Month: February 2025

Half term breaks, Easter holidays, even Christmas. They’re merely sneak peeks of what comes at the end of the academic year: Summer. And with it, a plethora of Summer activities to choose from. But not every Summer activity is created equal!

While Summer holidays are precious to a child, parents might feel more ambivalent. With those six long weeks of freedom comes the pressure of filling them. And not just with any activity that gets the kids out of the house, but something worthwhile.

So what makes for the perfect Summer activity?

1) It’s different to school

Perhaps the most obvious criteria, but one that’s all too often overlooked!

Summer holidays and Summer activities aren’t about getting a head start on next year’s school work. Yes, there might be the odd reading list or two, but these can and should fit around extra-curricular activities.

Holidays are supposed to be a breather from the classroom. It’s a chance for children to try things out, challenge themselves and discover new interests and passions that balance and complement, rather than too closely resemble, their school work.

2) It’s active

Whether it’s in the classroom in front of a teacher, or on the sofa in front of the TV, children and teenagers spend most of their days and nights sat in place.

And what about those whose interests lie outside the few sports that are available in schools?

Setting up children for a healthy and happy life means finding something active that they actually enjoy early on, something they can take with them through their adult life.

3) It’s social

During term-time, children spend most of their time with people at their school and, within that, with those in their class.

But it’s a bigger community and a larger world out there, and they can make lifelong friends in the unlikeliest of places and ways.

The perfect summer activity brings together children who might have never met otherwise, expanding their social circle and helping them meet all sorts of new people and encounter new ideas.

4) It’s creative

We’ve written before about the value of creativity for children, and how every opportunity for them to be creative is precious. Summer is the perfect time to spark their imagination and embark on longer, more involved projects that aren’t possible in term-time.

5) It creates great memories

Whether they’ve produced something they can bring home to take pride of place on the fridge or mantelpiece, or appeared in photos that will stay in the family album for years to come, the perfect Summer activity has to be memorable. It should create great experiences that will stay with them for years to come.

6) It’s convenient for parents

Last but not least, the beleaguered parents! There are so many questions that goes through the mind when trying to choose the right Summer activity:

• Is it local and convenient, or a grueling hour-long drive away?
• Is it reasonably priced?
• Will I have peace of mind when I see them off for the day, that they’re safe and doing something worthwhile?
• Will I get to share in my child’s accomplishments and joys?

Finding something that matches all of these qualities is difficult, but well worth trying!

We’ve written before of the many benefits that the performing arts offer – using acting in everyday life, why to take singing lessons, and the importance of dance. Could a Jigsaw Summer holiday workshop be your perfect summer activity? 

Head over to our Summer Camps page to find out more! 

If you’re one of those people, especially if you’ve just secured a place in one of our performing arts classes for the very first time, don’t worry, you’re in safe hands!

Here are our top 5 things that you can expect on your first day.

1. A Friendly Manager

Your manager will be waiting for you at reception ready to tick you off the register with a warm smile and your welcome pack. Remember, it’s important to arrive 15 minutes early on your first day so that you can meet your manager and ensure that all your important details are correct. You’ll then be ready to start your Jigsaw journey!

2. Lots of People Like You

We can guarantee that you won’t be the only new student arriving on your first day. Everyone at Jigsaw had a first day too once upon a time (even your manager!) so we all know how it feels. If you’re feeling a little bit shy we can pair you up with a class buddy or even Jigsaw Joey, who is always available for cuddles.

3. Inspiring Teachers

You can expect friendly faces and bright personalities. Many of our teachers are professional actors, singers and dancers working in the industry. We find that this helps to keep our classes current and up to date as they all have their fingers on the pulse when it comes to the latest shows and routines. You never know, you may have already seen them at the theatre or even on TV!

4. A Fun & Engaging Class

You can expect to work with your fellow students as a class or in small groups where you’ll have the opportunity to have your own creative input. But it’s not all work and no play either! We are very relaxed and aim to develop your skills over time. We love to play lots of games that help to develop focus, creativity and mindfulness. Why not read our article on our favourite drama games to give you an idea of what to expect?

5. A Break

There is always a break approximately half way through the class where you’ll have the opportunity to refresh yourself and have something to eat and drink. We recommend that little ones (3-6 year olds) pack a snack and drink, something like a bottle of water and a piece of fruit. For our older students (7 – 18 year olds) who enjoy our 3 hour sessions, it’s worth considering a sandwich as well!

Finally…

To all those Mums and Dads who have never booked a Jigsaw class for their child before and are wondering what the benefits are, take a look at our video below or read about The Value of Creativity, Why Arts Education is Important in a Child’s Social Development and Why Dance is Important.

We believe that the performing arts can teach a child transferable skills for life. Whether that’s having the confidence to stand up in front of your peers, voice your opinions or think creatively, we want to give all our students the opportunity to excel as individuals and find a place to belong.

 

 

Jigsaw Performing Arts is dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self-expression and building confidence. We offer performing arts classes for children aged between 3 – 18. Find your nearest school by entering your postcode into the search on our home page. 

“It has been a terrific start to the year” says Company Director Andy Hutchings, “the training provided by our award-winning franchise package and the commitment and enthusiasm of our new franchisees Rachel, Imogen and Philippa have meant that all three schools have had an excellent start in their opening term.”

With all three schools opening with lots of excited and enthusiastic students, it shows that Jigsaw Performing Arts is a trusted among parents as a provider of high-quality performing arts classes.

Jigsaw Harlow

“Jigsaw Harlow is alive and kicking and what a fantastic first few weeks of term we have had!” says Rachel, whose school in Harlow runs on Sunday mornings. “Our presentation pieces are well underway, and we cannot wait for our students to get their opportunity to shine! The support received from the Jigsaw Head Office has been second to none and it has definitely been the reason for what I feel is a successful opening of the school!” (Read more about Rachel and Jigsaw Harlow here.)

Jigsaw Cardiff

Philippa, whose school in Cardiff opened with over 100 students – record numbers on an opening weekend – is positively bursting with pride! “The students were great; the teachers and Jigsaw support was great, and I felt completely amazed with how perfect it all felt! It was amazing to finally meet all the customers that I had spoken to over the months in the build up to our first day. The support from Andy, Nikki and the team is far better that I could have imagined!” (Read more about Philippa here.)

Jigsaw Teddington

“It was an unbelievably seamless, successful and joyful first day,” says Imogen, who runs Jigsaw Teddington on Saturday mornings. “Now, just 4 weeks into our first term, I know that this is one of the best decisions I have made. Jigsaw Arts Teddington has already brought me a huge sense of achievement and pride and I couldn’t have wished for more aspirational and knowledgeable people supporting me. A special thanks to Andrew Hutchings, Nicola Lander and all of the Jigsaw Team!” (Read more about Imogen here.)

“We are so proud of all our franchisees,” says Andy, “and with two more schools opening next term it only means that even more students have the opportunity to discover their talents, learn new skills and grow in confidence through the performing arts.”

If you want to open your very own Jigsaw Performing Arts School, or it has been a lifelong dream to offer engaging performing arts classes for children, why not book your place on an upcoming Franchise Discovery Day? Come along for friendly informal chat, meet the team and discover how you could run your own successful franchise. Please email franchise@jigsaw-arts.co.uk for more information. 

WOW! We have some very exciting news to share with you all. Our wonderful Jigsaw Watford student Myles is currently starring in ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ at The Ameida Theatre, London. He stars alongside Oliver Award-nominee James McArdle and Four-time Academy Award-nominated Saoirse Ronan.

Myles is certainly no stranger to the West End stage. He made his Debut in the smash hit show  “TINA – The Tina Turner Musical” and he has many TV commercials and filming experiences under his belt.

We caught up with Myles to find out about his experience from the audition day right through to press night!

What was the audition process like for Macbeth?

The audition process was pretty intense. I had to bring my A game especially as I was auditioning against hundreds of other actors.

How did you feel when you heard you had been given the role?

When I heard I had landed my role in Macbeth, I think the word to describe my feeling was ecstatic. My mum, dad and I celebrated for a whole week.

Tell us a little about your role?

Macduff’s Brother – come & see the play and you’ll be impressed! It’s jaw dropping!

What has been your best moment so far?

Meeting the other great actors, artists and creators involved in the play. It felt like one big, gigantic family.

How has Jigsaw helped you in preparing for your role?

Jigsaw has helped me to explore my emotions, expand my imagination and has helped in different ways to encourage my confidence and character.

How do you balance being a child actor alongside school work?

I balance performing and school by prioritising my education as number one. Everything is secondary as I’m always reminded that you have to have a plan B if acting doesn’t work out.

What is it like working with such a great cast?

Working with such a professional cast around me has not only inspired me to improve my craft but to always be on point. Being around such great people has made me a better actor.

Describe the feeling of being on stage in 3 words

Joyful, Emotional, Adventurous

What are your favourite musicals/plays and what would be your dream role?

One of my all time favourite musicals and one I would dream of being in would be The Lion King. It redefines the meaning of magic on stage. My next favourite musical has to be The School of Rock and again I would love to land a role in it one day.

Myles also wanted to add…  “I want to thank Jigsaw for giving me the opportunity to express myself and as it has helped open many doors both to myself and many other budding children’s actors”

Thank you Myles! To book your tickets to see Macbeth (Be quick – they’re selling out!) just head to www.almeida.co.uk 

Make sure you check out our next blog which features Jigsaw Bushey student Caelan who is indeed currently starring in “The School of Rock”. Dreams really do come true!

Miss Saigon has made its highly anticipated return to the West End and is already taking the theatre world by storm. This gut-wrenching musical tells the story of a young girl called Kim who falls in love with Chris, an American GI. This all takes place during the fall of Saigon and we see their lives end in complete devastation as their relationship is ripped apart, twist after twist.

As a 14 year old eager performing arts student with a huge passion for musicals, I was more than excited when my Mum took myself and my friend Laura to see this show at The Birmingham Hippodrome back in 2003. We already knew all the songs off by heart, although admittedly I didn’t really understand the full extent of the story-line. Of course it further cemented our love for musicals so when Miss Saigon was announced to make a return to the West End 11 years later, with an added song and a few changes to the lyrics, the inevitable happened. Once again, Laura and I would be reliving the Saigon experience and my count down until show night began.

This show was purely exhausting and I felt as though I left the theatre with a torn-out heart and empty pit at the bottom of my stomach, but I enjoyed every minute. Strange paradox I know. I was incredibly impressed with all of the performances in the show as it was so beautifully acted, choreographed and directed. Flawless in every sense. Even the lighting deserved a standing ovation, which is something I don’t usually pay much attention to. Highlights for me included the character John singing “Bui Doi” with a real gospel quality to it which is completely different from whenever I’ve heard it sung before. 18 year old ‘Eva Noblezada’ playing Kim was absolutely breathtaking. As an audience member I truly felt she meant every word and every line she sang, with such a mature sincerity and a real maternal feel to her character in the scenes with her young on-stage son Tam. She certainly is an incredible talent.

The only part I missed from the original production was the duet “Now That I’ve Seen Her” which is sung by the characters Kim and Ellen who are both in love with Chris and come face to face for the first time. However, this has been replaced with a very intense solo sung by Ellen called “Maybe” and in this much more gritty rendition of the show I have to admit it fits perfectly.

I absolutely award Miss Saigon with 5 stars as it completely exceeded my expectations. It’s a difficult one to put into words just how much I felt affected by this show and I don’t doubt for a moment that the majority of the audience felt the same. It received an overwhelming standing ovation, and with such a lot to take in throughout one show, I can’t wait to have the opportunity to go and see it all over again!

Jigsaw Performing Arts is dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self-expression and building confidence. We offer performing arts classes for children aged between 3 – 18. Find your nearest school by entering your postcode into the search on our home page.