We’re pleased to announce that Arts and Homelessness International (AHI) in collaboration with One Roof ODAC will be starting regular scratch nights to be held at Old Diorama Arts Centre (ODAC). The first event will take place on Friday 12th September 2025.
A scratch night is an event where artists/creatives with lived experience of homelessness can show work that is still in progress. This might be a song, a poem, a fragment of a play, or a visual artwork that isn’t yet finished. It’s a space to try things out, to explore, and to begin conversations around work that’s still forming.
These scratch nights are open to artists/creatived with lived experience as well as AHI & One Roof ODAC communities with lived experience of homelessness, creating a safe and supportive environment for artists/creatives at different stages of their careers to share and discuss their work. Discussion will play a huge part in these events.
We are especially keen for creatives and artists with lived experience of homelessness to attend; whether as performers or audience members as your voices and perspectives are at the heart of this programme.
All conversations will be guided by the Critical Response Process developed by artist Liz Lerman. This is a kind and supportive structure for group discussion, enabling valuable feedback from the audience without overwhelming artists with harsh criticism or unhelpful praise. It’s about going deeper, helping artists learn more about their own work and the processes of others.
Each night will feature three or four artists. The work could take many forms—performance, visual sketches, ideas, a few lines of a poem or song lyrics. After each presentation, there’ll be a structured discussion, and then we’ll move on to the next artist.
The atmosphere will be relaxed and informal, with plenty of opportunities to socialise and enjoy refreshments.We hope this scratch nights will become a regular feature of our community calendar—an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and support each other, artistically and socially.
We’re looking for the next generation of imaginers, planners, designers, project managers and makers.
If you’ve been thinking about a career out of the ordinary, then our dramatic, creative and inspiring studios could be just the place for you.
Our Creative Pathways Programme is for those aged 16-25 based in the Midlands. You'll get the chance to step behind the scenes at one of the UK’s leading arts organisations – Birmingham Royal Ballet. Yes, you might be surprised to learn that one of the world’s great ballet companies is based right here in the heart of the city – and there is so much more to it than tutus and pointe shoes!
This FREE professional development programme is designed to give you a real taste of life in the arts. Our alumni tell us these are just some of the best bits:
You don’t need qualifications or any ballet knowledge to join — just curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to imagine turning your passion into a rewarding career.
Listen to our alumni speaking about the programme here.
Applications open Tuesday 16 September!
Are you creative, living in Scotland and aged 8-30? Apply now for up to £500 for your creative activity or project.
Creative Scotland are working with Moniack Mhor to offer funding to support and encourage creative projects and activities by young people aged 8-30 in Scotland who may have experience of isolation or marginalisation.
Creativity takes all shapes and forms, so whether you are a writer, knitter, musician, graphic artist, street artist, dancer, photographer, film maker or potter – basically anything at all as long as it is creative – we would love to hear from you and help to support your work
Applications are open now until 18th November. They are assessed once a month by a steering group of young people who also have experience of isolation and marginalisation, so you can apply any time.
Individuals can apply for up to £500. Groups can apply for £500 per person, up to a maximum of £2000
An open day like no other!
This is your chance to experience first-hand what it's like to train at Fourth Monkey, taking part in workshops with practitioners teaching on our accredited courses and hearing from current students, alumni and our founders.
Our immersive approach to open days gives you the complete drama school experience.
Take part in workshops and classes; get advice and insight from our students and staff; and ask your questions directly to our Artistic Director and Director of Training.
The ultimate open day and the only way to know whether drama school training is right for you.
Don't miss out on this free event.
Date: 25 October 2025, 10AM – 4:30PM
The Music and Sound Design programme is designed for musicians interested in composing music and designing sound for a wide range of contexts but with particular emphasis on film and theatre
Students will gain practical knowledge and experience of composing in the studio, composing for instrumental forces, song-writing and scoring for picture. Working alongside leading audio professionals students will also learn innovative methods of capturing, synthesising and manipulating sound, enabling the design of sonic environments to accompany picture, stage productions, radio and gaming.
Music and Sound Design highlights:
Drama at Queen’s combines history, theory and practice in an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, to discover why and how theatre works
Have you got what it takes to be a successful theatre actor, producer or performer?
This advanced, practical Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Creative Theatre Practice) is designed and taught by theatre professionals with extensive experience of theatre making and performance.
You will have the opportunity to develop your practice as an individual and as a member of a performance ensemble. You will be involved right from the start in an in-depth study of the performing arts, in which the practical side is strongly linked to the theory. The units that you study on the programme all lead to performance – some of these will be large scale public performances.
There is an option to complete the course after one year, achieving a subsidiary diploma, or complete two years which will lead to the extended diploma, equivalent to three A Levels. This will give you the option to apply to a range of universities or performance schools to study at degree level.
Fee for this course: £4,670
This course is normally free for the 16-to-18 age group.
This dynamic and intensive course takes place across four terms in a full calendar year. It is designed for those aged 21 and over who can discover and realise their potential as a creative artist over a year of training. You will be taught in group classes, developing your professionalism, collaboration and technical skill through ensemble learning and individual tutorials.
We expect you to be bold and fearless in your willingness to understand yourself and be prepared to be open and curious whilst experimenting with new methods of working. Throughout your training you will have opportunities to collaborate with leading directors, writers and producers.
The year culminates in London where you will perform in London venues to the public and to an invited industry audience. On completion of the course, you will be awarded Equity membership.
Graduates of this course include Tanya Reynolds, Babou Ceesay, Jude Owusu, Claire Foy and Richard Gadd.
Our Level 1 Diploma is an inspiring first step into the world of music and performing arts.
Our UAL Award in Music (Level 1) is an inspiring first step into the world of music creation. We will be studying how to create music, utilise studio equipment, work collaboratively with others, and plan, develop and complete creative projects across a range of different genres, media and uses.
Picking a different focus every half term, we will be delving into the world of sound effects, creating a multi-genre class album, getting to grips with studio and stage equipment, and investigating the sound and music of film and video games.
Regardless of whether you’re a beginner with a strong interest in music, a well-practised musician or a keen home studio enthusiast, there will be something here to sink your creative teeth into.
Are you a passionate theatre lover with a keen eye for detail and excellent writing skills? Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to be part of the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you as an Edinburgh Fringe Reviewer!
We are currently seeking Edinburgh Fringe Reviewers to join our Guest Reviewer Programme for the upcoming Edinburgh Festival Fringe. As a Theatre Reviewer, you will play a crucial role in providing insightful and engaging reviews of performances at the festival, helping to inform and guide audiences and artists alike.
