Actor Training Prospectus
“A frankly wonderful company” The Scotsman
The monkey type of person has a good chance of becoming famous or well known. These are intelligent, well-read and intellectual people and once they set a target, it is a rare thing for them to fail. Eastern Philosophy
“This is the future of actor training” Clare Hope-Ashitey (Actress and Patron) Credits: Children of Men, Shooting Dogs, Exodus, Black, Brown, White
Contents About us Our Team Our Training Two-Year Rep Actor Training Programme Year of the Monkey (One Year Course) Why Us? Why You? Where are we based? Course Fees Funding & Fundraising How to Apply
“Vividly imagined and cleverly conceived” The Stage
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About Us Training you to work, to work for yourself and to work with us. With an industry that is transforming beyond all recognition, training for it requires an innovative, different and responsive approach to those changes. No longer are the tools of the actor enough to make it and survive within the profession. There is now more than ever a greater need for the actor to be able to create opportunity for him or herself, rather than what has become, the “Genius” ***** A Younger Theatre singular three-year training objective of ‘getting an agent’. The Fourth Monkey Training Programmes deliver innovative actor training like no other. Whilst actively pursuing the traditional paths of agent representation upon completion of the programmes for our actors; we also focus on providing the tools and empowering the actor to create work, a company or an ensemble of their own or indeed to work for our unique professional ensemble, comprising entirely of graduates from the training programme. A pro-active actor is what we believe the industry needs more of and one that we do our upmost to nurture and develop. As a multi-award nominated practicing professional production company, delivering ensemble based work we are always looking at developing actors and their work beyond the training programme. These amongst many other things are what make training with Fourth Monkey refreshingly different. This may not be a revolution, but it truly is an evolution in the way the actor trains and is at the forefront of the changes within the industry; changes that will take us all to a more interesting creative world of the future and one whereby the actor empowers themselves to create work and opportunity as much as relying on others to aid them in their pursuit.
Fourth Monkey offer affordable actor training programmes for all, means by which to help fund it by our innovative fundraising philosophy and a programme of training that is founded as much in practice as it is in study.
Ethical, inclusive actor training that is training you to work, to work for yourself and to work with us. st
This is actor training for the 21 Century! “I have had some truly fantastic experiences, from intense rep seasons to profound training periods; this fresh and imaginative approach to making your way in the industry has really pushed the boundaries for everyone involved.” Grant Russell Fourth Monkey Company Member
“It was perfect, it was Sarah Kane” ***** Edinburgh Guide on 4.48 Psychosis
Our Team Patrons- Ranjit Bolt (OBE) & Clare-Hope Ashitey Artistic Director & Year of the Monkey Course Director- Steven Green Two-Year Rep Course Director & Head of Movement - Angela Gasparetto Two-Year Rep Course Mentor & Associate Director- Simone Coxall Year of the Monkey Course Mentor- Will Pinchin Head of Voice- Sarah Case Voice & Dialect Coaches-Cathleen McCarron & Hugh O’Shea Singing-Helen Ireland Movement- Luisa D’Ambrosio & Yarit Dor Dance-Paul Harris Acting: Steve Tiller, Aoife Smyth, Brigid Zengeni & Richard Pepper Clown & Mask- Mitch Mitchelson, Will Pinchin & Stephen Sobal Circus- Tamzen Moulding Commedia dell’Arte- Antonio Fava Puppetry-Tom Espiner Camera & Radio- Jack Ryder Physical Theatre- Guillaume Pige Contextual Studies-Tamsin Stanley Textual Analysis- Ken Pickering, Mark Woolgar & Dr Iidiko Solti Stage Combat- Rob Davidson & Joe Golby Devising Theatre- Toby Clarke Yoga- Evelyn Adams Production Manager - Anthony Hollis Production Assistant and Student Liaison- Abby Gorton Company Administrator- Hannah Bixby Stage & Company Manager- Catherine Gibbs Associates and Partners: Told by an Idiot, The Marlowe Theatre, The Marlowe Society, Jacksons Lane, Bikram Yoga City, The Stage, Perform & TheSpaceUK Others we work with: Fevered Sleep, Theatre Temoin, Theatre Re, Complicite, Norwich Puppet Theatre, North Devon Theatres, Shunt, TBW, The Blue Elephant
“A sublime piece of theatre” ***** Fringe Review
Our Training Fourth Monkey offer two training courses for actors. The Two-Year Rep Actor Training Programme and the Year of the Monkey (One Year Course). Both courses work and adhere to the same principles of play and learning through doing, with a strong emphasis on the physical training methods of practitioners such as Jacques Lecoq and John Wright as well as the work of Sanford Meisner amongst others, Fourth Monkey’s principles are founded firmly in the ensemble ethos. We strongly believe in the power of the group dynamic and ensemble ‘playing’; thus developing collaborative, open performers and creative individuals who are not driven by the pursuit of stardom or indeed the individual spotlight, more so by the desire to deliver bold, visceral and collaborative work. We are also the forerunners in bringing repertory theatre back to London in both a training and performative capacity. Repertory is a key element in our ethos and training. As outlined by luminaries such as Sir Derek Jacobi and Sir Ian McKellen as the birthplace of their learning and development as actors, we also believe that rep is the most developmental arena for an actor and his or her creative growth. The success of our programme is complimented by the fact that it has been much copied since its conception, but never bettered. Actors on our training programme are exactly that, actors in training. We work and treat our company as a company of actors, not students, and we never refer to them as such, instilling a professional discipline and expectation from day one. Our courses are aimed at those wishing to enter the contemporary world of the performing arts, equipping them with the skills and the wherewithal to work and thrive in an ever-changing professional landscape. Our graduates go on to work in film, tv and on the stage as well as developing work for themselves and in a number of instances, forming their own successful companies. You can read more on the two courses in the following pages. Fourth Monkey is resident at Jackson’s Lane in Highgate, north London, where a majority of our training takes place. We are very fortunate to be based in a living, breathing theatre space and as such our actors in training benefit hugely from our association with the venue. Whether it be through the use of space or indeed the regular contact with the numerous professional companies that deliver work there, or the associated concessionary ticket rate; our company members are supported and emboldened by this association and it is a privilege to be able to work in this marvelous space. www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Founded in the principles of ensemble and a simple belief in learning through the process of ‘doing,’ we train our actors for the modern world of professional performance. Training for 40 hours a week, 11 months of the year our Two-Year Rep delivers the most diverse and intensive training imaginable for the actor. Fundamentally three years training in two, the intensive course incorporates a month in Italy in the first year and a similar period of time at the Edinburgh Fringe in year two the course. The Two-Year Rep offers a toolkit of experiences and opportunities unparalleled in contemporary training. Responding to the changing landscape of the performance industry and the need for new avenues into the profession, Fourth Monkey have created a training programme that not only trains the actor but also empowers them to develop work of their own. Uniquely, we also employ the actors upon completion of their training to deliver our professional work nationally and internationally with our professional touring Ensemble. "I just want to thank you for creating this beautiful monkey family ensemble I will not say goodbye because I don't see it as the end, but as a new beginning where the monkeys will continue creating and working together." Ema Staicut Fourth Monkey Company Member
Training
Water – The actor’s voice and body Voice Led by Sarah Case, a leading light in the field of actor voice coaching for a number of years. Sarah and her team deliver a broad and thorough vocal training. From diction to projection and accents to dialect, the actor will be tutored to utilise and develop their primary tool. Sarah and her team also provide vocal support for all Fourth Monkey productions. Singing Choral singing is a key element to our vocal training and indeed ensemble building, adding a company element to the use of the voice and development of the actor’s vocal skills and range. Movement & Traditional Dance Movement is another key element in the Fourth Monkey actor toolkit. Working on both fundamental and expressive movement, the actor develops a core appreciation and understanding of their body. In dance, the actor explores the staple steps of the dance floor From the waltz to the foxtrot. Yoga An exceptional actor training tool for alignment, fitness, and physical suppleness, Yoga helps the actor develop core strength, muscular resilience and overall fitness. “The most creatively satisfying experience of my life” Ami Sayers Fourth Monkey Company Member
Metal – Actor’s Technique Scene Study Text based work exploring a variety of actor approaches to text, including Stanislavki, Meisner and Chekhov. Clown Theatrical clown based on the principles of Lecoq and John Wright led by a team of worldrenowned practitioners and experts in their field. Meisner An exploration of the technique developed by Sanford Meisner. Stage Combat Working with both industry professionals and practitioners of the art of Stage Combat toward a BADC Stage Combat certification. Ensemble Extensive group work towards the formation of a ‘true’ ensemble company, developing trust complicity and a cohesive working practice. Physical Theatre Intensive practical workshops covering a range of physical theatre techniques and practices from around the world including Butoh, Suzuki, Grotowski & Corporeal mime. Circus Acrobatics, slapstick, tumbling and other relevant and associated circus practices to develop the actor’s physical work and employability.
Earth - The roots of theatre and styles of practice. Shakespeare & Elizabethan Theatre A practical and theoretical study of Elizabethan text and performance practice, with particular emphasis on Shakespeare and Marlowe, in association with the Marlowe Society. Contemporary Theatre An exploration of contemporary theatrical practice with an emphasis on 20th Century theatrical practitioners and playwrights. Brechtian Practice, European & World Theatre Sessions based on the theatrical principles and practice of the German practitioner Bertolt Brecht and other leading Practitioners of the world. Devising and Creating Original Theatre An extensive programme of work, focusing on the creation of original theatre, with expert tuition from the leading lights of contemporary theatre practice such as Complicite, Theatre Temoin, Shunt and Told by an Idiot amongst many others. Puppetry In association with a variety of highly regarded puppetry specialists, the company will receive extensive training in the principles and practical application of puppetry in performance. Contextual Studies A practical and theory based programme of work exploring theatrical performance and practice. Commedia dell’Arte An intensive and unique month-long residential training module in Italy with Commedia master Antonio Fava.
“An immersive midnight spectacle” **** A Younger Theatre on Alice
Wood- The construction of career skills and building foundations within the industry. Professional Preparation A wide-ranging module of work, guided by professionals from various areas within the industry aimed at preparing the actor for a career in the performing arts. Casting Director Workshops Delivered by various industry casting directors from the worlds of both live and recorded arts, the actor will have first hand opportunity to work with and learn from leading casting professionals, as he/she prepares for a career as a performer. These sessions will include practical experience of casting for TV, Film, Radio, Commercials and Theatre. Industry Q&A’s Through relaxed, informal Q&A sessions with Directors, Producers, Casting Directors and Agents, the actor will have the opportunity to pick the brains of those who ultimately employ, facilitate and support professional work. Theatre Production This module is delivered with the intention of producing the broadest minded and most collaborative of creative professionals. With the intention of liberating entrepreneurial spirit, the actors will receive an insight into producing their own work and indeed forming their own company through those whom have not only done it, but those who are still very much actively ‘doing it’. TV & Radio Acting for camera and radio masterclasses and audition preparation with leading professionals and experts in performance for the recorded arts.
Fire– Rehearsal and performance. Performances in Repertory As a working ensemble in repertory, the Fourth Monkey Two Year Rep will deliver no fewer than four seasons of work throughout their training period. One season of work at the end of their first year and three in their second, covering classical and contemporary as well as original devised and adapted work. Coupled with the Fourth Monkey Fringe, a season of exclusively developmental new work created by the company, the actors in training will perform in no fewer than seven public productions during their training. Significantly, our seasons of work are open to the theatre industry and indeed the theatre press, offering our actors professional exposure and experiences in regard to both the production values employed and indeed the duration of our production runs. As a company we strive to offer our actors the most relevant performance experiences possible and as such deliver work in both traditional and non- traditional theatre spaces, with the company’s final season at the end of the second year at the Edinburgh Fringe festival. With a broad portfolio of partner venues we are fortunate to be able to present to our company of actors both established and unique performance venues in which to deliver their work.
“Frankly wonderful” **** The Scotsman “Perfect, quirky but gripping” ***** British Theatre Guide “An original freshness all of it’s own” ***** Remote Goat “Outstanding” ***** Fringe Guru “A magical experience” ***** A Younger Theatre “Definitely people to watch” ***** Fringe Review
Commedia dell’Arte At the end of their first year, the company of actors will travel to Italy for an intensive residential training programme of work with the leading Commedia dell’arte practitioner and mask maker in the world, Antonio Fava. This residential training experience will conclude the first year of training. Living and working in Italy as a company for four weeks, the actors will cover the principles of mask, commedia and physical performance from the perspective of the age-old Italian practice with its leading practitioner. Working with Antonio intensively for the residential period the company will cover all aspects of Commedia from history through to performance, culminating in a delivery of work at the end of the intensive residential course. This is a truly unique opportunity, an experience you will receive nowhere else and one that whilst not only developing additional skills, enable the company to form an even more profound ensemble bond prior to their return to the UK. The travel and accommodation to and from Italy are included in the course fees. ANTONIO FAVA is an Actor, Author, Theatre Director, maestro of Commedia dell'Arte and of Comedy. He directs the International School of the Comic Actor in Reggio Emilia, Italy (where you will be studying with him). He designs and makes leather masks for use in his School and professional productions. He teaches Commedia dell'Arte in schools, universities and drama academies throughout the world. His masks are on show in museums and cultural institutions throughout the world. Antonio is also an international Director of some repute and is also author of the book entitled La Maschera Comica nella Commedia dell'Arte, published by Andromeda, English version, The Comic Mask in the Commedia dell’Arte, published by Northwestern University Press.
Year 1 Training - Production - Commedia dell’Arte The first year of the programme is delivered in three terms running from September-July. The training is delivered on a full-time basis of 40 hours a week. Terms 1 & 2 Training: Full time training runs from September – April and looks extensively at the actor’s voice, body and technique prior to the company’s first season of performance in June and a month-long residential Commedia dell’Arte course in Italy in term 3. Classes and Modules include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Voice Fundamental Movement Expressive Movement Contextual Studies Acting Technique Singing Clown Mask Brecht European & World Theatre Solo Story Contemporary Scene Studies Shakespeare and Elizabethan Text Puppetry Devising Theatre
Term 3 Production Season: The Company rehearses in repertory from April and delivers their first production season in June. Commedia dell’Arte: Following the production season, the company will travel to Italy to train in Commedia dell’Arte. Living in the Northern City of Reggio Emilia for a whole month, the actors will be led by Commedia practitioner Antonio Fava. Please Note: The cost of the Commedia residency in Italy is fully included in the course fees.
Year 2 Training- Repertory- Industry Prep The second year encompasses three terms commencing with a term of training, stage combat examination and the fringe project. The training is delivered on a full-time basis of 40 hours per week. Term 2 & 3 include one classical and one contemporary showcase season of work in repertory in primary performance venues, prior to a final season of work at the Edinburgh Fringe. Term 1 Classes and Training include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Voice Fundamental Movement Meisner Technique Stage Combat Contemporary Scene Studies Traditional Dance Professional Prep Forming a Theatre Company Industry Q&A’s & Masterclasses Agent/Casting Director Workshops Radio & TV Producing Theatre Circus Clown Classical & Contemporary Rep Seasons “Outstanding” **** Broadway Baby
Fringe Project: The Fourth Monkey Fringe project is an opportunity for the company to develop original pieces of work with a view to further development. Supported by Fourth Monkey a number of pieces are selected for public performance and one awarded a bursary for future development upon completion of the course, the award-winning piece being produced by the Fourth Monkey Ensemble. The professional production company comprising of Two-Year Rep graduates. "As a Patron of Fourth Monkey it is a privilege to see it’s uncompromising and visceral work breathe new life into contemporary ensemble theatre whilst fostering the brightest talents of tomorrow." Ranjit Bolt OBE Patron
Term 2 Commencing repertory rehearsals in January, the company embarks on two back-to-back seasons of work. Showcasing themselves to the public, the industry and prospective agents and employers with one classical and one contemporary season in repertory in leading venues. Term 3 Edinburgh Festival - The company once more return to the devising and rehearsal room to develop predominantly new, original work for premiere at the Edinburgh Festival. Again, as with the time in Italy in year one, all travel and accommodation costs for the fringe are included in the student fees. This festival production season concludes the Two Year Rep training programme...but it doesn’t necessarily end there. As outlined at the beginning of the prospectus, this is an evolutionary training and the opportunity of future employment beyond the training programme is of course, a very real one. The Fourth Monkey Ensemble is waiting and ready to embrace our graduates and employ them to produce our work as with previous graduates of our training.
“Electric, seat-gripping, eye flinching� ***** Fringe Report
Founded in the principles of play with an emphasis on delivering work in repertory. The Fourth Monkey Year of the Monkey is a yearlong actor- training programme unlike any other. The course is neither foundation nor post-graduate by design, however it often serves as such for a variety of individuals who are drawn to the philosophy of learning through doing. The course offers a full twelve months of training, encompassing numerous public performance opportunities culminating in a season of repertory at the Edinburgh Fringe. Structured in such a way that it enables the student, or as we like to call them, company member, to work and train at the same time the course appeals to a wide variety of individuals. These individuals create a rich tapestry of actors in training, enriching the learning of all through their diversity and varied life experiences. Fourth Monkey believes passionately in the strength of the ensemble and as such this is central to our training philosophy
Training
Water – The actor’s voice and body Voice Led by Sarah Case, a leading light in the field of actor voice coaching for a number of years. Sarah and her team deliver a broad and thorough vocal training. From diction to projection and accents to dialect, the actor will be tutored to utilise and develop their primary tool. Sarah and her team also provide vocal support for all Fourth Monkey productions. Movement Movement is another key element in the Fourth Monkey actor toolkit. Working on both fundamental and expressive movement, the actor develops a core appreciation and understanding of their own body whilst also learning how to physically work with others in the context of an ensemble. Yoga An exceptional actor training tool for alignment, fitness, and physical suppleness, Yoga helps the actor develop core strength, muscular resilience and overall fitness. “Just 'play'... You'll hear that a lot whilst working with Fourth Monkey, and my goodness does that make the world of difference! Us 'actor types' often get stuck in our heads. We're emotional, over-sensitive and far too critical of ourselves, so throwing that word in just before we start to over-think things and pile on the pressure has allowed for many moments of pure, unhindered gold, and for these, I am incredibly grateful.” Zoe Zak Fourth Monkey Company Member
Metal– Actor’s Technique Scene Study Text based work exploring the actors approach to the written word. Stage Combat Working with both industry professionals and practitioners of the art of Stage Combat toward a physical understanding and application of combat for the stage. Ensemble Extensive group work towards the formation of a ‘true’ ensemble company, developing trust complicity and a cohesive working practice. Physical Theatre & Storytelling Intensive practical workshops covering a range of physical theatre techniques and practices. Circus Slapstick, physical comedy and other relevant and associated circus practices to develop the actor’s range and sense of play. Acting for Camera Theory and practice of working on camera, through informative and practical sessions with leading television directors and industry professionals. “Joining the monkeys was one of the best decisions of my life and I am thrilled and excited about all the things I am learning about myself, both on a professional and personal level! ” Olivia Negrean Fourth Monkey Company Member
Earth– The roots of theatre and styles of practice. Acting Technique Acting technique classes, with an emphasis on developing stagecraft, audition technique and the actor’s toolbox. Shakespeare & Elizabethan Theatre A practical and theoretical study of Elizabethan text and performance practice, with particular emphasis on Shakespeare and Marlowe, in association with the Marlowe Society. Contemporary Theatre An exploration of contemporary theatrical practice with an emphasis on 20th Century practitioners and playwrights and acting techniques. Puppetry In association with the highly regarded and leading practitioners in their field, the company will receive training in the principles and practical application of puppetry in performance. Clown Theatrical clown based on the principles of Lecoq and John Wright led by a team of worldrenowned practitioners and experts in their field. Exploring the origins of clowning from Commedia dell’Arte to contemporary practices. Devising Working with specialist practitioners with proven track records of creating original work, our actors in training explore the process of creating original work for the stage.
“A Hit!” ***** The List
Wood– The construction of career skills and building foundations within the industry. Professional Preparation A wide-ranging module of work, guided by professionals from various areas within the industry aimed at preparing the actor for a career in the performing arts. Casting Director Workshops Delivered by various industry casting directors from the worlds of both live and recorded arts, the actor will have first hand opportunity to work with and learn from leading casting professionals, as he/she prepares for a career as a performer. These sessions will include practical experience of casting for TV, Film, Radio, Commercials and Theatre. Industry Q&A’s Through relaxed, informal Q&A sessions with Directors, Producers, Casting Directors and Agents, the actor will have the opportunity to pick the brains of those who ultimately employ, facilitate and support professional work. Audition Prep A supportive and insightful guide to what it takes to succeed at an audition. "The ensemble dynamic created in the Year of the Monkey course is amazing. Working in an intensive working environment with like-minded, driven actors like myself, and superb practitioners has been a hugely beneficial experience. .” Liam Steward-George Fourth Monkey Company Member
Fire – Rehearsal and performance. Performances in Repertory As a working ensemble in repertory, the Fourth Monkey Year of the Monkey company will deliver two seasons of work throughout their training period, one in London and one at the Edinburgh Fringe. The first season takes place in London in the spring term and focuses on original, devised work. Created in association with established directors and supported by the Fourth Monkey production team this season enables the actors in training the opportunity to explore collaborative theatre making as well as performance. We see this as an integral part of a contemporary actors armory and therefore see it as essential and core to our training in our pursuit of developing relevant contemporary performers. The second season of work takes place at the world famous Edinburgh Fringe. The company of actors rehearses in repertory, stretching their skills and diversity across multiple rehearsal rooms and productions. Repertory, long regarded as central to the development of an actor’s craft is a wonderful challenge to any actor, described by Sir Derek Jacobi and Dame Judi Dench amongst others as the foundation for their careers. If it’s right for Knights and Dames we think it’s also right for our actors in training, thus repertory is central to the ensemble principles of our training. Significantly, our seasons of work are open to the public and indeed to the world of the theatre press. Uniquely offering our actors professional exposure to the industry as well as professional experiences in performance through our high production values. As a company we strive to offer our actors the most relevant performance experiences possible and as such deliver work in both traditional and non- traditional theatre spaces, with the company’s final season at the end of the year at the Edinburgh Fringe festival. With a broad portfolio of partner venues we are fortunate to be able to present to our company of actors both established and unique performance venues in which to deliver their work and showcase their talents.
Year of the Monkey (one year) Training - Devising- Repertory - Edinburgh Fringe The year is broken down in to three terms, The first two being the primary training terms comprising of 20-25 hours per week, flexibly structured throughout the week in both daytime and evening sessions, to enable the actor the opportunity to work around their training should they need. Term 3 is an intensive rep rehearsal and performance term culminating in the season of work at the Edinburgh Fringe. This term operates on a 30-40 hour working week and is underpinned by further vocal and technical support and development. Term 1 Classes and Training Include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Voice Fundamental Movement Acting Technique Acting through Clown Red Nose Circus Acting for Camera Shakespeare and Elizabethan Text Contemporary Text Puppetry Physical Theatre Physical Storytelling Stage Combat Ensemble Audition Prep Professional Prep Industry Q & A’s Yoga
“Fourth Monkey’s Year of the Monkey is unique in that it offers actors award winning performance experiences on the professional stage.” Kerry Mailey Casting Director on ‘Kick Ass’
Term 2 Classes and Training Include: Rehearsing from the commencement of the term for a performance season of original devised work alongside normal training classes, the company of actors work toward delivery on their first season of work as an ensemble. Delivered in a leading London venue, the multiple play season showcases the actors in training for the first time to a public audience, and is supported by a leading team of award winning directors and creative designers. • • • • • • • •
Devising and Performance Season Acting Technique Voice Expressive Movement Acting through Clown Physical Theatre Agent/Casting Director Workshops Ensemble
Term 3 The company of actor’s return following a brief break to commence rehearsals in repertory, in preparation for their run at the Edinburgh Fringe festival. The Edinburgh Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world and Fourth Monkey is proud to boast an unrivaled reputation at the fringe. Numerous sell- out shows, award nominations and critically acclaimed productions means the Fourth Monkey actor is very much in the spotlight when participating at the fringe, a factor that opens many doors for our actors in training whilst in Edinburgh. In addition, the festival is without question a life experience like no other for those with a passion for the arts and one that our company never forgets! Please Note: All travel and accommodation in Edinburgh is included in the course fees. The season of work at the fringe concludes the company’s time as a Fourth Monkey training ensemble. But once a monkey, always a monkey. Although our Year of the Monkey members have gone on to have successful careers in their own right, a number of them return to be employed by the company on projects that have transferred from Edinburgh. Others have worked with us in other capacities upon completion of their training, from assistant producers to admin assistants and stage managers. A number have gone on to form their very own successful companies and often co-produce and collaborate with Fourth Monkey. We like to believe that our training is different and our working relationship with our actors one that truly puts their development and career first.
Why Us? Not because we’re different (even though we very much are), but because we are passionate about offering the highest level of professional training and practice. With an award winning track record of delivering the highest calibre of work as both a training and practicing production company, not only are we versed in what it takes to make an actor and produce critically acclaimed work, we empower you to be part of that process within the training model, and indeed beyond it. Working with leading practitioners in a diverse and varied range of fields the training we provide is tailored to producing a performer not only versed in working in our way, but a rounded artist able to work with anyone and indeed, as the industry now demands, for themselves. These elements, whilst providing the actor with all they require to work professionally, are what make us that little bit different, in empowering and creating opportunity for them to do so from the very moment they step through our door. We believe in ensemble, we work and collaborate as a company, developing creativity as well as technical ability all without developing favorites or ‘stars’ in the classroom. We don’t believe in isolating individuals for preferential development or treatment, we look to create and develop an ensemble company of actors, each as versed as the next. Equally of course, by working as a producing/touring company throughout their time with us we offer wide-ranging opportunities for the practical experience all actors in training crave and deserve. What better way to prepare yourself for a career working as an actor than by doing exactly that in the most intensive way possible, as an ensemble rep company? In a changing industry where the actor needs to be as adept at creating work for themselves as accepting employment, our training programmes bring the actor’s training back to where it should have always been – performance. We give you the tools, the opportunity and the experience to explore, develop and learn, the question should not be “why us?” it should be “why not?” Evolutionary training. For an evolving industry.
Why You? Why is Fourth Monkey actor training right for you? If you want to be treated and trained as an individual, this is for you. If you are an actor looking for an established, viable and affordable alternative to a traditional drama school training whilst building an impressive CV of credits, this is for you. If you are looking for a training programme that offers you the opportunity to develop a wide variety of specialised skills with some of the worlds leading practitioners, this is for you. If you want your theatre training to come with a little more than the norm, to place you in a position whereby you are not merely thrown out the door at the end of the course. Where you become part of the company’s infrastructure and extended family, this is also for you. If you are looking to acquire new and industry relevant skills, and to work with a professional theatre company as a means of entering or growing within the industry as a creative, this course is also for you. If you like your theatre to be delivered to the highest possible performance values and wish to work with an established and professional team, on a full or part-time training course this could also be for you. Whether you are 18 or 35, have trained as an actor on a full-time or part- time basis, studied drama at college or university, changed your career path or none of the above, we don’t mind. As long as you have the talent and the desire to learn we trust in ourselves to do the rest. All we care about is that you are the right person for us! If you are enthusiastic, love theatre, are excited about the prospect of training as part of a repertory theatre company, enjoy learning and exploring, if you like a challenge, like to play and have a large dose of imagination and passion, we want to work with you. Join the Evolution.
Where are we based? Fourth Monkey is resident at Jackson’s Lane, in North London. Jackson’s Lane is a wonderful theatre and rehearsal space where we conduct a majority of our training and rehearsals, our company members benefitting from our association with one of London’s primary performance spaces. www.jacksonslane.org.uk
“Unmissable” ***** Everything Theatre
Course Fees All of our fees are entirely inclusive of travel and accommodation when touring or training away from London. No hidden costs at all.
£6000 paid in installments as follows: plus a £500 non-refundable deposit upon acceptance of place £2000 by 1st July prior to commencement of term in September £2000 by 1st December £2000 by 1st March Fees include ALL travel and accommodation costs for the Edinburgh Fringe
£9000 per year paid in installments as follows: plus a £500 non-refundable deposit upon acceptance of place £3000 by 1st July prior to commencement of term in September Year 1 & Year 2 £3000 by 1st January Year 1 & 2 £3000 by 1st April Year 1 & 2 Fees include ALL travel and accommodation costs for both Italy and Edinburgh
*Alternatively, for both training programmes the full years fees can be paid in one installment at the commencement of the training year.
Funding and Fundraising Fourth Monkey believes that actor training should be for everyone. As such and as a non-for-profit organisation we take our part in assisting our company members in raising the funds to pay for their training seriously. With onsite fundraising assistance, and numerous fundraising events facilitated on behalf of our company members we’re able to provide support in the task of raising finance to support actor training where it is required. Additionally we do offer our own Emrys Johns scholarship scheme by invitation whilst being able to provide our company members with various sources of funding and financial support. Ultimately the responsibility of funding the training is that of the individual of course, but we will guide and support as and where we can prior to the acceptance of a place. Additionally our staff are on hand to support our actors in training with their student registration and any other matters that may require assistance when moving to London to train with the company.
How to Apply To apply to train with Fourth Monkey simply visit the training page on our website at www.fourthmonkey.co.uk. Fill in the form to apply for an audition and we will reply* with confirmation of your audition date and any additional details we think will be of use to you. Our audition process comprises of two audition speeches of your own choosing, (one classical and one contemporary) an optional song, an interview and an ensemble, physical workshop should you be recalled. We look forward to hearing from you. *Please note, confirmation is dependent upon receipt of £25 audition fee (payable online via paypal at time of booking audition or via cheque made payable to Fourth Monkey Theatre Company Ltd.)
“Bold, challenging work” ***** The Public Reviews
www.fourthmonkey.co.uk - 49 South Molton Street, London, W1K 5LH