SPOTLIGHT ON MADDIE
Name – Maddie
Where are you from? – Buckhurst Hill, Essex
When did you start working at Jigsaw? – In September 2022
Which Jigsaw schools do you and have you worked in? – The first Jigsaw school I worked at, and where I still currently work, is Jigsaw Potters Bar. I have also worked and covered at Jigsaw Barnet and Jigsaw High Barnet.
What subject do you teach? – Originally, when I joined Jigsaw, I started as a singing teacher and gradually moved into teaching dance as well. Now I am Jigsaw Potters Bar’s dance teacher. However, when covering at other schools, I teach across all subjects.
Where did you train? – I attended Chickenshed Theatre Company, where I first began in their Youth Theatre as a child. From there, I progressed onto their Performing Arts BTEC, then completed a Foundation Degree, begore graduating in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Inclusive Performing Arts.
After this, I trained to become a secondary school teacher and achieved my QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). I completed my training between 2023-2025 and now teach full-time during the week, alongside continuing to teach at Jigsaw on weekends.
What did you do before Jigsaw? Have you had any jobs that you loved/hated? –Before working at Jigsaw, I was a full-time student while also teaching Performing Arts at weekends for other companies. Be I have been teaching performing arts classes since the age of 15. The year before starting that, I worked in an organic café as well as helping out at weekends at my cousin’s hair salon.
Out of all jobs I have had, I really didn’t enjoy working in the café. I found it difficult because it didn’t allow me to be creative or fully myself. I’ve always been someone who wants to dance around, sing and perform, and that just wasn’t possible there. Working within Performing Arts feels much more natural to me.
What’s your greatest career achievement?
One of my greatest achievements has been completing my degree and teacher training while continuing to work within Performing Arts. I’m proud that I’ve been able to turn something I’ve loved since childhood into a full-time career. Helping others find a way to show their talent is something I will forever love to do and love to support.
As well as this, I am fluent in BSL (British Sign Language) and have been using it from a young age. I have now completed up to Level 4 in my qualifications and have started teaching BSL to a variety of age groups. One of my proudest experiences was signing throughout a two-hour performance whilst also dancing, singing and moving in character around the stage. Since then, I’ve also begun teaching actors how to incorporate BSL into performances, which has been incredibly rewarding.
What do you enjoy the most at Jigsaw?
The thing I enjoy most at Jigsaw is the energy and creativity of the students. I love watching children grow in confidence, develop their skills and become more comfortable expressing themselves. Every week is different, and it’s such a positive environment to work in. I also look forward to seeing my team every week, we’re all so close and I consider them all good friends of mine.
What has been your favourite moment at Jigsaw?
My favourite moments at Jigsaw are always the performances and showcases. Seeing students perform confidently on stage after weeks of rehearsals is incredibly rewarding. I especially love those moments where a student who started off as shy suddenly comes burst out of their shell during a performance. It’s even the smaller moments, for example when a students tells me that their flexibility has improved because they have been using the correct stretching techniques we’ve worked on in class, or when they struggle with a particular move, go home and practice, then come back the following week excited to show me they can finally do it. It’s all the little moments.
What’s your favourite show? – This is such a difficult question, because I am so indecisive. I would have to say that ONE of my favourite West End performances would have to be Billy Elliot. The movement, the music, the emotion… I loved it all! That’s a performance I HAVE to watch again! One of my favourite Broadway performances would definitely be Chicago. I was blown away! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and left the theatre with my face hurting from smiling too much!
What would be the most rewarding role or show for you to do? – I think I would say I’ve already had an incredibly rewarding role. In a previous answer, I mentioned being the sign language lead within a performance. It was my favourite role to date and my cousin, who is deaf, came to watch the show and afterwards told me that I was a natural and that he was proud to see me using and incorporating BSL into a performance. That moment meant so much to me and is something I’ll always remember.
If I were to choose a dream role for the future, I would probably say Elphaba in Wicked. Ever since I was young, my family have always said, “She’ll be Elphaba in the West End one day,” and I would absolutely love to make that dream come true.
Who is your favourite actor/actress? Why? – If we’re talking about stage performers, I would definitely say Idina Menzel and Cynthia Erivo (two incredible Elphabas). Their voices are unbelievable, and their range and individual performance styles are everything. I would absolutely love the opportunity to meet and sing with Cynthia Erivo one day!
If we’re talking about screen actors, I would have to say Viola Davis. She is such a powerful actor and always brings such raw, believable emotion to every role she plays.
Do you have a favourite song? – It would have to be Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal. My auntie introduced me to this song when I was younger, and I don’t think I’ve ever connected with a song so much before. Yes, I’m a bit bonkers but I don’t mind that at all! This song just instantly boosts my energy and puts me in a good mood.
If you had a film of your life who would play you? – I have no idea. Maybe, a blonde version of Emma Stone. She’s fun, she’s quirky and could definitely pull off my energy.