Audition Information
Fourth Monkey auditions are designed to be dynamic, supportive and personable.
We want all applicants to come away with a clear picture of who and what Fourth Monkey Actor Training is, feeling they have truly experienced our school and its training philosophy; and, most importantly, that they have the opportunity to be seen by us and demonstrate their skill and passion at audition through workshops, performance and interview.
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.
This was such an amazing day! It was inclusive and accessible… I felt as though my possibilities were endless. Fourth Monkey is a diamond among the rest.
Audition Day Participant, 2021Each 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.
Audition Dates
Applications to audition are currently closed. Audition Dates will be announced and Applications will open in October 2021 for September 2022 Entry.
Applications to audition are currently closed. Audition Dates will be announced and Applications will open in October 2021 for September 2022 Entry.
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!
Accessible Auditions
In line with our continued commitment to Accessibility, we aim to make actor training accessible to everyone who has the drive and talent to succeed and we endeavour to ensure our auditions are as open as possible to everyone who may wish to apply for drama school;
All our auditions are free of charge, for all courses, across all audition formats.
Additionally, to allow our Admissions Team to fully support you throughout the audition and application process, we strive to make all our auditions accessible to all and we endeavour to support any access needs that you require in order to audition with Fourth Monkey.
If you have access needs or require adjustments to your audition, if you need help with any part of the application or audition process, or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly Admissions Team.
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.
That’s what really made the school stand out for me – they will always try their utmost 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, Fourth Monkey Alumnus
