Month: February 2025

Megan is the new owner of Jigsaw Performing Arts School in Ilford. She is buzzing with energy and excitement and ready to bring lots of fun to the performing arts classes in Ilford on Saturday afternoons. We wanted to find out what sparked her interest in performing arts and her journey so far….

 

“I always wanted to perform”

As a young girl I always wanted to perform and be the centre of attention.  At a young age my parents would often find me with a hairbrush in hand, a costume and sunglasses on dancing around my bedroom pretending to be a superstar.  It was from this that my parents could see I clearly had a love for the performing arts so signed me up to classes in all disciplines. My love for the performing arts grew from there and after my completing my GCSEs I made the decision that I wanted to do a BTEC in performing arts and then go on to one of the top drama schools in London to study to be an actress.

It wasn’t until I had completed my degree that I decided that I wanted to be a teacher and I wanted to teach young people my subject that I am so passionate about.  It was a hard choice but I decided to be a secondary school teacher specialising in Drama.

 

 

I wouldn’t say that drama is my favourite out of the three disciplines, I love them all equally like they are my own children!  After a couple of years teaching full time in education, I wanted to get back to where my teaching career started, in performing arts weekend schools.

 

The steps to owning my own school.

It was from this that I found the wonder that is Jigsaw Arts.  I saw an advert on their website for a weekend performing arts teacher and was lucky enough to be asked for an interview.  Here I met Nicola and it was from that moment that I knew that at some point in my future I would own my very own Jigsaw Arts school – and here I am! Although I never imagined that I would be taking on a school during a worldwide pandemic.

To now be owning my own Jigsaw Arts school feels strange. I think it’s still settling in that I am actually the owner of the school and I’m not employed to run it. I’m so excited for the Autumn Term to start and I cannot wait to welcome everyone back to Jigsaw Ilford. I have big plans for my Jigsaw journey and I hope that one day I will own my own Jigsaw Empire! Watch this space!

 

So, what will I bring to Jigsaw Arts Ilford?

Well, I’ll bring my energetic enthusiasm for the performing arts, my love of the theatre and my bubbly and friendly personality. I’ll also be bringing an amazing team of teachers with me. I want to build the students’ confidence and just see them enjoying the arts and having the best time. I hope that my team and I will inspire our young people to be confident and use their imaginations and creativity in all walks of life.

 

If you’d like to join Megan for some inspiring performing arts classes, you can contact her on 020 3733 2314 or email ilford@jigsaw-arts.co.uk. Jigsaw Ilford takes place at The Ursuline Academy on Saturday afternoons and the new term starts on 26th September. 

In summer, London is turned into the city of rooftop restaurants and boat parties, but whilst the capital’s various attractions and museums offer some of the best exhibitions and activities, it is safe to say that nothing can beat a night out to go and watch a musical in one of London’s famous theatres.

In no particular order, here are three must-see shows which have taken the world of musical theatre by a storm; and the good news is that you and your family can enjoy them this summer!

The Lion King

If you are looking for night filled with uplifting adventure, The Lion King is the musical for you and all your family this summer. Now entering its seventeenth year at The Lyceum Theatre, this show has continued to amaze children and adults alike. With the use of magnificent costumes and breathtaking special effects, The Lion King tells the story of Simba, a young lion cub who, after the death of his father Mufassa by his evil uncle Scar, learns about life on his journey to becoming King of the pride.

The musical is a mixture of near plotlines to Hamlet whilst also combining with comedy and messages of friendship and unity to make the Lion King a West Endphenomenon and undoubtedly the King of London Musicals for years to come.

Stomp

If you want to see something original that will most definitely get you out of our chair and dancing to a new beat, then STOMP is the show for you. From paint cans to dustbin lids, shopping trolleys to the kitchen sink, STOMP allows the audience to experience theatre in a whole new light with a combination of music, rhythms and comedy to make a range of day-to-day objects come to life. Critics say “It’s the event that showed the globe that even the most ordinary objects can do extraordinary things – in the right hands” and has been running in the Ambassador’s Theatrefor a staggering 25 years.

STOMP is the perfect show: thrilling, hilarious and impressively powerful for all the family and will have your toes tapping and fingers clicking in no time.

Aladdin

Are magic carpets, lamps and genies more to your taste? Prepare to be amazed by the mind-blowing special effects, visuals and hundreds of beautiful costumes which bring the Disney classic Aladdin to life on London’s stage at the Prince Edward Theatre this summer. Suitable for all the family, allow yourself to be swept off your feet as the cast and crew take you to Agrabah to embark on a journey with Disney’s beloved characters of Aladdin, Genie and Jasmine with songs from the Disney original.

Reviewed as “theatrical magic”, do not miss this colourful, comical and splendid experience that is Aladdin, and will undoubtedly make you and your family discover “A Whole New World”.

Performing Arts Summer Schools

How about actually starring in a show containing drama, singing and dance? Alongside weekend performing arts classes for children, Jigsaw also runs week-long summer schools during the school summer holidays for children aged 3-16.

Students are put into age groups where they will participate in singing, dance and drama classes. Throughout the week, a show is put together with costumes, lighting and sound to create a unique and enjoyable theatrical experience for all the family.

Take a look at www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk/summer-schools  for more information and to book your child’s place at one of our schools.

Would you like to read more from The Jigsaw Blog? Check out last month’s article: Dreams Come True at Jigsaw Surbiton

Learning perseverance! Malcolm Gladwell’s concept of “10,000 hours” has firmly entered popular culture since his book Outliers was published in 2008. The idea is that perseverance and practice can make someone great at something. This can count as much as, if not more than, what someone is born with.

Whether these hours can be counted exactly, and what the roles of natural ability and practice are precisely, are still up for debate. But it’s a nice powerful number and an important corrective.

We love the story of an overnight, instant success. Often, however, that’s just what it is – a story. Less exciting, but more realistic, is all the hard work that goes into becoming an “overnight success”.

 

“Actually, I’m an overnight success, but it took twenty years.” – Monty Hall

One of the classic examples is Edison and his team testing over 3,000 designs for the light bulb. Then there’s Harrison Ford, working as a carpenter when he was cast as Han Solo in Star Wars. Or JK Rowling, whose manuscript for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was rejected many times.

We can do a a great disservice to children by creating role models and sharing narratives that only embody the idea of instant success. It can set children up for disappointment and fail to convey the importance of perseverance.

This is why children need to be challenged in life and to learn to challenge themselves, to develop their own goals and work towards them.

Unfortunately, the education system is often limited by the need to standardise and treat every child the same. Everyone needs to study the same subjects in the same way, and everyone has to take the same tests.

 

“Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.” – Samuel Johnson

Children who consistently struggle in the same area can miss out on that vital sense of progression. They aren’t shown those steps in between to get them from where they are to where they want to be. They might grow frustrated and give up, having not seen a clear path to success and not learned the value of perseverance.

On the other hand, children who find those same tasks easy without working hard can then struggle in other areas, or in the outside world later in life. They haven’t been challenged, so they haven’t developed the mindset and skills necessary for persevering, for working hard to accomplish something that doesn’t come easily to them.

This is why it’s all the more important to give children activities outside of school through which they can learn the value of perseverance. Every child is different, every child will learn in different ways and every child needs individual goals that will challenge them.

We’ve written before about the many benefits of drama, singing and dance. Another underrated benefit of the performing arts is that – with the right encouraging teacher who recognises children’s individual needs – they teach the value of perseverance.

Whether it’s working hard on a scene of dialogue, a song, or a dance routine, children can see their own improvement over the course of weeks, and that’s incredibly valuable.

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. 

Our Jigsaw Family is forever growing! We welcome lots of new students to our venues across the UK every term, and hire skilled teachers with a passion for the Performing Arts and a desire to benefit young people’s lives. There are lots of different job opportunities at Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools, and we are proud to provide ‘A Place To Belong’.

 

Many of our students have become assistants, teachers, and now franchisees! Running their very own Jigsaw Performing Arts School. This progression is so inspiring, we love sharing these experiences and supporting our budding franchisees on their Jigsaw journeys. Franchisees Imogen and Abbie shared their stories with us, their memories as a student, and how Jigsaw became their ‘Place To Belong’. Read more about Imogen and Abbie.

 

The values and the ethos that we follow provide a healthy and encouraging environment for all. We understand the importance of finding a sense of belonging, especially in the workplace. Jigsaw offer different job opportunities and franchising careers to those at Jigsaw, and with like-minded people wanting to know more!

 

Founder and Company Director Nicola Lander welcomes you to explore our job opportunities, and find your ‘Place To Belong’ at Jigsaw Arts. Owing to our continued success and growth, we are always on the look-out for the very best teachers and new franchisees to enhance the Jigsaw team.

 

 

So, who is a Jigsaw teacher?

A Jigsaw teacher is nurturing and full of enthusiasm! Individuals that have experience teaching, or are in the Performing Arts industry, who would love to pass on the joy of the Performing Arts to young people. We offer job opportunities to those committed to benefitting lives and promoting the Jigsaw Arts ethos of ‘A Place to Belong’. Our teachers work part time at Jigsaw Arts Weekend Schools and at our Holiday Workshops. Prior to the start of the term, all new teachers are required to complete the Jigsaw Arts Teacher Training Programme.

 

 

How do I become a Jigsaw teacher?

If you have no previous teaching experience, not to worry! We recommend spending a term or two as a teaching assistant first, to get an insight of how a Jigsaw Performing Arts Class runs, and what the teacher role will require from you. The Jigsaw Arts Teacher Programme is a great way to meet other teachers and connect. The day is held at a studio in central London with our fun teaching team, leading you through engaging workshops that will better your knowledge of teaching at Jigsaw.

 

 

Teaching at Jigsaw Arts.

Little Ones – Performing Arts

You will be teaching drama, singing and dance to children aged 3 – 6 years. The two sessions run for 1.5 hours each with a short break in between. Our schools operate on the weekends during the term times so you must be available on Saturday or Sunday, depending on the Jigsaw venue.

 

Main School – Singing, Dance or Drama

Teaching an hour of either drama, singing or dance to each group (Most schools have 3 Main School groups) with a short break in between. The children’s ages vary between 7-18 in the Main School. Our schools operate on the weekends during the term times so you must be available on Saturday or Sunday depending on the Jigsaw venue.

All teachers should have a clear DBS check.

Fees start from £20 per hour (depending on experience).

 

 

Do Jigsaw Offer Work Experience to Students?

We do! Many of our older students come along to Jigsaw to achieve their work experience with us. You could find yourself in the Jigsaw Arts Head Office carrying out admin work, or on site assisting a teacher at one of our weekend schools. There are many great opportunities to learn and grow at Jigsaw Arts!

 

Can I own a Jigsaw Performing Arts School?

Yes! It is possible to become a Jigsaw franchisee, to own and run your very own Jigsaw Performing Arts School in new areas across the UK. We welcome franchisees to the Jigsaw Network every year! We often hold Franchise Discovery Meetings where you are invited to our Head Office for an informal chat with our company director to learn more about the company.

Visit our ‘Become A Franchisee’ webpage for more information here.

Request a franchise package with further information by emailing us at franchise@jigsaw-arts.co.uk. 

 

 

Where can I get in touch?

To find your closest Jigsaw venue, enter your postcode into our venue finder here. Get in touch with the Manager of the school, you can find their details on their School’s web page! It could be the best thing you did.

One of our favourite times of year has arrived: panto season! When we heard that Jigsaw Bushey student Caelan had been cast in a professional pantomime, we couldn’t resist asking him a few questions about the experience.

Tickets are available now for Peter Pan at the Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth. The show runs from Thursday 12 December through to Sunday 5th January.

 

Tell us about the show?

Every year the Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth run a Christmas pantomime about a famous fairytale you may know. This year the show is Peter Pan and I am playing the role of Michael Darling. 

 

Tell us about your role?

My character is a 4-year-old boy who loves pirates. He has an older brother named John and a big sister called Wendy. He can be very shy around new people such as Peter Pan, however once he gets to know him he treats him like a Dad. In parts of the panto he is very funny and cheeky, especially with the pirates. He carries an old teddy bear throughout the whole show, which is heavy (a lot of hard work).  

 

What was the audition like?

When I arrived at the audition, I was feeling nervous and excited at the same time. I was taken into an audition room and was shown a dance routine which I had to take part in. Then I was given a poem called ‘Squeaky Shoes’ that I had to read out to the producer of the play. After this we were put into two groups. One group sadly didn’t make it to the second part of the audition. Fortunately, I was put through to the second round. 

During this part I had to read out lines from the panto itself and act in the character of Michael. I thought I must have been doing well as I caught the producer’s eye at one point, and he gave me a thumbs up which helped my nerves. After this we had to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in a high and low voice so they could hear how well our singing voices were.

In the end, they sent us all home and told us they would tell us our results on Tuesday. On Tuesday walking home from school my mummy received an email telling me I had made it through and I was given the part of Michael Darling. My heart filled with joy and I felt proud of myself and grateful for my mum who took me to the audition.  

 

What is your favourite part of rehearsals?

My favourite part of the rehearsals is acting out the nursery scene. This scene is my favourite because I have a lot of lines and get to show off the acting skills I have learnt during my time at Jigsaw. 

I also enjoy learning the dance routines and the new songs because I love learning new ideas.  I’ve also made new friends there who have similar interests as me and we get on really well, especially the boy who is playing my on stage brother as we spend most of our time together there.  

 

Who is your favourite actor/actress?

My favourite actor in the panto is the actor playing ‘Smee’, he has made me feel very welcome and makes me laugh a lot! He is very kind and friendly and gives me lots of top tips I can use in my acting.  

 

How long have you been coming to Jigsaw?

I have been coming to Jigsaw for one year now and I have really enjoyed it. I have learned lots of new strategies in singing, such as warm-ups, tongue twisters and playing with my vocal range. In dance I’ve worked on my flexibility and I’ve got more confident. My drama classes have been a real help for me during the audition process and in the panto. I’ve made lots of new friends since starting Jigsaw which is also really good! 

 

Why did you decide to come to Jigsaw?

I decided to join Jigsaw because I have always loved performing to my family. Many of my friends at school are not into singing, dancing or acting. Finding some friends with similar interests was important to me. When I am older, I am hoping to be a singer and actor in the theatre, and I think Jigsaw will give me lots of help in building my skills and aiming for my dream. 

 

What’s your favourite thing you’ve done at Jigsaw?

My favourite thing I’ve done at Jigsaw is performing ‘If Only You Would Listen’ from the School of Rock musical. I especially liked this performance because it was my first performance there and I was given the opportunity to show my singing voice in a solo verse. I also really enjoyed creating a Haribo advert as it was lots of fun and completely different to anything I’d done before. 

 

How do you think Jigsaw has helped you?

Jigsaw has helped me because not only have I learnt new skills, but I have also gained more confidence and they have given me lots of encouragement to just go for it. Katie always shows interest in my outside performances and encourages me to be proud of all my achievements. The teachers are kind and friendly and I feel I can ask them for help and advice if I need it. I’ve made many new friends who are into the same things as me, which is wonderful.  

 

What advice would you give to other children who like to perform?

My advice to other children would be don’t be shy and be yourself at all times. Work hard on any lines you are given, big or small, and give the best you have got. Never give up and have a go at everything even if you find it a bit of a struggle.

 

What fantastic advice! Head to the Watersmeet Theatre website to book your tickets for the Peter Pan panto. 

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. 

 

“Jigsaw has always been a part of my life as I started when I was just three. The last fifteen years at Jigsaw have been a safe and fun environment for me to grow in confidence and learn skills which you wouldn’t come across in day to day life. The confidence I gained allowed me to make friends at Jigsaw which is so important as I have met some of my best friends there.” Says Cara Johnson, Jigsaw Finchley and Youth Theatre student. 

 

Our classes for children aged 3-6 offer the perfect start to the performing arts. Through drama, singing, and dance we encourage self-expression and stimulate the imagination while developing focus, spatial awareness, and rhythm.

 

“Yoana is more confident and outspoken. She is not stressed when performing in front of many people. We both love Jigsaw classes.” says Mariya Yordanova, Jigsaw parent.

 

Dance, singing and drama skills

But what if we go further, what are the individual benefits of dance, singing, and drama? Well, dance allows children to be more active, improve their motor skills and develop their creativity.

 

“I will have done 5 years at Jigsaw this September. It’s difficult for me to choose my favorite discipline but I think I’d have to pick dance,” says Jigsaw Stevenage student Charlotte Hessay who recently reached the BBC Radio 2 500 Words Final. (We featured Charlotte’s success in our June 2018 blog article.)

 

Our ability to use language effectively to communicate our thoughts and emotions is such a vital and important tool these days. Young people must constantly use their verbal and communication skills for class presentations, exams and even University interviews.

 

“I attended the Youth Theatre for three years and my teachers there helped me become confident in public speaking, so much that I have grown an interest in speaking other languages which I am studying at University,” says Cara Johnson, and it doesn’t end there; drama teaches skills for life! Developing a child’s creativity through improvisation helps them to act on their feet and solve problems.

 

But what about our third discipline? Well, singing has physical, emotional and social benefits too. Whether you sing in a group or individually it boosts confidence and self-esteem. It exercises your lungs and strengthens intercostal, diaphragm and facial muscles.

 

“My teachers always gave me specific aspects to focus on and practice, and due to the attention I received at Jigsaw as a student, I am now off to study a degree in Musical Theatre at one of the country’s top performing arts schools.” – Benjy Smokler, Jigsaw Finchley student.

Jigsaw students are making waves in the professional world

Many current students and alumni gaining roles in TV, film and West End shows. Earlier this year Theo Grant of Jigsaw Hendon played Young Simba in The Lion King and Lilly-Mae from Jigsaw Stevenage played Young Eponine in Les Miserables. Harry Linacre Brown has recently joined the cast of The School of Rock, and for those with Sky, you can tune in to watch Jigsaw Alumni Rege-Jean Page, as he plays Leonard Knox, the power-driven son of a United States Senator in American legal drama series For The People.

“Jigsaw helped me pursue my career by giving me, and many other young people, a place where they felt safe expressing their love and passion for the performing arts. At a time when a lot of my friends were influenced by other things, Jigsaw also became a place that steered me onto the right path. I attended Jigsaw for just over 5 years, and when I left I was offered a Teaching Assistant job at the Enfield branch. I also attended the Jigsaw Youth Theatre when I was in my late teens. That’s the great thing about Jigsaw: It’s a place where help is always provided; a place that cares about you and your future, and a place where you never feel like “just another student”.” says Jigsaw Alumni Tarinn Callender, who has recently celebrated his 300^th show in the West End musical hit Hamilton.

So, for us the evidence is clear; there are so many skills and opportunities to be gained from the performing arts. Jigsaw is more than simple weekend dancing, singing and drama classes – we teach skills for life, helping young people build confidence in themselves, discover new talents and help them make friends. Most importantly, it’s a place to belong for so many young people and a platform that strives to support them in whatever direction they choose to take.

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.