Based on the five elements of the year of the monkey, Fire being performance, the year’s course offers the following in addition to the two rep seasons of productions.

With workshops throughout the calendar year when not in rehearsal for either production season, the actor will take part in regular sessions and an extensive part-time training programme as detailed below.

Workshops will take place predominantly over weekends, not including bank holidays (with the exception of the Bikram Yoga course).

Water: The Actor’s body, voice and its inner tranquility: Bikram Yoga, Alexander Technique, Vocal training and Stage Combat.

-Bikram Yoga Course in association with Sohot Bikram Yoga

-Vocal Coaching and song. Solo and group singing with West End performer Andy Bryant (Wicked)

-Extensive Voice Training and dialect coaching with William Trotter

-Alexander Technique with prominent practitioner and teacher Kate Kelly

-Stage Combat with professional fight choreographer Joe Golby

Drawing on our eastern influences and principles of community and ensemble work Fourth Monkey have joined in partnership with the infamous Sohot Bikram Yoga.

With shared philosophies and recognised benefits to the performer’s overall fitness, well-being and discipline, Bikram yoga will help enable the actor to fulfill both their physical and mental goals.

In addition to the Bikram, all company members will also receive training in Alexander Technique, an applied physical principle for actors since its conception, vocal coaching to develop the actor’s most important tool from renowned industry professionals who will employ different techniques, to develop and enrich the actor’s voice and stage presence.

During this element of training the actor will also receive singing coaching from the West End’s Andrew Bryant (Wicked), who will work on solo and group singing and Stage Combat from recognised industry professional Jade Appadoo.

Earth: From Seed to Screen, Shakespeare to Stage and Audition to Actor: Short film project, Understanding and bringing Shakespeare to life and drama school audition prep.

 -Shakespearian text with experienced actor and classical coach Jacob Thomas

-Drama school and general Audition prep with Steven Green & Jacob Thomas

-‘Dogme’ filmmaking course with Ian Williams: The company of actors will produce 5 short films from conception to screen. Culminating in a screening in Camden at the completion of the programme.

Workshops on the text and performance of Shakespeare with experienced actor and classical coach Jacob Thomas will open the mind to a fresh and invigorating approach to the work of the bard. With an individual teaching approach to breaking down the language of Shakespeare, Jacob will free the actor from the burden of the text enabling them to not only understand the language, but be able to perform it with character and freedom.

Solo performance and Drama school audition preparation with Steven Green and Jacob Thomas: From monologue choice through to performance, this element of the course will aid the young actor’s development and support those looking to embark on drama school entry auditions.

Based on the principles of ‘Dogme’ film-making and overseen by established short film-maker Ian Williams, the actors will participate from conception to delivery undertaking all roles from writer to performer and from director to camera.

Dogme is a filmmaking movement conceived by Danish directors Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg that focuses on the traditional values of story, acting and theme. This grassroots style of filmmaking will be taken from the workshop setting and planted in natural, non-studio environments.

Producing five short films from conception to completion, the company of actors will undertake not only the roles of performance, but will also write, direct and produce each film from scratch overseen by respected Film maker Ian Williams.

The project will culminate in a screening in Camden shortly after the completion of filming.

Metal: The Foundation of the Fourth Monkey way: Training, acting coaching and professional theory in the principles of Fourth Monkey from the company’s Artistic Director alongside other recognised experts in their field

 -Clown and performance through ‘play’ with Fourth Monkey’s Artistic Director Steven Green

-Movement with Steven Green & other practitioners: From Physical theatre through stage movement to dance.

-Laban principles and application with Steven Green

-The way of the Monkey Part I with Steven Green: Explore the working style of Fourth Monkey through a series of ensemble based workshops with the company’s Artistic Director.

As an established and critically acclaimed theatre company with a clearly defined style of working and ethos, the actor will be introduced to the ‘fourth monkey way’. Founded in the principles of ensemble and ‘play’ Fourth Monkey has developed a style of work that is both visceral and engaging.

The artistic director of the company, Steven Green will lead an extensive training programme of techniques and performance styles employed by Fourth Monkey Theatre Company.

Delivered alongside other influential industry professionals and practitioners the actor will explore physical theatre and performance through the process of play. Based on the principles of the masters of performance clown such as Lecoq, John Wright and Simon McBurney, the training will enlighten the actor’s approach to bold and free characterization, coupled with the essential complicite' of ensemble performance.

The ability to trust one’s self as well as one’s company members is key to the work of Fourth Monkey and indeed ensemble work in general.

Wood: Construction of career skills: Agents, casting directors, photographers and renowned professionals from all aspects of the industry to enable the actor a broad understanding of professional practice. 

 -Casting workshops for television with experienced casting director Kerrie Mailey: Through work-shopping scripts and scenes to camera develop your skills with a practicing industry professional.

-Seminar Q&A with industry professionals from various fields in the live and recorded arts: Networking and learning through sessions with directors, producers, publicists, film-makers, casting directors and agents on their roles within the industry.  

-Professional headshots coaching and workshop from established industry photographer* 

 -The Way of the Monkey Part II with Steven Green

 -Pre-production workshops of selected new writing texts for Edinburgh Festival 2012

The actor will be introduced to all components of production, from conception through design and delivery.

Additional workshops with industry professionals from both the live and recorded arts will enable the actor to gain a broad knowledge of all roles complicit in the realisation of performance.

A rounded performer knows the true value of those around them, something central to the team ethos of fourth monkey’s work.

Whether it be the role of the producer, publicist or photographer; through this insightful programme of sessions the fourth monkey company actor will be able to develop an understanding of the entire machine.

Through additional intensive workshops from industry professionals, the actor will receive supplementary coaching and be introduced to and workshop with experienced casting professionals and theatrical agents, with the long-term aim of gaining professional contacts, work and ultimately representation.

Additionally, at the end of the 3^rd workshop course the actor will have the opportunity of *professional headshots from a leading industry photographer to take to the Edinburgh Festival and onwards. Kick-starting their professional career.

                           *Please Note: There will be an additional fee for professional headshots