Author: Jigsaw Office

Spotlight on Jigsaw teacher Liam

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Liam is our superb 5-6’s Performing Arts and drama teacher in both Broxbourne and Ware. He is approaching his one year Jigsaw teaching anniversary with us, so we thought we would catch up with him to find out what he enjoys most! He is currently rehearsing our Broxbourne students for their end of term Jigsaw presentation as well as our Ware students who have their show ‘Funny Goings On in Gloobury Mansion’ next week!

 

We caught up with Liam to learn more…

 

Where are you from?

Pontypool, in South Wales.

When did you start working at Jigsaw?

January 2015.

Which Jigsaw schools do you and have you worked in?

Broxbourne and Ware.

What subject do you teach?

Drama in the upper school, though I also teach 5-6’s in Performing Arts.

Where did you train?

Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.

What did you do before Jigsaw? Have you had any of jobs that you loved/hated?

Before Jigsaw I was working as an actor, and still am. My best acting experience was a touring production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. We visited some stunning theatres throughout UK and also got the opportunity to work on Shakespearean texts with school groups. This was a real eye-opener and I quickly realised that I wanted to teach drama and run workshops.

My love/hate job would have to be from when I was younger and worked at Thornton’s (the chocolate shop) for about five years. It was a great job in my teens because I could get my hands on as many sample chocolates as I could eat, but I quickly discovered that too much chocolate does make you ill; that was a sad realisation!

What’s your greatest career achievement?

Performing in the 24 Hour Plays on the Old Vic stage in a play which was written and performed in twenty-four hours, hence the name. It was a thrilling experience and put me in contact with some amazing actors, directors, writers and producers.

What do you enjoy the most at Jigsaw?

THE STUDENTS!  Every week they make me laugh.

What has been your favourite moment at Jigsaw?

The first show I did at Broxbourne was a highlight. We did Wizard of Oz and everything came together really well and the students came across brilliantly in front of their parents. It was so rewarding to see all our work over the past eleven weeks come together and, more importantly, to see everyone having fun on stage; I think that’s one of the most important things to me as a teacher, that my classes are having a good time and enjoying their experience at Jigsaw.

What’s your favourite show?

My favourite musicals would be Miss Saigon or Songs for a New World, because both are great musicals for actors, they have so much drama. My favourite play I’ve ever seen was Enron at the Royal Court, I can’t explain, it was immense.

What would be the most rewarding role or show for you to do?

Richard III is an amazing role and I’d love to play that part. It would be a huge challenge, but if I ever got the opportunity to play Thenardier in Les Miserables then I would be a very happy man; that is a dream role.

Who is your favourite actor/actress?  Why?

I think Toni Collette is a really impressive actress, she always manages to portray really interesting characters and a huge range of emotions.

Do you have a favourite song Liam?

Every week I think my favourite song changes.

If you had a film of your life who would play you?

My friends all think that it would be Chris O’Dowd. He seems like a good bloke so I’d be alright with that.

Anything else you think we should know about Liam?

I love custard.  I would eat custard with anything if I could.

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. 

Spotlight on Jigsaw teacher Alex Bexleyheath!

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Alex from Jigsaw Bexleyheath began her Jigsaw journey exactly a year ago in April 2014 and comes all the way from The Comox Valley, which is on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. She has worked in our Enfield, Sevenoaks, Ilford and Bexleyheath Jigsaw schools and will be soon starting as the singing teacher in Finchley for Summer 2015. Alex is also very excited to be performing in ‘Carousel’ the musical at The Stag Theatre with Petts Wood Operatic Society.

 

Alex headshot

 Where did you train?

Capilano University and the University of British Columbia both in Canada but I have also done the Teacher Training course that the Association of Teachers of Singing puts on once a year here in England.

What did you do before Jigsaw? Have you had any of jobs that you loved/hated?

I have worked in retail on and off for a very long time which can at times be trying but also really fun. I worked at Tiffany & Co. on Bond Street for several years before working at Jigsaw and getting to try on all the really fancy jewellery was great fun!

What’s your greatest career achievement?

I’d like to think that there are still lots of great achievements to come but so far getting to work with one of my childhood heros Jeff Hyslop and the amazing musical director David Warrack for two summers doing theatre in my home town was a dream come true.

What do you enjoy the most at Jigsaw?

I enjoy the sense of family that is always prevalent at Jigsaw. The fantastic dynamic between all of the teaching teams, as well as with the children and even their parents is what make Jigsaw such a special place to be.

What has been your favourite moment at Jigsaw?

I think watching Jade and Ben at Jigsaw Ilford dance and rap during the filming of the Jigsaw song.

What’s your favourite show?

‘Into the Woods’ is my favourite! I love all of Stephen Sondheim’s shows but there is something special about the message behind all the fairy tales in ‘Into the Woods’ and I love that.

What would be the most rewarding role or show for you to do?

I have always wanted to play Christine in ‘Phantom of the Opera’. Since I was about 13 years old and using my bed as the boat as I acted out the whole show in my bedroom.

Who is your favourite actor/actress?  Why?

I love Natalie Portman. I think she is a superb actress and is always very natural both on film and off. Plus she’s not afraid to be silly and poke fun at herself, which is something everyone should be able to do.

Do you have a favourite song?

Hmmm this is always a tough question for a singer. I have many favourite songs in many different genres but right now I’m really enjoying listening to anything by George Ezra.

If you had a film of your life who would play you?

Sutton Foster or maybe it’s just because I’d love her life…

Anything else you think we should know about you?

Basically all you need to know about me is that I love to sing and the fantastic thing about being a singing teacher is not only being able to do what you love but to be able to inspire a whole new generation to love doing it too!

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. 

Performing arts for children in Sevenoaks

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Performing arts for children in Sevenoaks Every Saturday, come rain or shine, children across Sevenoaks come bursting through the entrance of Knole Academy, Bradbourne Vale Road, to take part in a morning filled with drama, singing and dance.

 

Spotlight on Jigsaw Sevenoaks

 

Knole Academy offers outstanding facilities and it is the perfect location for our Saturday sessions. Through Jigsaw’s sessions, children are given the opportunity to build on their confidence and social skills whilst gaining a unique insight into the performing arts.

Drama, singing and dance for children aged 3-18

Jigsaw Sevenoaks offers a wide range of classes for children aged 3-18

Little Ones take part in sessions lasting 90 minutes in total consisting of drama, singing and dance, whilst older children aged seven and upwards attend for three hours on a Saturday morning and receive performing arts training from tutors who are specialists in their subject.

Students in Sevenoaks often work towards end of term shows and presentations that take place at the Knole Academy. This term, children are on a technique term, meaning that they will be exploring different aspects of the performing arts, developing their skills in drama, singing and dance in classes led by a strong team of Jigsaw teachers.

Excellent staff

Students at the weekend school are coached by an excellent team of tutors. Sevenoaks’ Manager, Alexandria, who trained in both Classical Voice and Musical Theatre at Capilano University and The University of British Columbia in Vancouver, leads a team of teachers all of whom are incredibly passionate about the performing arts.

For further details regarding staff across Jigsaw schools, take a look at the teachers page on our website. 

Two week trial

Jigsaw offers a two week trial to new children in Sevenoaks who are keen to try Jigsaw for a fortnight before committing to the full term.

 

Get involved! Performing arts for children in Sevenoaks Every Saturday. For further details, take a look at the two week trial information on our website, or book now to secure your child’s place at Jigsaw Sevenoaks.

Performing arts classes for children in Harrow

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Performing arts classes for children in Harrow! This year, Jigsaw Harrow moved to the exciting new location of Priestmead Primary School. Every Saturday morning, children file through the doors of Priestmead’s brand new facilities for a morning of drama, singing and dance led by specialist performing arts tutors. The teaching team at Jigsaw Harrow have worked at many different Jigsaw schools and come with an enormous amount of industry experience. Explore the Performing arts classes for children in Harrow this term!

 

Modern dance

This term, children at Jigsaw Harrow have been working on modern forms of dance. Through some innovative tuition from dance teacher, Kate, students have been expressing themselves with energy and style to contemporary sounds. Showcasing some excellent technical ability, they have really excelled in dance and are clearly enjoying the sessions.

 

Powerful voices

Students in Harrow have really gone from strength to strength in drama and singing this term. Their energy and focus has been hugely impressive and their stage presence in both their singing and drama classes is of a very high standard. They are doing so well with their teachers, Anya and Kate, and it’s amazing how much they are growing in confidence as the term progresses.

 

Excellent ethos

Children in Harrow have showcased some excellent teamworking and communication skills this term. The friendly and inclusive atmosphere at Priestmead means that children of all ages are working together extremely well as they get ever closer to their end of term presentations. After such a strong start to the term, we are expecting big things when they showcase their drama, singing and dance skills to an invited audience of friends and family in just a few weeks’ time.

Find out more

Performing arts classes for children in Harrow! Is your child keen to try our drama, singing and dance classes in Harrow? Find out more about Jigsaw Harrow here.

Finchley show success stun audience!

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Finchley show students stun audiences! Now that the summer has drawn to a close, it’s time to reflect on what were a scintillating few weeks at Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools. With a broad range of exciting themes and some unforgettable final shows, students stunned audiences across the length and breadth of London and the Home Counties and all of us at Jigsaw were delighted with the hard-work and commitment from students who attended our summer camp.

 

Jigsaw Finchley summer school

When the curtain came down at the end of Finchley’s summer school show, the audience was left feeling so in awe of what they’d just seen that only a standing ovation would do! It was a fitting end to a very special week of performing arts classes in Finchley, and every single student who took part deserved the rapturous applause that they received that day.

All in all, the standard of performance in drama, singing and dance across all of our performing arts schools was extremely high and so it has left us feeling a sense of anticipation as we look ahead to the new term.

Brand new Saturday classes in Finchley

All eyes are now on a new term in Finchley with weekend drama, singing and dance classes ready to get underway. We have an exciting team of staff raring to go for a new term in Finchley and booking is now open for the Autumn term.

Connect with Jigsaw Finchley on social media

To find out more about Jigsaw Finchley’s drama, singing and dance classes for children, you can also follow Jigsaw Finchley on Twitter, Facebook. and Instagram.

Spotlight on Dani and Jigsaw Ealing!

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Dani has a lifelong passion for the performing arts and a long history with Jigsaw. Having managed Jigsaw Ealing with great success, she’s now taking over ownership and running of the school, so it’s a perfect time to shine the Jigsaw blog spotlight on her!

 

Spotlight on Jigsaw Ealing Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools blog post

 

The leafy London borough of Ealing has a rich cultural history. The Rolling Stones first played in public at the Ealing Jazz Club. Ealing Studios is one of the oldest film studios in the world, and Dame Judi Dench is the President of Ealing’s The Questors Theatre.

What sparked your interest in the performing arts?

From a young age, I can remember my Mum blaring the radio on our RT 80S Toshiba. Whether it was soca, reggae or Johnny Cash, she was always singing, dancing and smiling while she did it. There was never any doubt that music was embedded in my soul – I had no choice, and I’m glad!

As I got older and started paying attention to the music my brother listened to, I was influenced by the sounds of Salt n Pepa and Public Enemy – but then there was a revelation, Fame the television series started, and it changed my world. ‘Remember My Name’ became my life anthem. I would sing and dance and act as if I was one of the cast members. I knew from then that performing was always going to be a part of my life.

What brought you to Jigsaw?

I initially discovered Jigsaw through my band members many moons ago, who were working for Jigsaw at the time. They would describe Jigsaw Arts as a nurturing but professional organisation that not only taught performing arts skills but supported young minds on their journey of self discovery and confidence.

If that was not enough to encourage me to apply for the job as a singing teacher, it was the general ethos of fostering a sense of self-belief in not only the children but also all the adults across their many schools. I can walk into any Jigsaw school and get the same ‘You belong, you are welcome’ feeling.

 

What’s your favourite show you’ve been part of at Jigsaw?

My favourite show was not actually a show, it was a presentation. My team were so in tune with who our children were, they gave them options of what they wanted to work towards in all three disciplines. It was a term of pupils’ voices. All of the pieces were relevant to each child but also reflected the social environment they lived in. It was a heartfelt performance.

 

Dani, How does it feel to be taking over owning and running Jigsaw Ealing and what can we expect going forward?

Amazing! I feel like I’m in a place to continue to inspire and lead children and adults in our community, whilst having fun and laughter throughout our time together.

Jigsaw Ealing brings professional performing arts education to the community. Our show and presentation terms will be led by industry professionals in singing, dancing and drama for all ages, with the use of lighting and props to bring all their ideas to life.

In addition to this, children will have the opportunity to learn different genres of music, dance and acting on our technique terms. We will continue building imaginations and enabling young people to make new friends with others from our community.

People who attend Jigsaw Ealing will feel welcome and comfortable in the fact that we are teaching the whole child and supporting their journey to becoming confident young adults.

 

Dani runs Jigsaw Ealing on Saturday mornings at Drayton Manor High School. To enquire or to book your child’s place please contact Dani on 020 8261 7290 or email ealing@jigsaw-arts.co.uk. Visit Jigsaw Ealing for more information.

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. 

Spotlight on Jigsaw Deptford Bridge

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Spotlight on Jigsaw Deptford Bridge

Deptford Bridge (now Jigsaw brockley), offers drama, singing and dance

The grand opening of Jigsaw Deptford Bridge was on 24th September 2016 and what an amazing experience it was! The school was full of energy and smiling faces throughout the day!

Jigsaw has played a massive part in my teaching career and the ethos of the company significantly relates with my own; I have now seen first-hand the positive effect that Jigsaw has had on so many of our student’s lives.

Building confidence through the performing arts

I have always believed in the power of the Performing Arts for young people. I believe that it fundamentally supports confidence, social skills, mobility and life skills.

A performing arts school like Jigsaw did not exist when I was growing up, but if it had, it would have been immensely beneficial to both me and the people I grew up with: it would have changed some people’s lives, and this was a massive motivation for why I wanted to open my own school.

Now that our first term is underway, the experience of opening my own school has been exciting, nerve wrecking and a significant learning curve in my life.

A school for the community

I hope that Jigsaw Deptford Bridge becomes a school that the South East London community love, continue to send their children to, and speak highly of. Over time, we intend to expand and grow and offer many more opportunities to our students, inside and outside of our engaging, exciting and fun performing arts classes.

It is through these performing arts classes that we can create their place to belong; a place that they will never forget.

Jigsaw Deptford Bridge takes place at Addey and Stanhope School, 472 New Cross Road, London SE14 6TJ on Saturday mornings. For further information including teaching staff and class times, visit Jigsaw Deptford Bridge. Alternatively, you can follow Jigsaw Deptford Bridge on Twitter @JigsawDeptfordB, and don’t forget to Like our Facebook page.

Spotlight on… Jessica Ralph

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We had a chat with Jessica to find out in her own words what a term in the life of a Jigsaw student consists of and of course to find out her favourite part of all!

 

spotlight on Jessica

 

Jigsaw by Jessica

“My name is Jessica and I have been attending Jigsaw for eight years; I started when I was three years old. I have thoroughly enjoyed Jigsaw, which most children do. It prepares us to be confident in all areas of the performing arts: singing, dance and drama.

Each term we do something different. The first term, we practise techniques and at the end, we receive a report to show our parents how well we have done! The second is a presentation term – we perfect a piece from each category and perform to our families. This gives an insight in to what we do in our time at Jigsaw. The third is our show term (my favourite of all!). We all prepare for a production, which includes costumes, lighting and all the glitz of the West End!

Jigsaw is really fun and some children go on to star or be in West End musicals – will it be you??”

Jessica is quite right…

We currently have the very talented Amma Ris (Crouch End student) starring as “Nala” in the West End production of “The Lion King” and Luis Buddy (Ealing student) who appeared in the West End production of “The Wizard of Oz” and most recently in the original cast of “The Bodyguard”.

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. 

Spotlight on Jack George

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Jack George is our dance teacher extraordinaire, who has also been known to turn his hand to teaching drama and the performing arts. This month we put the spotlight on Jigsaw teacher Jack George to find out a bit more about the man who has choreographed shows, presentations and inspired so many of our students.

Tell us a bit about yourself, where are you from and if you went to drama school where did you train?

I’m Jack, and I discovered my love for performing at 10 years old! Originally, I’m from Leicestershire and moved to London to train in Musical Theatre at Bird College.

As a teacher where do you currently teach?

I’m currently teaching dance at Ealing (Saturday mornings) and Finchley (Sunday Mornings).

What are you working on this term?

Both of my schools are on presentation this term. I’m hoping my students will produce a great performance with a lot of energy and ultimately have a lot of fun. 

As an actor/performer what has been your most interesting job so far?

A performing highlight for me was working with Arlene Phillips and tap dancing on The One Show. But I love teaching. Seeing pupils develop their confidence, ability and performance is so rewarding.

What advice would give to a young person who have never been involved in the performing arts?

Performing Arts is a great outlet for self-expression and helps develop confidence, concentration, motivation and teamwork! It’s also a great opportunity to make friends and have a lot of fun.

We couldn’t have put it better ourselves!

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. 

Spotlight on…student Bella!

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Camden student Bella

 

Bella is one of our talented and enthusiastic group 2 students at Jigsaw and has been attending for 8 years! Her manager Tahra says that “Bella has a great personality and makes us laugh on a weekly basis. She has progressed incredibly well both as a performer and as an individual during her time at Jigsaw so far and has a bright future ahead of her”.

 

Here is a little bit about Bella and what she enjoys most about the world of Performing Arts…

Age?

Bella: 9 (Almost 10)

Where are you from?

I live in Camden and attend Jigsaw Camden at The Bridge School.

 

When did you start at Jigsaw?

2007 (Aged 2)

 

Do you have any brothers or sisters?  Do they attend Jigsaw?

Yes one brother and one sister. My sister attends Jigsaw.

 

Why did you decide to come to Jigsaw?

My parents recommended I try it and I loved it!

 

What’s your favourite subject at Jigsaw?

Dance (but I love all of them!)

 

What’s the best thing about Jigsaw?

Meeting different people and having fun.

 

What’s your favourite show that you’ve been in at Jigsaw?

Willy Wonka and last term’s presentation.

 

What do you feel you’ve gained from being at Jigsaw?

Confidence.

 

Have you had a favourite teacher at Jigsaw?

Tahra, Jenny, Kate (no pressure!!) and Louise and Janice.

 

What’s your ambition for the future?

To be involved in Musical Theatre/Acting or horse-riding or gymnastics.

 

Who inspires you?

Olivia Coleman.

 

What has been your favourite moment at Jigsaw?

Getting my 5 year trophy and reaching my goals.

 

Who is your favourite actor/actress?  Why?

Olivia Coleman or Jennifer Lawrence. Olivia Coleman always makes the role her own and Jennifer Lawrence always really gets into character.

 

Do you have a favourite song?

Sam Smith – “Stay With Me” and John Legend – “All of Me”

If you had a film of your life who would play you?

Selina Gomaz/Jennifer Lawrence/Ariana Grande

 

Anything else you think we should know about you?

How awesome I am! “AwesoME ends with ME”.

 

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.