Audition Information

About our Auditions

Taking place over the course of a full day, our auditions are designed to work with applicants on their performance of text, their vocal and physical suitability, plus their individual drive to train professionally and adhere to the rigours attached to professional actor training. It is also designed to give each applicant equal opportunity to ensure that Fourth Monkey will offer the most suitable approach to training for them.

The audition experience itself begins with a full ensemble warm-up and workshop, followed by a selection of physical workshops and exercises to give everyone a chance to familiarise themselves with our approach to actor training.

Applicants will then perform their chosen monologues to the panel and re-work at least one of their chosen speeches, working one-on-one with the panel member. This is intended to enable us to play with the speech and to further explore the choices an applicant has made, as well as give an insight into who they are as an actor and performer.

Each applicant will then have a one-on-one interview with a member of the audition panel, discuss their application and have an opportunity to ask any questions about the training and school.

There will also be a tour of the Monkey House, plenty of opportunities to speak with Alumni or students as well as a Q&A session to ask any questions that you may have about Fourth Monkey’s core training ethos, approach to drama school and actor training, and the overall student experience.

Your Audition

Fourth Monkey audition days have been designed to ensure that all applicants have the same experience and opportunities to see and be seen, regardless of the audition format or location. Fourth Monkey auditions are designed to reflect our training and company ethos, celebrating the individual whilst fostering a sense of collaborative growth and development. We aim to create a relaxed and informal environment so everyone can explore and celebrate their true potential.

A typical audition day begins promptly at 09:30, and normally ends by 18:00. All auditions are conducted by Fourth Monkey’s Artistic Director, Steve Green, and Director of Training Charleen Qwaye, alongside a panel of specialist practitioners who teach the core modules on our courses.

All applicants are asked to prepare and perform two short audition speeches, each lasting no longer than two minutes:

• One Classical speech (Shakespeare or similar Elizabethan-era writer)
• One Contemporary speech

Please note; applicants to the MA Collaborative Theatre course are additionally required to provide a short portfolio piece or presentation (no longer than three minutes). This should imaginatively showcase creative process, professional experience and engagement with chosen medium, materials or discipline, and this should be submitted when completing your online application form.

Don’t forget to wear appropriate clothing that allows for freedom of movement, prepare any questions you might have for our panel and alumni hosts, and make sure you have a bottle of water to hand to keep you hydrated as you act, make, move and collaborate!

Most importantly, applicants should come with an open-mind and be ready to be bold and play, both as an individual and as part of an ensemble.

We look forward to welcoming you to a Fourth Monkey audition very soon!

Be Bold & Play, it’s the Fourth Monkey way!

Fourth Monkey applicants are only assessed on individual merit at audition, focusing on their potential as an actor and theatre maker. Within this framework, all applicants are assessed on the following qualities and abilities:

• Ability to take direction
• Understanding of text and use of emotion
• Truth & Focus
• Expression of thought and feeling through movement and voice
• Openness to others’ imagination and creativity
• Communication, generosity and collaborative skills
• Creativity, boldness and playfulness

During the audition process, certain expected professional practices are upheld, such as; attendance, promptness, etiquette and appropriate kit. So make sure that you are on time and ready to go!
 

• Ensure that you have read the whole play each of your chosen monologues comes from
• Use only your natural accent – we celebrate you and your individuality at Fourth Monkey
• Feel free to perform your piece how you wish, including to the audition panel

Keep In Touch!

We strive to be different from other Drama Schools, we want to support you throughout the application and audition process with us. If you have any questions or there is anything else that we may be able to help you with, please do get in touch with our friendly Admissions Team.