Our Ethos
Our Ethos
We believe strongly in the power of the group dynamic, the ensemble and ‘play’ in our training. We develop open-minded performers and shape individuals who are not driven by the pursuit of the spotlight, but by the desire to deliver bold, visceral and collaborative work as an actor and theatre maker. Our approach looks to celebrate the humanity of every individual who comes through our doors, to encourage their passion for acting and theatre and guide them to seek out physical and emotional truth in all they do.
We want students to thrive and excel during their time with us. We are committed to removing potential barriers, offering tailored support and making reasonable adjustments to our auditions, workshops and professional vocational training, based on individual need.
Fourth Monkey are dedicated to creating a learning environment which embeds inclusive excellence into all aspects of our work. We are actively against discrimination and celebrate the diversity of our staff, students and participants regardless of; age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, health or disability, socio-economic background or religion.
Our Pillars of Training
ACT
Fusing acting and vocal technique in pursuit of dynamic performance excellence
MAKE
Creating the next generation of pioneering theatre makers & creatives
MOVE
Synthesising technique and physical practice toward total embodiment
COLLABORATE
Celebrating the individual within the ensemble and the practice of we over I
Training with Fourth Monkey encourages connections between disciplines, practices and activities within the field of acting and creation. Our students “learn by doing” in a range of professional vocational classes, workshops, performance projects and public events that guide them to being industry-ready using the unique Fourth Monkey thematic training structure of ACT. MAKE. MOVE. COLLABORATE.
Our Training Approach
Core training is delivered through; practitioner led studio work, collaborative research-led projects, masterclasses, seminars, rehearsals, performances, showcases, films, feedback tutorials and self-guided learning.
Alongside the core training, there are numerous enhancement opportunities which serve to physically and mentally prepare all of our students for the term and tasks ahead, encourage our multi-disciplinary ethos, widen students’ perspective and enhance their engagement with the profession.
Teaching is carried out in in small groups of approximately 14 students, all students also receive ongoing individual holistic and developmental support from the Training Team. This approach is central to the Fourth Monkey training philosophy, with students receiving opportunities for self-reflection and self-care alongside constructive feedback and pastoral support throughout their training.
Each student body has multiple reps to cover various areas of student life. These include but are not limited to…
Bubble Reps: Responsible for passing information between the Course Leader and the training group and vice versa
Social Reps: Responsible for organising a range of socials throughout each study block that are fully inclusive for all students
There are a range of Monkey socials scheduled throughout the academic year including: the Fourth Monkey Launch Party, Monkey & a Mic nights, Christmas Boat Party & Monkey Quiz nights, to name a but few.
