Prospectus 2018
“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
Shizaru is the seldom-quoted fourth monkey of the ancient Japanese proverb. Quite simply, Shizaru embodies the principles of doing no evil, or even more simply doing good. This coupled with the evolutionary association of our primate cousins, and the way our training is a forerunner in the evolution of theatre training in the UK as a whole is why Fourth Monkey became known as Fourth Monkey. Evolutionary Actor Training. For an Evolving Industry. 2
Contents Our Mission About Us Our Team Our Building Our Training
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Two Year Rep
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Overview Commedia dell’Arte Year One Year Two
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Year of the Monkey
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Ensemble After Fourth Monkey Monkey Alumni Why You How to Apply Course Fees Funding FAQs
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Training Year of the Monkey
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Our Mission Our Vision is: “A world ignited by a visceral cacophony of bold and diverse voices” Our Mission is: “To revolutionise the arts through innovative actor training, performance excellence and collaboration” Our Objectives are: To create fearless actors from the broadest of backgrounds; with the commitment, professionalism and practical skills to succeed. To provide an accessible, sustainable and mutually beneficial development and career long support structure for our alumni. To provide high profile, ground breaking theatre that not only provides a stage for our actors, but also challenges the status quo. To create, advocate and engage in cultural and social change through partnership and collaboration.
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About Us Training you to work, to work for yourself and to work with others.
“I am not interested in how someone moves, but what moves them” Pina Bausch
With an industry that is transforming beyond all recognition, training for it requires an innovative, inclusive, and forward thinking approach. Our training programmes bring the actor’s training back to where it should have always been – you! Whilst focusing on the collective power and empowerment of the ensemble. We want to celebrate every individual that comes through our door and get away from the often intellectual and exclusive approach to actor training in the UK. Our training looks to celebrate your humanity, your passion and seek out physical and emotional truth without getting you bogged down in the intellectual aspects of what some philosophies perceive being an actor to be. With multiple nominations and shortlisted for the prestigious The Stage School of the Year Award 2015 and with an award winning track record of delivering the highest calibre work as both a training and practicing production company, Fourth Monkey are well versed in what it takes to make an actor. With our alumni working across all areas of the industry and with an industry retention of 95%* (five years after graduation) our graduates demonstrate a track record of delivery that is second to none and celebrates the sustainable approach we take to our actor training. Whilst actively pursuing the traditional paths of agent representation upon completion of training (with a majority of our alumni successfully acquiring agent representation upon graduation), our actors also benefit from our focus in providing them with the tools and empowerment 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, The Monkey Ensemble comprises entirely of graduates from the training programme. 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 is, amongst many other aspects, what makes 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 contemporary industry. Working with leading practitioners in a diverse and varied range of fields, the training we provide is tailored to produce a performer not only versed in working in our way, but a rounded artist able to work with anyone and indeed, for themselves. 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 delivering multiple seasons of work in repertory to showcase to the wider industry 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? We give you the tools, the opportunity and the experience to explore, develop and learn and we’ll support you once you are an alumni too. Whether that be with space, mentorship, workshops or professional opportunities, we are always here to guide you with your career - again, the way it should be.
5 * figures correct as of September 1st 2017
Our Team Artistic Director & CEO - Steven Green Director of Training & Deputy CEO - Charleen Qwaye Executive Director - Abby Gorton Head of Two Year Rep Actor Training Programme - Will Pinchin Head of Year of the Monkey Actor Training Programme Ensemble - Stephen Sobal Head of Year of the Monkey Actor Training Programme Student Development - Ami Sayers Head of Voice - Sarah Case Company Stage Manager - Ali Graham Training Course Manager & Welfare Officer - Phillip Stanley General Manager - Hannah Bixby Duty Officer - Jonne Damhuis Associate Director - Simone Coxall Acting - Brigid Zengeni, Jorge De Juan, Simone Coxall, Roisin Rae, Arthur Wilson, Lewis Hart, Ami Sayers, Ben Samuels, Lucy Curtis, Ian Henderson & Richard Pepper Acting for Camera & Radio - Jack Ryder, Steven Green, Jorge De Juan, Ian Williams & Chris Pavlo Brecht - Anne Dennis Butoh - Marie-Gabrielle Rotie Circus Skills - Kaveh Rahnama Clown - Frank Wurzinger & Stephen Sobal Commedia dell’Arte - Antonio Fava Contextual Studies - Tamsin Stanley Dance - Dorie Pinchin, Paul Harris, Nicky Goh & Maria Clarke Devising Theatre - Helen Iskander & Simone Coxall Grotowski - Krystian Godlewski, Magda Tuka & Anna-Helena McLean Improvisation - Phil Whelans Meisner - Charleen Qwaye Mime - Guillaume Pige Movement - Angela Gasparetto Movement & Mask - Will Pinchin Puppetry - Tom Espiner Sight Reading - Colin Farquharson Singing - Helen Ireland Stage Combat - Rob Leonard & Joe Golby Suzuki - Lukas Angelini Voice & Dialect Coaches - Harriet Whitbread, Joel Trill & Nick Trumble Yoga - Evelyn Adams & Catrin Osborne Patron- Ranjit Bolt (OBE) Associates and Partners: Arts Council England, Complicite, Told by an Idiot, All In Theatre, Theatre Re, Clay & Diamonds, Shunt, Small Nose Productions, The Marlowe Theatre, The Marlowe Society, The Cervantes Theatre, The Spanish Theatre Company, The Stage, TheSpaceUK & Halo Others we work with: Fevered Sleep, Theatre Temoin, Blind Summit, North Devon Theatres, 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.
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Our Building 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 comprises of six professional studio spaces (five of which have sprung floors), including a mirrored dance studio, our very own adaptable black box performance space - The Emrys Johns Studio Theatre, a library, offices, a costume and wardrobe department, prop and set store and our recreational area - The Kitchen. Along with changing rooms, showers and toilet facilities, The Monkey House has been designed to contend with all of our training requirements. 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 venue for hire for professional companies, festivals and numerous short courses run throughout the year. Our alumni are also able to take advantage of discounted space, props, set and costume hire as well as the enrichment and professional development sessions we offer. Once a monkey, always a monkey!
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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:
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.
The Two Year Rep Accelerated Actor Training Programme is designed to create industry ready actors within two years as opposed to the traditional three. With a graduate employment rate of 93%* 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.
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 Year of the Monkey, One Year Intensive Actor Training Programme is an equally successful course taught to the same principles and ethos, offering a more flexible training for those looking for foundation or post-graduate study in an ensemble setting. The course concludes with a repertory season of work at the Camden Fringe Festival.
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.
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, Stanislavski, Grotowski and Uta Hagen amongst others. Our principles are founded firmly in our ensemble ethos.
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 most creatively satisfying experience of my life” Ami Sayers, Fourth Monkey Alumnus 8 *figures relate to most recent graduate year and are correct as of September 1st 2017
Accelerated Actor Training Programme Founded on the principles of ensemble and inclusivity 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 training imaginable for the actor. Fundamentally three years training in two, the course incorporates a month in Italy and three repertory showcase seasons in Year Two, along with a professionally produced showreel. 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 actors upon completion of their training to deliver our professional work nationally and internationally with our professional touring Ensemble. 40+ hours per week contact time BASSC certification Italy residential training experience Minimum of 4 performance seasons across the 2 years Professionally produced actors showreel Internationally renowned practitioners Camden Fringe Season
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Overview 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 release, breath work and voice support, resonance and articulation into text work, accents and dialects, the actor will learn to utilise and develop their primary tool in both technique and creativity. A myriad range of techniques help facilitate true integration of voice, body and acting. Sarah and her team also provide vocal support for Fourth Monkey productions.
Singing Choral singing is key to the building of our ensemble, adding a company element to the use of the voice and development of the actor’s vocal skills and range. Dance The training starts off with African Dance, helping to connect and cultivate a greater sense of grounding and rhythm in the actor’s body; later in the training social dances of the 19th and 20th century are learned - i.e. waltz & merengue - specifically for an actor’s perspective, focusing not only on the steps but on relationship and storytelling.
Acting From classical to contemporary, Stanislavski to Hagen and Meisner to Brecht our actors in training explore a wide range of works and practitioners to ensure their flexibility and professional malleability upon graduation. We do not believe in ‘purism’ in terms of acting technique, so rather focus on delivering to our actors a toolkit for them to draw from in the supported development of their own individual and refined process upon the completion of their training. We aim to offer the most comprehensive actor training delivered by specialists in their field whilst always being grounded in a sense of play and exploration.
Physical Theatre & Corporeal Mime 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, with specific focus on Lecoq and Decroux training methodologies. Yoga An exceptional actor training tool for alignment, strength, awareness and physical suppleness, yoga is also key in nurturing our company as an ensemble. The Actor’s Toolkit Text based work exploring a variety of actor approaches to text, including Stanislavki, Meisner and Uta Hagen.
Movement Movement is a key element in the Fourth Monkey actor training toolkit. In Movement training the actor develops a core appreciation and understanding of their body, and nurtures a more aware, creative and expressive physicality. The collective focus in our movement training is to ensure the actors body is dynamic, engaged and a central component in their storytelling.
Improvisation A class to further develop and hone the skills of improvisation, quick thinking, playfulness and storytelling.
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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.
Shakespeare A practical and theoretical study of Elizabethan text and performance practice, with particular emphasis on Shakespeare’s works. Contemporary Theatre An exploration of contemporary theatrical practice with an emphasis on 20th Century theatrical practitioners and playwrights.
Scene Study Work Employing text based work from the toolkit classes, the actor undertakes scene work with directors, working for detailed individual development with text and character.
European & World Theatre Practice Practical sessions based on the theatrical principles and practice of world renowned practitioners including Butoh, Grotowski and Suzuki, as well as a Brecht-focused module.
Sight Reading An invaluable class, preparing the actor for audition situations and allowing the exploration of text from page to performance.
Devising & Creating Original Theatre An extensive programme of work, focusing on the creation of original theatre - both solo and company - with expert tuition from contemporary theatre companies such as Complicite, Theatre Re, Shunt and Told by an Idiot, amongst many others.
Meisner A practical exploration and training of the technique developed by Sanford Meisner, taught as a means of creating actors that truly ‘listen’ and are free to play.
Puppetry In association with a variety of highly regarded puppetry specialists, the company receives training in the principles and practical application of puppetry for performance.
Stage Combat Working with both industry professionals and practitioners in the art of Stage Combat, Company Members will work towards BASSC Stage Combat certification in armed and unarmed combat.
Contextual Studies A practical and theory based programme of work exploring theatrical performance and practice.
Ensemble Extensive group work towards the formation of a ‘true’ ensemble company, developing trust, complicity and a cohesive working practice. 11
Professional Preparation A successful actor is a prepared actor and we ensure our graduates conclude their training with as comprehensive an understanding and state of preparedness for the industry as possible via a means of extensive professional prep classes and modules. Our sessions include: audition preparation, self-tape workshops, industry and agent Q&A’s, headshot and professional preparation modules as well as grant writing workshops and self-employment guidance.
Fringe Focus A unique season of ‘scratch’ student-led work, devised by our actors in training as part of their second year of training. This developmental module of work allows exploration and collaboration as writers, directors and actors within the supported structure of our own fringe season of short experimental work presented in our studio theatre. Bursaries are awarded to offer ongoing support to selected pieces as part of the graduation ceremony at the completion of training.
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’.
“My training with Fourth Monkey is a mad mixture of challenge, hard work, growth, a lot of play and a lot of fun. It’s a safe place to both fail as well as triumph as the ensemble mentality is very prevalent. We have been taught to always “tickle the space” and to “step over the threshold into a warm, safe, playful world” before we start work. This means that the training is freeing, but also very intense, visceral and full on. The practitioners we work with are knowledgeable and experienced and push us to move out of our comfort zones which makes for a lot of self-reflection. I am loving every minute!” Giulia Eve Flores, Two Year Rep Alumnus 12
TV, Radio & Showreel Practical sessions focusing on camera work, self-taping for audition and radio with expert tuition from leading professionals. This module of work culminates in the creation of a graduate showreel to take forward into the industry upon completion of training. 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 programme - 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 as means of showcase, offering our actors multiple opportunities to share their talents with the wider industry. It also allows our extensive industry contacts the chance to track and observe actors of interest throughout their training journey, enabling a much more rounded understanding of their talents and abilities. This coupled with the highest calibre of external directors and creatives along with our high production values ensures extensive professional experience and development. 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 Camden 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. 13
Commedia dell’Arte At the start of the second 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 three 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. His masks are on show in museums and cultural institutions throughout the world. Antonio is also an international Director of some repute and author of the book entitled La Maschera Comica nella Commedia dell’Arte, published by Andromeda, as well as The Comic Mask in the Commedia dell’Arte, published by Northwestern University Press.
This is a truly unique opportunity, an experience you will receive nowhere else and one that whilst not only developing additional skills, enables 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. 14
Year One Training - Stage Combat - Production This full-time training delivered over 4 terms with 40+ hours per week looks extensively at the actor’s voice, body and technique including the company’s first production season of devised work in June and BASSC stage combat certification.
Terms 1, 2, 3 & 4 - September - July Classes and Modules include: Acting Technique - Actor’s Toolkit Physical Theatre - Technical Voice Creative Voice & Text - Articulation into Accents - Voice into Accents - Technical Voice & Text - Fundamental Movement Dance - Expressive Movement Contextual Studies - Improvisation - Yoga - African Dance - Choral Singing - Clown - Mask - Meisner Technique - Lecoq Corporeal Mime - Brecht - European & World Theatre Masterclasses - Solo Story - Solo Text - Contemporary Scene Studies - Play Project Scenes - Shakespeare Puppetry - Stage Combat - Production Season of Original Devised Ensemble Work
“Fourth Monkeys 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 still prove to deliver.” Will Townsend, Two Year Rep Alumnus
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Year Two
Commedia dell’Arte - Training - Repertory - Industry Preparation The second year encompasses four terms, commencing with the Commedia dell’Arte residential in Italy followed by intensive Grotowski and Meisner bootcamps, prior to a full term of training. Delivered on a full-time basis of 40+ hours per week, terms 1, 2 & 3 include: an Experimental Fringe project of original student led work, one classical and one contemporary showcase season of work in repertory, an acting for camera showreel module followed by a final showcase season in repertory as part of the prestigious Camden Fringe during term 4. Term 1 Classes and Training include: Commedia dell’Arte - Meisner Technique - Grotowski - Sight Reading - Creative Voice Voice into Accents - Classical Text - Dance - Yoga - Professional Prep Masterclasses & Seminars - Industry Q&A’s & Masterclasses - Agent & Casting Director Workshops - Acting for Camera - Clown - Experimental Fringe - Play Project 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.
‘’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 16
Term 2 & 3 Classical and Contemporary Repertory Seasons: Commencing 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 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 figures across both seasons. Actors Showreel During this module all students will shoot a selection of scenes, which will be compiled on their behalf as part of their showreel. Supported by a professional team of directors, camera-people and editors each student will complete the module, and therefore their training with a professionally shot and edited showreel with which to embark on their professional career. Term 4 Camden Fringe Festival Season: The company once more return to the rehearsal room to develop predominantly new, original work for premiere at the Camden Fringe Festival. This festival production season concludes the training programme... but it doesn’t necessarily end there. Upon graduation The Monkey Ensemble is waiting to embrace our graduates. Others have worked with us in different capacities upon completion of their training, from admin assistants to stage managers. A number have gone on to form their very own successful companies and often collaborate with Fourth Monkey.
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One Year Intensive Actor Training Programme Founded on the principles of play with an emphasis on delivering work in repertory, the Year of the Monkey is a twelve-month-long 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 numerous public performance opportunities culminating in a season of repertory as part of the prestigious Camden Fringe. Structured in such a way that it enables the Company Member to work and train at the same time. This appeals to a wide variety of individuals who create a rich tapestry of actors in training, enriching the learning of all through their diversity and varied life experiences.
Full 12 month course over 4 terms 22.5 - 40 hours per week training time Monday - Wednesday evenings and Saturday’s (Terms 1 & 2) Monday - Friday daytimes, Repertory rehearsal and performance season (Term 3 & 4) Intensive training covering a wide variety of disciplines Professional preparation sessions included
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Training Voice Sarah Case’s 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. Movement & Physical Theatre Developing the work in fundamental movement classes we employ an extensive range of physical theatre practices in our training. Intensive practical workshops covering a range of physical theatre techniques include Laban, Lecoq and the Neutral Mask. The actor develops a core appreciation and understanding of their own body whilst becoming physically connected and learning how to physically work in an ensemble. Actor’s Toolkit Acting technique classes, with an emphasis on developing stagecraft 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 in the art of Stage Combat towards a physical understanding and application of unarmed combat for the stage. Period & African Dance Actors explore the selected steps of the dance floor as well as grounding in African dance session.
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Ensemble Extensive group work towards the formation of a ‘true’ ensemble company, developing trust complicity and a cohesive working practice. 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 industry professionals. Shakespeare A practical study of Elizabethan text and performance practice, with particular emphasis on Shakespeare’s works. Contemporary Text An exploration of contemporary theatrical practice with an emphasis on 20th Century practitioners, playwrights and acting techniques. Puppetry In association with 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.
“The 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.” Kerrie Mailey, Casting Director 20
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. Decroux Mime An exploration of one of the most heralded and physically demanding 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 a 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. Performances in Repertory As a working ensemble in repertory, the Year of the Monkey company will deliver two seasons of work throughout their training programme, with one at the celebrated Camden Fringe. The first season takes place 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 is 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 Camden Fringe. The company rehearse in repertory, stretching their skills across multiple rehearsal rooms and productions. Our seasons of work are open to the public and indeed to industry press/ representatives, uniquely offering our actors professional exposure as well as professional experiences in performance through our high production values.
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“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 - Camden Fringe
Delivered over four terms, the Year of the Monkey offers an intensive, flexible route for training actors. The first two terms focus primarily on training delivered on evenings and weekends for around 22.5 hours per week. Term 3 is an intensive rep rehearsal process in preparation for performance in term 4, with a season of work at the Camden Fringe. These terms operate on a 30-40 hour working week and are underpinned by further support and development. Term 1 Classes and Training Include: Voice - Neutral Mask - Fundamental Movement - Stage Combat - Acting through Clown Circus - Grotowski - Decroux Mime - African Dance - Puppetry - Physical Theatre - Actor’s Toolkit - Ensemble - Audition Prep - Professional Prep Term 2 Classes and Training Include: Devising and Performance Season - Actor’s Toolkit Voice - Shakespeare - Contemporary Text - Acting for Camera - Period Dance - Acting through Clown Physical Theatre - Professional Prep 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. The season showcases the actors in training for the first time to a public audience, supported by a team of award winning directors and creatives.
“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 23
Term 3 Repertory Rehearsals: The company of actors return following a brief break to commence rehearsals in repertory, in preparation for their run at the Camden Fringe festival. Term 4 Camden Fringe: The Camden Fringe is the largest arts festival in London and Fourth Monkey is proud to boast an impressive reputation at the Fringe. The Fourth Monkey actor is very much in the spotlight when participating at the fringe, allowing a closing public showcase of the actors work prior to completing their training. The season of work concludes the course, but once a monkey, always a monkey! Our Year of the Monkey alumni have gone on to have successful careers in their own right, been employed by us on various projects or continued their training with us on the Two Year Rep. Others have worked with us in different capacities upon completion of their training, from admin assistants to stage managers. A number have also gone on to form their very own successful companies and often collaborate with Fourth Monkey.
“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 Alumnus
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A professional touring company, overseen by Artistic Director Steven Green, The Monkey Ensemble is borne exclusively from actors who have trained with us on our Two Year Rep programme.
The Monkey Ensemble, and indeed our Alumni companies, of which there are an ever-growing number, utilise our training facilities for rehearsals, research, development, workshops and masterclasses, continuing their association far beyond their time training with us.
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 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.
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After Fourth Monkey
95%
of Alumni retained and working professionally within the industry 2012-2016
93%
of graduating Two Year Rep 2014-16 acquired professional work within 12 months of graduation
83%
Year of the Monkey Alumni in employment professionally/training 2011-2016
After graduating from the training programmes, Company Members will automatically become members of the Monkey Alumni family. Fourth Monkey believes in fostering lasting links with all its alumni, offering employment opportunities through The Monkey Ensemble and as collaborators and creatives, as well as many other avenues. Alumni will receive a regular newsletter and offers of continued professional development sessions throughout their professional careers. Monkey Alumni will also benefit from a number of discounted offers, including reduced rates on rehearsal space hire. Once a Monkey, Always a Monkey! Our Alumni are important to us. They are part of our family and we are as invested in supporting their onward careers as we are those who are currently training with us. Fourth Monkey has a longstanding policy of offering professional opportunities and supplementary training and development once our Alumni enter the profession. We feel the investment is a life-long one and the Monkey House remains a home to our alumni beyond their graduation.
Fourth Monkey Alumni Companies: The Human Zoo Attila Theatre Dogma Theatre Company Shrink Theatre About Wolves Ride The Wave Scram Collective Awkward Talkers NeonPanda Cream-Faced Loons
Benefits of being an Alumni: • Reduced rate hires on rehearsal space • Professional development sessions run throughout the year • Discounted offers on short courses • Discounted tickets • Monkey newsletter • Continued professional support and guidance after training • Employment opportunities • The Monkey Ensemble* • Experimental Fringe support* • An industry recognised and respected brand • Membership Scheme* *The Monkey Ensemble and Fringe support is for Two Year Rep Alumni. Alumni membership scheme is currently under construction.
26 *Figures correct as of 1st September 2017
Monkey Alumni With a graduate employment of 93%* and an industry retention rate of 95%* (after five years of graduation), our alumni have an established reputation of forging successful and sustainable careers as both actors and creatives working across all mediums of the arts. Below are a selection of their successes: Lily Catalifo - 2017 graduate Lily, having signed to a top agent upon graduation has already secured multiple TV & film roles in Milk & Honey, New You and the recent Sky Atlantic hit series Guerrilla. Anna Dobrucki - Anna went straight to set upon completing her training in 2017 to film a featured role in a new untitled Netflix series. Yemesi Oyinloye - Yemesi has worked extensively in TV since completing her training on the Year of the Monkey Actor Training Programme with credits including regular roles in 4 O’Clock Club, Coronation Street, Casualty, The Five and Doctors amongst others. Sophie Hopkins - Sophie has worked extensively in TV and film since completing her training and is best known for her role as April MacLean in the BBC Doctor Who spin off series Class. Mollie Lambert - Mollie has worked extensively since graduation, working predominantly in TV, film & commercials in leading roles in Doctors and the hit BBC series Dixi. Along with films such as Nation Down, His Wake, Sasha’s Trial amongst others, she has also graced the stage at The Globe in their production of The White Devil. Alistair Willy - Upon graduation in 2016 Alistair went straight into the sell-out immersive Secret Cinema production of Moulin Rouge playing The Duke. Reuben Beau Davies - Reuben has appeared on TV and in Film in a variety of roles, but is probably best known for the leading role of The Disturbed Man in the original London cast of Goosebumps Live whilst also having played the role of Dean in Catch Me at the Arts Theatre in London’s West End. Flo O’Mahoney - Artistic Director of international touring company Human Zoo. Flo has established Human Zoo as one of the most exciting and talked about devising companies on the contemporary theatre scene since the company’s conception in 2012, most recently touring the Far East with their work. Sadie Clark, Ami Sayers & Alice Reynolds - Sadie, Ami and Alice are forces to be reckoned with and as a team are responsible for About Wolves, a theatre company delivering untold stories from the female perspective. Ami and Alice are also prolific stage actors, both having appeared in numerous productions in London and on tour since their graduation. Notably, Ami has gone on to be commissioned as a writer by Fourth Monkey in the delivery of new work for our actors in training, whilst also having directed students on the Year of the Monkey Actor Training Programme. Ami also toured with The Monkey Ensemble’s critically acclaimed production of Elephant Man in 2014. Adam Trussell - Australian born Adam has worked extensively since his graduation from training in commercials, theatre and film, most notably alongside John Hannah in Sarah Stribley Productions hit The Titanic Orchestra and The Monkey Ensemble’s touring production of The Elephant Man in his critically acclaimed role of Norman Treves. Holly Bodimeade - Since completing the Year of the Monkey Actor Training Programme, Holly has worked extensively in TV. With credits in Paradise Cafe, Doctors, Casualty, The Coroner and the role of Ada in Father Brown amongst others. Scott McGarrick - A chameleon of an actor in training, Scott has continued that into his work as a professional. Playing Sam in Mad Queen’s Chess at The Park Theatre, a Stormtrooper in Secret Cinema’s epic and immersive The Empire Strikes Back, and Frederick Treves in The Monkey Ensemble’s acclaimed The Elephant Man since graduating from his training. Daniel Chrisostomou - Daniel has spent a significant period of time touring China, Germany and Japan since graduating with a critically acclaimed production of Twelfth Night. He has also played Banquo in a site-specific production of MacBeth, William in Teaching a Dillo to Cross the Road at the Bread and Roses Theatre along with a number of commercials and corporate voiceover work. Daniel was also nominated for Best Actor at the OffWestEnd awards for his role of Joseph Merrick in The Elephant Man. Sam Adamson - Award winning Sam (Best Actor in a supporting role for The Glasshouse at the Tristan Bates Theatre) has worked extensively in theatre since completing his training, playing Touchstone in As You Like It, Sir Fopling Flutter in Man of Mode, Em in Northfields, Joe in Project Britain alongside roles in Cockroaches, Hysterical, Naked with Ballast Theatre and Chronicargo with Synchron Productions. Sam has also worked with Secret Theatre, Shrink, Sphinx Theatre Company and award winning director Sebastian Blanc. Lauren Donovan - Lauren graduated in 2016 and was immediately employed by one of her acting tutors at Fourth Monkey, Jorge De Juan to appear in his Spanish Theatre Company production of Blood Wedding, the inaugural production at the newly opened Cervantes Theatre in Southwark, London. Following this she worked on the ITV drama series The Halcyon and the feature film Crooked House before embarking on an international theatre tour.
27 *Figures correct as of 1st September 2017
Why You? Are you looking to be treated and trained as an individual in an inclusive and collaborative environment? Are you looking for a fresh approach to actor training? Are you looking to build an impressive CV and learn through the process of doing? Do you want to be bold and fearless? Do you want to develop the skills for a sustainable career? If so, this training is for you! Whatever age, training or background, it doesn’t matter- we work with an asset based school of thinking, by definition celebrating your individuality as a human being. We will not put you in a box, we will not type-cast you. We want you to be brave enough to challenge convention and the industry’s status quo - we are looking to create a new wave of talent ready to move the arts forward and that starts by us celebrating you and you embracing everyone around you in your ensemble. Our criteria is what you bring into the room, as long as you have the talent and potential, no matter how raw, coupled with the desire to learn we trust in ourselves to do the rest. If you are enthusiastic, forward thinking, love the arts, are excited by the prospect of training as part of a repertory ensemble and like to play...we want to work with you!
When I wanted to audition for Fourth Monkey, I couldn’t make the audition date so I called up to see whether I could do another date. There were no spaces on the other sessions, so without hesitating, Steve (artistic director and bamboo extraordinaire) told me that I could come in for a 1:1 audition. That’s what really made the school stand out for me - they will always try their upmost to give you a chance and let you prove yourself, no matter the circumstances and even if it means them going out of their way to do it. Naomi Denny, Year of the Monkey Alumnus & current Two Year Rep student
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How to Apply Fourth Monkey hold auditions throughout the year which are advertised on our website and applying to train with Fourth Monkey couldn’t be easier. Simply visit the audition page at www.fourthmonkey.co.uk/auditions/ Fill in the electronic form and we will reply* with confirmation of your audition date, your audition forms and other relevant information about the day. Our audition process comprises of two audition speeches of your own choosing (one classical and one contemporary), an interview and a series of workshops with a physical ensemble emphasis. Fourth Monkey are sensitive to the cost and time invested in auditioning for drama school and as such, operate an intensive one-day audition process for the benefit of the applicant all for the fixed rate cost of £25. We feel your audition day should represent value for money, whatever the outcome. Additionally, applicants will be informed of the outcome of the audition within 5 working days, if we want you to train with us we will offer you a place on one of our courses. We do not operate a waiting list system. If we offer you, you are our first choice. If we’re not sure we saw enough on the day, we’ll invite you back to experience the process again as a ‘recall’, free of charge, and regardless of the outcome, even if it’s a no - all applicants are entitled to ask for feedback notes on your audition day. Fourth Monkey also operate a remote process for applicants outside of the EU. Details of our international application process can be found at www.fourthmonkey.co.uk/international-application-page/ This is to ensure we are able to save the applicant extensive travel costs as means of a first round before inviting you to the UK to participate in the audition day on site. More information on anything related to auditions, courses or our training can be found on our website or via contacting our helpful and dedicated staff via admissions@fourthmonkey.co.uk *Please note, confirmation is dependent upon receipt of £25 audition fee (payable online via PayPal at time of booking audition)
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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. £6200, plus an initial £700 acceptance fee (non-refundable) upon returning paperwork to secure a place, then all inclusive paid as follows: £2200 by 1st July prior to commencement of term in September £2000 by 1st November £2000 by 1st January An initial £700 acceptance fee (non-refundable) upon returning paperwork to secure a place, then all inclusive paid as follows: £9500 Year 1 (plus the initial £700 acceptance fee) £10500 Year 2* £3000 by 1st July prior to commencement of term in September Year 1 £4000 by 1st July prior to commencement of term in September Year 2 £3500 by 1st December Year 1 & 2 £3000 by 1st March Year 1 & 2 *Fees include ALL travel and accommodation costs for the Commedia dell’Arte residential in Italy as well as the production of an individual final showreel for the students professional use.
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. 30
Funding As a charity 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. There are some alternative examples to funding located on our website at www.fourthmonkey.co.uk/fees-funding/
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 are 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 Loan. 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 and potentially other costs such as living and travel expenses.
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 intensive programme). At this 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.
Please note staged PCDL payments will commence on the first day of training, any payments contractually required prior to this date will need to be settled through other means.
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.
*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 31
FAQs How are Company Members assessed? There is no formal graded assessment at Fourth Monkey, save the BASSC stage combat certification. However, all students are expected to document their training and development in their training journal. The journal is a useful tool for reflection and self-awareness in evaluating an individuals own development and is additionally a helpful tool in the regular tutor meetings each Company Member has to monitor their development. All Company Members will be given termly feedback from practitioners in their 1:1 development meetings with the Course Directors. Company Members will also have access to professional preparation discussions and sessions throughout their training to aid their progress and understanding of the industry and their readiness for it. How many performance/showcase opportunities are there at FM, and are agents invited? The Year of the Monkey has two performances seasons, a devised season and one repertory showcase season of performances at the Camden Fringe. Industry professionals will be invited to attend the latter of the two seasons. The Two Year Rep course has 4 performances seasons in total; a devised season in the first year and a minimum of 3 performance seasons in the second year. Industry professionals will be invited for all production runs in the second year. Each performance season in the second year will last for a minimum of one full production week. What is the timetable like on both courses? The Year of the Monkey starts as evening and weekend classes in the first two terms, Monday- Wednesday 5-10pm and Saturday 9am-4/5pm, and then moves to full-time daytime rehearsals, (9am-5pm or 10am-6pm) rehearsal calls in term 3, followed by the performance season in term 4. The Two Year Rep course is full-time Monday-Friday throughout the two years and core training hours are 9am-5/6pm in term 1 and 2, then 8am-5/6pm throughout the remainder of the training. Who teaches on the courses? Fourth Monkey only employs active industry professionals, with a track record of excellence to teach on our courses. All practitioners are actively involved in the industry and working professionals, meaning that on a daily basis, the industry and the people shaping it will be in direct contact with our training actors. This is integral to our philosophy of providing a current and relevant training for the industry as it is being shaped today. We actively wish to see change within the arts in terms of inclusion, diversity and empowerment and as such we are at the front of a movement in seeking fresh approaches to how the industry operates and views itself.
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What extra advantages are available for being a student at Fourth Monkey? Fourth Monkey Company Members are eligible to apply for a student NUS card, a student TFL travel card, student Equity and council tax exemption. Company Members will also receive discounted ticket offers throughout the year, free tickets to all Fourth Monkey training productions, free space hire and discounted rates on short courses where they are outside of the core training. Additional benefits are also available via our partner venues and associate companies. Does completing the Year of the Monkey or Two Year Rep credit me for Spotlight? Spotlight currently operates on a graduate and professional credit system. It is currently at the centre of a significant change within the actor training world in association with Equity. We will update on these changes and how it benefits our students as soon as the information becomes available. Currently, Company Members completing the Two Year Rep course will be eligible for Spotlight. Those completing the Year of the Monkey will receive credits towards Spotlight membership, but this will also depend on previous experience. What are the funding/scholarship options? Fourth Monkey Company Members are not eligible for student finance. However, there is more information on page (31) in this prospectus and on our website in regard to other forms of funding available to our students to support them in their training. This also includes the PCDL for which Fourth Monkey are a registered learning provider. Refer to our Fees and Funding pages for more information. As with any training or higher education journey, we strongly advise anyone looking at further education to explore their means of financing their training as part of their application. Fourth Monkey does have an active scholarship scheme to support applicants in need of financial support. These are offered by invitation and based on an individuals circumstances. Scholarships only apply to the Two Year Rep programme. What do students typically do about housing? Fourth Monkey, like many training institutions in London, does not provide accommodation for Company Members. We do however, offer opportunities for Company Members to meet in person and via private online forums well in advance of starting either course to source suitable shared housing options, should they be required. Fourth Monkey also provide all students with an extensive welcome pack as means of guiding them as to where best to look for housing in the area. Company Members are encouraged to share housing together to reduce costs, have a support network and be able to fully engage in the ensemble nature of the company, although this is of course by no means a necessity.
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Will I get a diploma, degree or certification on completion of my training? Yes, you will because Fourth Monkey provide all students with a certification to confirm completion of training. However, we are training actors and not academics, therefore at present, we do not feel it appropriate to be affiliated with any external bodies in form of accreditation, as this results in academic constraints being placed on the student to fulfil the requirements of the accrediting body. This hindrance to the development of the actor is an unfortunate development in the training sector and Fourth Monkey are not prepared to compromise the integrity or success of it’s vocational actor training for the purpose of academic accreditation. This is not to say affiliation may not happen in the future, but Fourth Monkey would be looking to find a suitable partner to collaborate with in this regard that did not compromise or align it’s unique form of training. After all, when working professionally as an actor your ability, training and CV is the only concern of any employer, at no point will any qualification garner employment as a performer. Quite simply, we want to train the best actors not the best academics. “After what seems to have been a lifetime, 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 it 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 and become something spectacular. 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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The Monkey House 97 - 101 Seven Sisters Road, N7 7QP, London 02072 810 360 www.fourthmonkey.co.uk office@fourthmonkey.co.uk Fourth Monkey Education is a not-for-profit company and charity limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales 9560983 Fourth Monkey Education is a Registered Charity with charity number 1164406 Fourth Monkey is registered as a verified UK Learning Provider. UKPRN 10045720.