Prospectus 2016
“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
“It is a privilege to see Fourth Monkey’s uncompromising and visceral work breathe new life into contemporary ensemble theatre whilst fostering the brightest talents of tomorrow.” Ranjit Bolt OBE – Playwright, Translator and Patron
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Contents About us Our Team Our training Two Year Rep
4 6 7 8
Year 2
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Commedia Dell’arte Year 1
14 15
18 23 27 28 29 26 30 31 32
Year of the Monkey Alumni Ensemble Why us? Why you? Testimonials Where are we based? Fees and advice How to apply/audition
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About Us Training you to work, to work for yourself and to work with others. With an industry that is transforming beyond all recognition, training for it requires an innovative, and responsive approach to those changes. The Fourth Monkey Training Programmes, shortlisted for The Stage’s prestigious ‘School of the Year for 2015’ award, deliver innovative vocational actor training like no other and looks beyond the singular training objective of ‘getting an agent’. Whilst actively pursuing the traditional paths of agent representation upon completion of training for our actors (with a majority of our alumni successfully acquiring agent representation upon graduation), we also focus on providing the tools and empowering the actor to create work, a company or an ensemble of their own. Additionally and quite uniquely, a number of our graduates go on to work for our professional ensemble. A successful Arts Council funded touring company in its own right, Fourth Monkey Ensemble comprises 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 professional production company, delivering ensemble based work we are always looking to develop our actors and their work beyond the training programme. This, amongst many other aspects, 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 we are proud to be 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 opportunities as much as relying on others to aid them in their pursuit. 4
“After leaving Fourth Monkey I now know I am prepared for whatever comes my way next. I know my training will not fail me. I know what is to work myself to the bone and to not cheat myself into doing otherwise. I know if I work as hard as I did here I will go a very long way in the future. But most of all I know Fourth Monkey itself will continue to grow, I will need to make sure that I’m not left behind.” Daniel Chrisostomou - Fourth Monkey Alumnus and OffWestEnd award nominated for Best Actor with the Fourth Monkey Ensemble’s production of Elephant Man
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Our Team Patron- Ranjit Bolt (OBE) 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 Mentors- Will Pinchin & Dorie Kinnear Head of Voice- Sarah Case Voice & Dialect Coaches-Anna McSweeney, Christine Mottram & Nick Trumble Singing-Helen Ireland Movement- Guillaume Pige & Will Pinchin Dance-Paul Harris, Maria Clarke & Alison Ray Acting- Brigid Zengeni, Jorge De Juan, Simone Coxall, Roisim Rae, Lewis Hart & Richard Pepper Meisner- Fiona Watson Clown & Mask- Mitch Mitchelson, Mark Curtis, Frank Wurz & Stephen Sobal Circus- Kaveh Rahnama & Jon Udry Commedia dell’Arte- Antonio Fava Puppetry- Tom Espiner Camera & Radio- Jack Ryder & Chris Pavlo Physical Theatre- Guillaume Pige, Will Pinchin, Krystian Godlewski, Persis Jade Maravala & Magda Tuka Contextual Studies- Tamsin Stanley Textual Analysis- Ken Pickering, Mark Woolgar, Karen Tomlin & Dr Iidiko Solti Stage Combat- Rob Davidson Devising Theatre- Kay Micheal, Gemma Brockis & Simone Coxall Musical Director- Simon Egerton Yoga- Evelyn Adams & Catrin Osborne Production Manager - Anthony Hollis Production Assistant and Student Liaison- Abby Gorton Company Administrator and Student Liason- Hannah Bixby Company & Stage Manager- Catherine Gibbs Associates and Partners: Arts Council England, Complicite, Told by an Idiot, All In Theatre, Theatre Re, Small Nose Productions, The Marlowe Theatre, The Marlowe Society, Bikram Yoga City, The Stage & TheSpaceUK Others we work with: Fevered Sleep, Theatre Temoin, Blind Summit, North Devon Theatres, Shunt, Trinity Buoy Wharf, The Blue Elephant, The RSC, The Etcetera Theatre, Sparks, Stage Electrics, Hawthorne, Cheltenham Everyman, Derby Theatre, Prema Arts Centre, Jersey Arts Centre, The Courtyard Theatre, Hereford. The work created by Fourth Monkey is like nothing else I’ve seen for trainee performers or fresh graduates. The sheer talent by these performers is remarkable. I would recommend this course to any young performer looking into further education. The skills they teach stand you in very good stead when heading out into the industry. Oliver Taheri, Producer
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Our Training Fourth Monkey offer two vocational training courses for actors both taught across four terms and as such offering full academic years of study;
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 Two-Year Rep Actor Training Programme is an accelerated actor training programme designed to create industry ready actors within two years as opposed to the traditional three. With a graduate employment rate of 88% and a reputation for developing theatre makers as well as award winning actors the Two-Year Rep is considered one of the most innovative and successful actor training programmes in the UK today.
Actors on our training programmes are exactly that; actors in training. We work and treat our company as a company of actors not students, 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, in a number of instances forming their own successful and award winning companies.
The Year of the Monkey (One Year programme) is an equally successful training programme taught to the same principles and ethos, offering an intensive yet more flexible actor training programme for those looking for foundation or post-graduate study in an ensemble setting. The course concludes with a repertory season of work at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 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 7
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 of 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.
“The two-year training is extraordinary in being compact yet comprehensive. Learning through doing is an invaluable practice and I am delighted to have been part of such a innovative ensemble. The company has been incredibly supportive and strives to make their actors the best that they can be.” Alex Newport, Two Year Rep Alumnus
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Training Voice
Led by Sarah Case, a leading light in the field of actor voice coaching, Sarah and her team deliver a broad and thorough vocal training. From breath work and voice support, forward placement and resonance, to articulation, accents and dialects, the actor will be tutored to utilise and develop their primary tool in both technique and creativity. 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 a 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
Physical Theatre
Central to our actor training ethos is the ability for our actors to be physically connected and to know how to move and own their body. We employ an extensive range of physical theatre practices in our training. Intensive practical workshops cover a range of physical theatre techniques from around the world including Butoh, Suzuki, Grotowski & Corporeal mime as well as an extensive exploration of theatrical mask.
Yoga
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An exceptional actor training tool for alignment, fitness, and physical suppleness, Yoga helps the actor develop core strength, muscular resilience and overall fitness as well as physical awareness.
The Actors Toolkit
Text based work exploring a variety of actor approaches to text, including Stanislavki, Meisner and Chekhov.
Scene Study Work
Employing text based work from the toolkit classes, the actor undertakes scene work in pairs with industry directors, working for detailed individual development with text and character.
Sight Reading
An invaluable class, preparing the actor for audition situations and allowing the exploration of text from page to performance.
Meisner
An extensive practical exploration of the technique developed by Sanford Meisner taught as a core training tool as a means of creating actors that truly ‘listen’ and are free to play.
Clown
Clown is taught to create individual freedom, a sense of play and ownership of the performance space and relationship with the audience. Theatrical clown is taught at Fourth Monkey based on the principles of Lecoq, Gaulier and John Wright led by a team of world-renowned practitioners and experts in their field.
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. Circus Acrobatics, slapstick, tumbling and other relevant and associated circus practices to develop the actor’s physical work and employability.
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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. “Training and working with Fourth Monkey has been an amazing experience. Its hands on, ensemble based approach differs completely to any drama training I’ve experienced before. It has been challenging, rewarding and inspirational and I would thoroughly recommend it.”
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Danny Brown, Two Year Rep Alumnus
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
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Acting for camera and radio masterclasses and audition preparation with leading professionals and experts in performance for the recorded arts.
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 within these seasons 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 nontraditional theatre spaces, with the company’s final season at the end of the second year at the Edinburgh Fringe festival. With our own multi-functional studio theatre and a broad portfolio of partner venues we are fortunate to be able to offer our actors a variety of performance venues in which to deliver their work.
“In my 3 years with Fourth Monkey I have truly become the person I am today. If this company has taught me anything, it is that everything is possible!” Beth Smith, YOM & Two Year Rep Alumnus
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. Living and working in the northern Italian city of Reggio Emilia 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.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. 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 would 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.
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. Travel and accommodation to and from Italy are included in the course fees.
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.
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Year One
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The first year of the programme is delivered in four terms running from September-July. The training is delivered on a full-time basis of 40 hours a week. This full time training looks extensively at the actor’s voice, body and technique including the company’s first production season of devised work in June followed by the month-long residential studying Commedia dell’Arte. course in Italy in term 4.
Terms 1, 2 & 3 Classes and Modules include: Acting Technique - Actors Tool Box Classes Physical Theatre - Technical Voice - Voice & Text - Voice Intro Accents - Sight-Reading Fundamental Movement Expressive Movement Contextual Studies - African Dance - Choral Singing - Clown - Mask - Meisner Technique Lecoq - Corporeal Mime Brecht - European & World Theatre Masterclasses and Intensives - Solo Story Contemporary Scene Studies Shakespeare and Elizabethan Text - Puppetry - Production Season of Original Devised Ensemble Work
Term 4
Commedia dell’Arte month long residential in Italy
Year Two
The second year encompasses four terms, the fourth being at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The year commences with an intensive Grotowski and Meisner bootcamp prior to embarking on a full 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 prior to a final season of work at the Edinburgh Fringe in term 4. Term 1
Classes and Training include:
Term 1 Expressive Movement - Meisner Technique - Grotowski - Actors Toolbox classes - Stage Combat - Technical Voice - Voice and Text - Accent and Dialect work - Text Analysis Contemporary Scene Studies - Traditional Dance - Professional Prep Masterclasses Forming a Theatre Company Workshops and Seminars - Industry Q&A’s & Masterclasses - Agent/Casting Director Workshops- Radio & TV - Producing Theatre - Circus - Clown Classical & Contemporary Rep Seasons
Experimental Fringe Project (December) 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 is awarded a bursary for future development upon completion of the course, with the winning piece being produced by the Fourth Monkey Ensemble (the professional production company comprising of Two-Year Rep graduates).
Term 2 & 3
Term 2 & 3 Classical and Contemporary Repertory Seasons: Commencing repertory rehearsals in January, the company embarks on two back-to-back seasons of work in London. Showcasing themselves to the public, the industry and prospective agents and employers with one classical and one contemporary season. Having established strong working relationships with agents, casting directors and producers Fourth Monkey has positioned itself within the industry to the benefit of our actors in training. With high industry attendance for both seasons of work, prospective agents and employers have the benefit of seeing our actors in a variety of productions and roles as they develop throughout their final year of training and prior to entering the industry. ads to a very high graduate agent acquisition and employment r
Term 4 Edinburgh Festival Season: The company once more return to the 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, upon graduation The Fourth Monkey Ensemble is waiting and ready to embrace our graduates and employ them to produce our work. Others have worked with us in different 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. “Fourth Monkey’s main focus of ensemble creates a beautifully free and safe environment to risk take, fail and fall in and get back up laughing with your peers. It’s a family I never thought I’d have. If you want to succeed in a battling industry Fourth Monkey have proven and continue to deliver.” Will Townsend, current Two Year Rep student
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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 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 has exceeded all my expectations. I have learnt a tremendous amount from brilliant practitioners who care greatly about your development and growth as an actor. I have found this year so valuable and enjoyable that I decided to carry on my training with the two year course. Fourth Monkey is an exciting company to be part of who challenge you to be bold, daring and the best version of yourself.� Hayley Muirhead, YOM Alumni & Current Two Year Rep Student
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Training Voice
Led by Sarah Case, a leading light in the field of actor voice coaching, Sarah and her team deliver a broad and thorough vocal training. From breath work and voice support, forward placement and resonance, to articulation, accents and dialects, the actor will be tutored to utilise and develop their primary tool in both technique and creativity. Sarah and her team also provide vocal support for all Fourth Monkey productions.
Movement & Physical Theatre
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. Central to our actor training ethos is the ability for our actors to be physically Developing the work in fundamental and connected and to know how to move and own expressive movement classes we employ an their body. extensive range of physical theatre practices in our training. Intensive practical workshops covering a range of physical theatre techniques from around the world including Grotowski & Corporeal mime.
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 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 Alumnus
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Shakespeare & Elizabethan Theatre Acting Technique Acting technique classes, with an emphasis on developing stagecraft, audition technique and the actor’s toolbox. Clown Clown is taught to create individual freedom, a sense of play and ownership of the performance space and relationship with the audience. Theatrical clown is taught at Fourth Monkey based on the principles of Lecoq, Gaulier and John Wright led by a team of world-renowned practitioners and experts in their field. 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 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.
Shakespeare & Elizabethan Theatre 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, 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.
Grotowski
Exploring the work of this mercurial practitioner with an emphasis on physical ensemble work.
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.
Corporeal Mime
An exploration of one of the most heralded and demanding physical performance and storytelling techniques.
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.
“Year of the Monkey is unique. It offers immediate performance experience on the professional stage, combined with immersive, thorough and liberating training. The Year of the Monkey, a fundamental year in any young actor’s career.”
Audition Prep
A supportive and insightful guide to what it takes to succeed at an audition.
Kerrie Mailey – Casting Director
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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. This as an integral part of a contemporary actors armoury and therefore is a core element to our training. The second season of work takes place at the world famous Edinburgh Fringe. The company of actors rehearses in repertory, stretching their skills 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. 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 nontraditional theatre spaces.
“Year of the Monkey is revolutionary and unique. Never before have I had the opportunity to do as many things within the same year to help my journey to become a professional actor. The added support and tutoring I received only added to this amazing experience.” Sam Adamson, YOM & Two Year Rep Alumnus & Winner of ‘Best Supporting Male’ OffWestEnd Award for The Glasshouse, The Tristin Bates Theatre.
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Year of the Monkey
Training - Devising - Repertory - Edinburgh Fringe The year is broken down in to four terms, the first two being primary training terms, comprising of approximately 22-25 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 process in preparation for term 4, the performance term culminating in the season of work at the Edinburgh Fringe. These terms operate on a 30-40 hour working week and is underpinned by further vocal and technical support and development.
Term 1 Classes and Training Include: Voice - Neutral Mask - Fundamental Movement - Acting through Clown - Red Nose - Circus - Grotowski - Corporeal Mime - African Dance - Puppetry - Physical Theatre - Physical Storytelling - Ensemble - Audition Prep - Professional Prep - Industry Q & A’s -Yoga
Term 2 Classes and Training Include: Devising and Performance Season - Acting Technique/Toolbox - Voice - Expressive Movement - Shakespeare and Elizabethan Text - Contemporary Text - Stage Combat - Acting for Camera - Period Dance - Acting through Clown - Physical Theatre - Ensemble Rehearsing from the start of the term for a performance season of original devised work alongside normal training classes, the company of actors work towards delivery of their first season of work as an ensemble, delivered in Fourth Monkey’s own studio theatre. The multi-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. 25
Term 3 Repertory Rehearsals: 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.
Term 4 Edinburgh Fringe: The Edinburgh Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world and Fourth Monkey is proud to boast an impressive 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. 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…our Year of the Monkey members have gone on to have successful careers in their own right with a number of them returning to undertake two more years training with us on our Two-Year Rep programme. Others have been employed by the company on projects that have transferred from Edinburgh, others have worked with us in different capacities upon completion of their training, from assistant producers to admin assistants and stage managers. A number have also gone on to form their very own successful companies and often coproduce and collaborate with Fourth Monkey.
“As an actor I can think of no better opportunity and learning curve than the Year of the Monkey. It’s exciting, creative and an amazing challenge. It is the course to be on.” James Bryant, Fourth Monkey Alumnus
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The Fourth Monkey Ensemble is a professional touring company of actors, borne exclusively from actors who have trained with Fourth Monkey on our Two Year Rep programme. The company produces high calibre work independently and in collaboration with partner organisations and theatres to national audiences. The critically acclaimed Ensemble’s work has previously, and continues to be supported by Arts Council England and other funding bodies. The Fourth Monkey Ensemble is a rather unique jewel in the Fourth Monkey crown and in itself incapsulates the company’s ethos of longstanding collaboration and association. We do not believe in a closed door upon the completion of the actors training with us, in fact quite the contrary-we actively look to develop and continue working relationships with our graduates as they enter the profession; whether that be as employers, collaborators or associates, we strongly believe in fostering longstanding relationships.
The Ensemble, and indeed our Alumni companies, of which there are an ever-growing number, utilise our training facilities for rehearsals, research, development and workshops/masterclasses, continuing their association far beyond their time training with us. The Fourth Monkey Ensemble is overseen and managed by the company’s Artistic Director Steven Green.
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 and we’re incredibly successful at doing it! Shortlisted for the prestigious The Stage School of the Year Award 2015 and 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 favourites 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 our students 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 training? 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? If you want to be treated and trained as an individual, and not put into a box- this is for you. If you are someone looking for a fresh and alternative approach to actor training whilst building an impressive CV of credits, this is for you. If you wish to be trained to be fearless and bold by fearless and bold people, this training is for you too… 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. Our criteria is what you bring into the room, as long as you have the talent and potential, no matter how raw 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 ensemble 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. ‘’When I was in Spain and I read about Fourth Monkey, I thought, these people must be very good. Now that we’ve worked together I know they’re even better than I thought. They have their own standards of excellence. An excellence that will open doors to many castings, not least my own.” Jorge De Juan, Artistic Director The Spanish Theatre Company
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Where are we based? Fourth Monkey operates out of our very own building The Monkey House - a multipurpose space in Finsbury Park, North London, just fifteen minutes from London’s West End. The Monkey House is a large building housing six designated studio spaces including our very own performance space - The Emrys Johns Studio Theatre, a student library, offices, a costume workshop and prop and set store along with a recreational area/cafe space for students to break out into outside of class time. The Monkey House is easily accessible by a variety of tube and bus links and a mere ten minute walk from Finsbury Park tube station on the Piccadilly and Victoria Line. The building also operates as a rehearsal space for our Ensemble company as well as our alumni, who take advantage of the numerous alumni and extra-curricular enrichment classes we operate. Once a monkey, always a monkey!
Course Fees & Funding All of our fees are entirely inclusive of travel and accommodation when touring or training away from London. No hidden costs at all. £6200 (plus an initial £700 acceptance fee) all inclusive paid as follows: An inital £700 non-refundable acceptance fee upon returning paperwork to secure place £2200 by 1st July prior to commencement of term in September £2000 by 1st November £2000 by 1st January Fees include ALL travel and accommodation costs for the Edinburgh Fringe £9000 per year (plus an initial £700 acceptance fee) all inclusive paid as follows: An inital £700 acceptance fee (non-refundable), upon returning paperwork to secure place £3000 by 1st July prior to commencement of term in September Year 1 & Year 2 £3000 by 1st December Year 1 & 2 £3000 by 1st March Year 1 & 2 Fees include ALL travel and accommodation costs for both Italy and the Edinburgh Fringe Fourth Monkey believes that actor training should be for everyone. As such we make every effort to ensure our fees are kept as low as possible, and as outlined in these pages all aspects of the training described above are included within the listed cost. We also adopt an accelerated learning approach to our programmes with our four term academic years. We do this with a view of both reducing the financial implication of training for up to three years, and to ensure we deliver a full programme of training. A training year, in our opinion should be a full years training and experience. 31
As a not-for-profit organisation, all of our student fees go toward the training we provide, keeping it ethical in it’s delivery and delivering the highest calibre of training we possibly can.
The responsibility of funding the training is ultimately that of the individual of course and we strongly advise those applying to have considered their means of funding the training prior to attending an audition.
Fourth Monkey has actively decided against applying for accreditation for its programmes. This is a decision to protect our training and our right to change and evolve our programmes without hindrance from an umbrella organisation or associated institution. Consequently, our actors in training our therefore not eligible for student finance.
Fourth Monkey operate a selective scholarship scheme, details of any such awards are made available via our website or our partners web pages when available.
However, students accepted onto the course can apply for a Professional and Career Development Loans. Fourth Monkey is a registered Learning Provider, registration number [REG01-21340]. A Professional and Career Development Loan is a commercial bank loan that you can use to help pay for work-related learning. For further information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit the GOV.UK website or contact the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900
How to Apply
On rare occasions this may happen at the audition stage but in most instances financial assistance by means of scholarship would not be given until the actor is in their second year of training on the Two Year Rep programme (scholarships are not available for the Year of the Monkey, one-year programme). By which point we would have developed a working relationship whereby we know more about the actor in training and their personal circumstances as well as having observed how they are trying to fund the course. There is an expectation that he/she would have tried to raise finance elsewhere to support their training. Once registered to enrol and to join the Fourth Monkey family, our friendly staff are on hand to support our actors in training with their student registration, housing, employment and any other matters that may require assistance to aid the process of making the move and settling in to life as an actor in training in London.
To apply to train with Fourth Monkey simply visit the audition 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. *Please note, confirmation is dependent upon receipt of ÂŁ25 audition fee (payable online via paypal at time of booking audition or via cheque made payable to Fourth Monkey Theatre Company Ltd.) 32
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“It is a real pleasure and privilege to be working with Fourth Monkey. They offer an exceptionally valuable and unique training for actors and physical performers. Performers in training with Fourth Monkey not only learn new skills and techniques but they also get a real opportunity to discover their own voice as individual theatre makers.� Guillaume Pige, Artistic Director, Theatre Re