PUBLISHED 13 October 2023
Recently, AKS Drama Scholars with GCSE and A-Level Drama students took part in an incredible workshop produced by Fourth Monkey.
“The workshop was a great experience; I really stepped out of my comfort zone for the better.”
Hiruni P, Year 10 Drama Student
Fourth Monkey is an alternative route to traditional drama school training, and really takes a unique approach to acting. They include a lot of physical intensity and rigour in their work and create amazing and versatile actors. AKS was privileged to work with two of their staff and professional actors.
The workshop surprised me; I was not expecting such a different take on acting. I tend to have a tough time in social scenes, and this was just what I needed. We started off with an exercise that involved walking around the room, building our speed, and using many different actions. I managed to settle in immediately, and by the end of it, everyone was laughing and talking. Fourth Monkey’s style of acting is a fantastic way to break the ice and create a room full of extroverts, whilst also showing you how different acting methods can be.
The two professional actors who led the workshop are astonishing at what they do. They created such a kind and comfortable environment to work in and I couldn’t be more grateful. They had such a positive way of doing things and included everyone in their enjoyable activities. They are an inspiration to young actors, and I hope that in the future I can act like them.
My favourite part of the workshop was the final improv activity we did, which they called ‘the box game.’ We all had to follow the lines of the box and improvise with our fellow pupils. It was such a joy to take part in, and we really got to explore all different scenarios to perform with each other. We also did an exercise with a singular stick of bamboo, where you would hold one end with your finger and your partner would hold the other. This was very intimate, and you really had to concentrate and focus with your partner. This was interesting to do, as you had to communicate through actions instead of words.
Fourth Monkey is an incredible opportunity to explore new acting styles, and to also have creative flow with multiple different people. This workshop has increased my knowledge on physical acting, as I have been led by example by two brilliant actors. It has inspired me to take part in many different areas of drama, and I am incredibly grateful for this experience that the drama department has offered me.
“It was such an exciting workshop to take part in, and I had so much fun!”
Lily Gartside, Year 10 Drama Scholar
Review by Ella P, Year 10