SPOTLIGHT ON OLIVIA
Name: Olivia Dyson
Where are you from? Little town called buntingford in Hertfordshire
When did start working at Jigsaw? I started when I was freshly 18 back in 2019, at Jigsaw PB.
Which Jigsaw schools do you and have you worked in? I have worked in/am working at Potters bar and Barnet.
What subject do you teach? I’m a performing arts teacher so deal with the littlest stars between ages 3-6.
Where did you train? I trained for a Higher national diploma at Hertford regional college and completed my BA at the Colchester Institute in Musical theatre (all of this training was during the dreaded covid years!!!)
What did you do before Jigsaw? Jigsaw was one of my first ever jobs, I also assisted at other dance and theatre companies one in which specialises in Inclusive dance. I also held down a cleaning job too!
Have you had any of jobs that you loved/hated? Cleaning was defo my least favourite as we weren’t allowed to listen to music or dance around whilst cleaning like they do in the movies. I also adore my weekday job where I teach inclusive dance from over 60’s, those living with dementia and children/adults with additional needs. I hear so many wonderful stories and see the impact that dance has on people’s lives and memories. Dance, music & Theatre really creates a sense of self and community.
What’s your greatest career achievement? Tough question because there’s been so many highlights but I think knowing someone I taught from about 4 years old is now a Westend superstar! Or If we’re going back from childhood getting to be on TV Series such as call the midwife/Eastenders/silent witness (peaked at the age of 10)
What do you enjoy the most at Jigsaw? I love getting to watch the smallest performers find their joy and confidence in class and how their talent progresses each year, watching their performing sparks grow.
What has been your favourite moment at Jigsaw? I think it’s got to be when I had a student who always cried at shows finally stand up in front of an audience and smash it! Not only was she proud of herself I almost cried with pride.
What’s your favourite show? Hard question as it does change but Beauty and the beast will always be special to me as it was my first big show as a kid to be in which started my whole love for performing. (I played little chip)
What would be the most rewarding role or show for you to do? Oo I would love to either be Dorothy in the wizard of oz or any Disney show (little mermaid/belle/anna) so I can live out my Disney princess dreams.
Who is your favourite actor/actress? Why? I love a very traditional set of performers as they are who I idealised, so either Julie Andrews or Judy Garland both beautiful and talented actresses that I grew up wanting to be like them.
Do you have a favourite song? It changes all the time but at the moment either Olivia Deans cover of you can’t hurry love or the Joseph and the tech dream coat Megamix.
If you had a film of your life who would play you? Maybe like an Anne Hathaway or if it was a musical I’d want Carrie Hope Fletcher to play me.
Anything else you think we should know about you? I still love to perform, I find having a show to work towards keeps me training and improving my skills as well as brings joy to my daily routine. I truly would feel lost if I wasn’t able to keep singing and dancing. Theatre creates a big community where everyone appreciates the time and effort that goes into a show and keeping it fun doing what we all love. Every year I try to do at least 2 shows (I had 4 on the go all at the same time last year which may have been overkill!!)