#OnceAMonkey - Nyah Randon & Faun, a new production from Cardboard Citizens
We love learning more about what our actors and artists go on to do once they graduate from Fourth Monkey, particularly those most recent graduates who are taking their first steps into the creative arts industry as fledging theatre makers and early career performers!
Following our first graduation ceremony as an accredited drama school in October 2023, we will be sharing a series of #OnceAMonkey updates from our Class of 2022 for an insight into what our first cohort of BA (Hons) Acting alumni are up to as they navigate their way as actors, artists and makers. Here, we chat to Nyah Randon about her role in Faun, a new play directed by Debbie Hannan with Cardboard Citizens, Alphabetti Theatre and Theatre 503, as well as her memories and favourites moments of drama school training with Fourth Monkey, and her advice for anyone thinking about applying to audition…
Firstly, introduce yourself! Tell us your name, what you studied at Fourth Monkey plus a little about your background.
Hello, my name is Nyah and I’m from West London. I studied the two-year BA (Hons) Acting accelerated degree from 2020 to 2022. As well as acting, I am a singer/songwriter and writer.
The name itself drew me in at first and I was intrigued to know the philosophy behind it. I liked the vibe and ethos that Fourth Monkey gave out, and I had heard good things about the school from previous alumni; that they create artists, not just actors.
What do you remember about your audition day? Are there any favourite memories or moments that stand out?
I remember the sweat. Oh yes, the sweat. I felt extremely relaxed because I felt like I was going out of my mind and into my body. It was a bit surreal, but in a good way.
Also, the audition was for the whole day and it was FREE, which is a good memory in itself.
When you look back on your actor training journey, was there anything you found particularly surprising or challenging in a way that you were not expecting?
Looking back, it felt quite raw, as in my thoughts, emotions and creative juices were racing and soaring from high to low. I couldn’t hide, if that makes sense; it was a challenge but also a blessing.
When you graduated from Fourth Monkey in 2022, what direction did you imagine your creative career would take? How has this evolved and developed since starting your professional career?
I thought I would just be working my normal job alongside auditioning and writing; I never expected anything because this is such an unpredictable industry.
I was very close to getting my West End debut in my dream musical. It was an intense few months after graduating to auditioning-recalls-waiting-recalls etc, especially because I didn’t think I’d be doing musical theatre again yet there I was auditioning for musicals. Theatre was actually what I wanted to do after graduating because I enjoyed it so much whilst studying. I would like to be back behind the screen again someday too.
Your next project is Faun (Vinnie Heaven), a new play directed by Debbie Hannan with Cardboard Citizens, Alphabetti Theatre and Theatre 503 – tell us a little about the play.
Faun is a fast-paced comedy, full of heart, youth, pan pipes, and a celebration of queer community.
Ace is 22, trans, queer and sofa surfing – currently – just for now – only at the moment!
They’ve actually just sorted out sofa number 13.
To keep a sofa requires you to act small, smiling, and polite. But no one is perfect and eventually everyone messes up – which would be a lot easier for Ace if they weren’t also unexpectedly growing fluffy ears, and a tiny tail!
It turns out people pleasing has a price and there’s only one place left for Ace to go…
Age guidance – 16+
Trans people are disproportionately affected by homelessness – one in four trans people have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives (Stonewall poll in partnership with YouGov, 2018). Yet theatre representing a trans experience of homelessness, remains rare.
What appealed to you about working with the team involved with Faun?
As a queer, neurodiverse artist from the global majority, I still struggle to find spaces where I can just be and truly feel safe. I’d love to see more stories that I can relate to. We exist, trust me!
Vinnie wrote a note at the beginning of the play and I knew that this was the project I not just wanted, but needed to be a part of. Trans actors are hugely underrepresented on stage or used as tick box casting and it’s not on. The cast reflects the diversity of the world. The play is an opportunity to let trans artists shine.
I’m passionate about stories that are not commonly told. The taboo topics. Celebrating the person that you authentically are and taking up space is so important, especially in a world that constantly makes you feel like you’re worth nothing.
Cardboard Citizens creates theatre with, for and about citizens with lived experience of poverty, inequity and homelessness. They use theatre, art and training to empower individuals to make change in their own lives, and in their communities.
I recently saw “Sound of the Underground” at the Royal Court which was co-created and directed by Debbie and it was a masterpiece.
Similarly, what are you most excited to discover about yourself as an actor and a creative whilst working on this project?
I’m excited to discover what it truly feels like to be devoted and involved in a project again. It’s like a feeling of knowing that you are where you’re meant to be.
Besides Faun, do you have any other upcoming projects that you are able to share with us?
Yes, I recorded two of my original songs “If you knew” and “In another life” which will be out soon on music streaming platforms. Also the short film I created in 2020 “Enolas Tape” is still doing festival rounds and has recently won again which is exciting. I made it for a Monkey project at first and then decided to just get it out there.
Finally, what advice would you share with anyone who is thinking about auditioning for Fourth Monkey?
Take up space, use your voice, break the rules, make all the mistakes… and stop fawning!
Nyah will be appearing in Faun (Vivienne Heaven, dir. Debbie Hannan) in Spring 2023, touring locations across the UK as follows:
Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle: 28 March – 15 April
Theatre 503, London – 19 – 29 April
Theatre Royal, Plymouth: 2 – 3 May
MAC, Birmingham – 5 May
The Lowry, Salford – 9 May – 10 May
Bristol Old Vic Theatre – 12 May – 13 May
Learn more and book tickets via Cardboard Citizens website.
Applications for 2023 entry across all of our undergraduate training courses, including BA (Hons) Acting, are open and can be submitted directly to our friendly Admissions team.
Auditions for Fourth Monkey’s September 2023 entry run until the end of June and we offer a free audition process for all applicants in support of our commitment to creating accessible pathways into the creative arts. Auditions are held at our London training base (affectionately known as The Monkey House) and take place over the course of a full day to allow everyone to explore and experience Fourth Monkey’s acclaimed thematic training approach and decide if this will be the right fit for them. Plus, to help further remove the costs associated with auditioning for drama school, we have an Online Audition on Saturday 25 March to ensure anyone whose circumstances mean they are unable to travel to us can still join us for an audition.
Find all audition dates for 2023 entry and everything you need to submit your application to start your drama school training journey via the link below.
