Musical Theatre is one of the most popular performing arts in Tasmania - and for good reason!
It's fun.
It's energetic.
It's wild.
It gives you the chance to take on a new persona, and offers escapism from our daily lives.
Being part of a musical takes you into a giant bubble of good vibes, surrounded by your tribe.
And let's not forget the boppy tunes that create oh so many ear worms.
The Stageschool (formerly PAA) Musical Theatre Syllabus has been specifically created to give teachers the creative freedom to use the curriculum to create a bespoke framework around their own teaching styles and existing program. It supports learners to focus on their preferred specialty (singing, acting, or dancing) while exploring and building in all three critical skills.
Stageschool exams are industry-led qualifications to support you on your journey from beginner to Diploma.
Teachers and learners alike are supported with an abundance of helpful tools that are all FREE! That includes all Stageshool syllabuses plus supporting resources and exemplars.
Your whole cohort could do their exam in a single staged performance. This can be as part of your performance season, a dress rehearsal, or a completely separate performance the Examiner. Do a show, a soiree or cabaret, or something of your own invention - as long as the candidates demonstrate the syllabus requirements, your creativity is the only limitation.
The syllabus is designed to support students to develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in the industry. Exams can be performed either face-to-face or via video. You could be preparing a studio or school performance and use the exam as a test run. Plus, the examiner will come to you at a time that's convenient - all you need is a space for the performance, technical skills demonstration, and discussion.
Exams can offer a point of difference for your school. Students could be working towards a performance goal AND earning an internationally recognised qualification PLUS bonus TCE points.
How does the Syllabus work?
The expectations of each Grade builds on the last, based on the principle of "progressive mastery", but you can enter at any point that suits your current abilities. Each step is built up incrementally to ensure safety of dancers, and provide achievable stretch goals, with the perspective that successful learning is characterised by a mastery of the fundamental skills.
At each Grade, there are set Technical Skills that must be prepared, but the teacher can choose the style and manner in which each are presented. The Technical Skills are well supported with descriptions and examples and lay the foundation for strong and healthy ongoing development.
Teachers have creative control over the group performance choreography, creating a truly unique experience for students which can be tailored to their abilities and interests.
What does an exam involve?
The Examiner comes to you so your students can do the exam in the comfort of your own studio. A group of your crew or the whole cohort can be assessed, even if they're working toward different grades. And it doesn't even have to be a fully staged musical production. You might be working on a soiree or variety show - the syllabus is super flexible in supporting your learning goals.
There are three main elements to the exam. You'll start with the main event: the Group Performance. Following that, the exam Candidates meet with the Examiner for a Technical Skills Demonstration (in your choice of singing, dancing, or acting), and a discussion of Understanding and Reflection.
The Performance portion may include costumes and be presented in front of an audience - you could use a dress rehearsal for your end of year showcase as an exam! The Group Performance focuses on collaboration and creativity across all three areas of artistry, but it's your choice as to which technical skills you focus on. This flexibility is particularly fantastic in supporting individual goals and teachers' own focus areas, such as in dance studios, singing teachers, or drama coaches.
Do I have to register as a teacher, or pay subs to access syllabuses or teach the material?
Nope. We love how accessible these syllabuses are and how easy it is for you and your students to get involved and earn qualifications. None of our syllabuses require teacher registration or annual subs. The only thing you'll pay is the exam fee for your students. The Musical Theatre Syllabus is free to download, as are the supporting resources.
What's Stageschool?
Stageschool is one of a few different umbrella categories of syllabuses we have that describe the genres or families of instruments that sit within them. The other syllabuses that we've mentioned in today's Spotlight live within our Classical or Speech and Drama categories.
What other resources are available?
The UK Rockschool website (the parent company behind the syllabuses) has lots of resources for all syllabuses and the majority are free to access. You can download your free syllabus there, as well as a bunch of other guides and exemplars to help you every step of the way, including:
- Technical Skill Exercise Exemplars
- Suggested repertoire and vocal guide
- Guidance on delivering dance performance
- Audio tracks
- Prompt cards
- Recorded exam guidance
- Sample marksheet
... And there's even a great partnership with The School Musical Company to access graded and VERY affordable musicals for your school or studio.
Can I use a Stageschool Musical Theatre exam toward an AMEB Award?
You certainly can! In fact, if you're like many people who love the performing arts, you're probably doing a lot toward achieving your next AMEB Award already! All AMEB exams from Grade 3 upwards - that includes Stageschool, Rockschool, Classical music, and Speech and Drama exams - could go towards an AMEB Award. Find out more about this brilliant program that rewards and recognises achievement in the performing arts here.
Can I get TCE bonus points for a Stageschool exam?
Yes you can! And that goes for any AMEB exam, including all dance, drama, and music syllabuses. In fact, all practical exams are eligible for TCE bonus points from Grade 4 onwards, as well as Theory Grade 2+.
When can I do a Stageschool exam?
Any time! Convenience is at the heart of these exams. Regardless of whether you do a face-to-face or video (Recorded Digital) exam, they're available year-round. Head to SCORE to enrol today or contact our friendly team in the AMEB Federal Office to have a chat about scheduling your exam.
I have more questions.
That's great! We'd love to help with those. Please feel free to browse the other great sources of information on our website or get in touch to find out more.
