistake, but if you point it out to them, they will know for sure.

It’s OK to be nervous.

Don’t worry about being nervous. Just about everyone is nervous. Do your best to smile and have a good time.

Remember - They want you to succeed :)

Things to be working towards....

After each session:

Reflect on your development (Strengths/improvements/targets/collaboration with others/ vocal skills) doing this will make evaluations a smoother process, as all the information will be there already to use, rather than just recalling from memory.

Research into the responsibilities of a professional 'Vocalist/Singer' in the performing arts industry. How can you you apply this to your own development?

Skills and techniques you are developing: Breath control (use of diaphragm), posture, support, enunciation, timing, pitch, projection, dynamics, blending, the difference of techniques used for a pop song vs musical theater... FULL List of skills to refer to in Docs uploaded.

Creating a performing arts CV is essential for showcasing your skills and experiences in the entertainment industry. Here are some key points to consider when crafting your CV:

• Highlight your most significant stage, screen, or performance pieces: Elaborate on the roles and productions that best showcase your talents and range.

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• Include relevant training, workshops, or masterclasses: List any special skills that can make you stand out, such as singing, dancing, or mastery of an instrument.

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• Use a simple and concise format: Recruiters are looking for candidates who match their ideal job profile.

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• Incorporate a touch of color in headers or section breaks: Ensure it doesn’t detract from readability, especially in more conservative industries.

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• Tailor your CV to reflect your personal brand and artistic vision: Whether you're just starting your career or looking to refresh your existing CV, this guide is designed for performers and creatives at all stages.

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  For more detailed guidance and examples, you can explore additional performing arts CV samples and guides to see what works for your level of experience or role.

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Links to all completed work need to be submitted by 5/03/2026.

Level 2: UNIT 6/ 8  

Task 1:  

Chosen industry pathway – MIND MAP 

Make a map of specific performance roles you would like to progress into within the industry. (Get creative, draw, use padlet, power point, canva to design this map of ideas and research) 

Career progression plan:   - MAKE A PLAN

Choose specific Job (in relation to performer role) 

Research the role and List what you will need to do to in preparation for the job. (this must be a role where you would need to use one of the three skills (Acting, singing or dance) 

PLAN example:  

• Job Role- Children’s TV Presenter  

• RESEARCH- list of different channels and companies that have available positions, eg Cbeebies, Cbbc, milkshake etc…  

• Watch current presenters to gain ideas for reel. 

• Look into what I can film for my reel to apply for that position: 

• Monlogue based on childrens content,  

• Reading a story book  

• Animated expression 

• Different voices to be used for character development.  

• Learn and practice that piece.  

• Film content footage. 

TASK 2; 

Make a Performance CV – use the example CV uploaded to help you. 

Preparation for recording - learn your dance, lyrics, scripts etc.

TASK 3: SHOW REEL – RECORD YOUR PERFORMANCE

*You will prepare your acting, singing or dance piece for camera and film this to create your self-tape and upload this to your google site along with your Map/plan and CV. 

Links to Industry path way map, progression plan and  self tape on google site.  

TASK 4: Reflection  

Once you have submitted your work please reflect on your pieces. We will do this together as a class. 

TO DO CHECKLIST: 

MAP 

PLAN 

CV

RECORDED SELFTAPE 

REFLECTION