Job Opportunities at Jigsaw Performing Arts School

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.

 

jigsaw-teacher-at-show

Jigsaw teacher helping our students prepare for their end of term show.

 

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.

 

teacher-jigsaw-arts-finchley

Jigsaw teacher encouraging her students in the ‘Little Ones’ class!

 

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).

 

jigsaw-arts-teacher-dancejpg

Jigsaw Arts dance teacher supporting her students.

 

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. 

 

jigsaw-arts-franchisees-together-

Our Jigsaw Franchisees together at our annual general meeting in 2021.

 

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.

Jigsaw Watford – Three years on…

 

Having taught and managed at several Jigsaw schools across London and Hertfordshire and worked at Jigsaw Head Office running the agency Jigsaw Arts Management, Katie took the plunge and decided to open Jigsaw Watford in September 2015. Her hard work and determination has paid off, and now as the school approaches its 3rd birthday, Jigsaw Watford is flourishing! We caught up with Katie and asked her to spill the beans on what has made Watford such a success.

How has Jigsaw Watford grown?

“I opened with 33 students in Autumn 2015 and this had doubled by Spring 2016. I continued to grow and now I have 143 students in Jigsaw Watford so we are pretty much full!”

Has running your own business changed you as a person?

“Certainly. It has given me a huge purpose and a really big responsibility to provide outstanding performing arts classes. It is also so much more than just a Performing Arts school – for many children Jigsaw is the place where they can just be themselves, let loose and feel supported no matter what else is going on in their lives. I feel very responsible for them! I have always thought of myself as being ambitious and organised and Jigsaw has really tested this. Deciding to go for it in the first place scared me, and that’s why I knew it was the right decision to make. I had to believe in myself and put my heart into it!”

What’s it like running a franchise?

“In the beginning you have that fire in your belly to get your franchise up and running. The excitement and anticipation is quite a rollercoaster, so it’s important to enjoy every little baby step and each accomplishment along the way. I still remember getting my first booking and the feeling of joy it gave me! The highs are very high – it can be extremely rewarding, and generally the more hard work I put in then the more I see my franchise succeed. There have been testing moments along the way however and managing a big team of creative teachers isn’t easy when you first start out in your 20’s!” 

How do you see the business developing?

“I want to make sure that I keep Jigsaw Watford being the exciting and energetic school that it is. From a business point of view, I want to maintain my school and its current customers so that my numbers remain high. This is a different challenge to my second school which is still growing and building. I feel very lucky to have my school in the position it is now, but I will never sit back and take it for granted because of the hard work it took to get it here!

Top tip to prospective franchisees?

“If the idea of setting up your own Jigsaw school terrifies you but excites you at the same time then GO FOR IT! There is no better feeling than accomplishing something that scares you. Don’t over think whether you can do it or not – the tools will be handed to you along the way! It’s the passion and determination that you need to succeed. Enjoy the early days – they are incredibly rewarding and be sure to celebrate each milestone whether it’s your first show or opening a new class. Oh, and listen to every little piece of advice from Nikki – soak it up, she’s been there and done it so her wisdom is priceless!”

Is there anything you would have done differently?

“I feel the past 3 years have been such a journey and in order to get to where I am now I have had to go through that journey. Cheesy, I know! It’s easy to look back and say “Oh I wish I hadn’t worried so much about …. and ….” but perhaps the reason why it worked out fine was because I took the time to worry and think it all through. So, no, I wouldn’t change anything.” 

If you could, would you do it again?

“I did do it again! I opened Bushey in April 2017, and I am thinking about a third school…” 

There you have it folks! If you are interested in opening your very own Jigsaw school, have a look at our franchise package and get in touch about upcoming Franchise Discovery Days. Come and have an informal chat and meet the team and take advantage of this exciting opportunity.

What’s it like to act in a panto?

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 – Skills for Life

 

“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 dancesinging, 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 300th 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

Show term at Jigsaw Balham!

Here at Jigsaw Performing Arts, we run three different types of terms across the year: Technique, Presentation and Show term.

 

This autumn, Jigsaw Balham is on Show term. So, Manager Emily thought to take the time to explain exactly what that means!

What is a Show term?

Show term gives our children the opportunity to build their confidence on stage and perform in front of an invited audience at the end of the term. Incorporating dancing, singing and drama, the teachers work together to put on a fabulous show, which gives every child the chance to perform.

Do the children get given roles or scripts?

At Jigsaw, we believe that all children should have a chance to shine and therefore we share the parts out equally across the children. The older the children get, the more responsibility they get within a show, but we do our best to keep it fair and equal, so they all get to be superstars!

What if my child gets stage fright?

That’s okay! We work with all our children to help them feel happy and confident both off stage and on. We value the process of creating the show over the final product, ensuring the children have lots of fun in the weeks leading up to the final performance. We are always so proud of each individual and support them all to take part in a way which is right for them.

Do the children get to wear costumes?

Yes! They can also have their hair done, makeup done and get to perform in front of a wonderful set. Our main school children get to perform in the school’s theatre, complete with fancy lighting.

When and where do you perform the shows?

Our shows are spread over three weeks, with our little 3 and 4 year olds going first, followed by our 5 and 6 year olds the following week, then our main school students (7-18 year olds) performing in the final week of term. The shows are performed on the school site we use every weekend, within the usual time frame.

How long are the shows?

Our Little Ones shows are approximately 20-30 minutes long, whilst our main school show for our 7-18 year olds are around an hour long.

What shows are you doing this year?

Oooo, sorry… we can’t tell you that just yet! 

 

Find out more about the classes at Jigsaw Balham here.

Jigsaw Students take to the stage in Sevenoaks Pantomime

Last month was an exciting time for two talented students from Jigsaw Sevenoaks! Not only did Hope and Georgia have the Jigsaw Spring term to look forwards to, but they were also preparing to tread the boards in their local Sevenoaks pantomime, a production of Sleeping Beauty. Following the show’s success, we caught up with the girls to find out how they enjoyed the experience and we also heard from their Mums as well!

 

At Jigsaw Sevenoaks, what’s your favourite subject?

Hope:  I love all the subjects! I couldn’t choose between them. They are all different ways of expressing your feelings.

Georgia: My favourite subject is drama as I love performing.

Congratulations on your role in Sleeping Beauty! Please could you tell us a little bit more about your role and how you got involved in the show?

Hope: I started dancing when I was 2 and I was in my first pantomime when I was 5 as a baby dancer. This is my 4th pantomime, now I am 8, it is even better as we are involved and on stage even more. We had to audition in September with lots of people which I was a bit nervous about, but we got in!

Georgia: I was a village person and I had to sing and dance. I auditioned for The Wizard of Oz last year and loved it, so I auditioned for this one and got a part. There were 60 kids auditioning and I was one of 30 chosen.

That sounds amazing! Did you have to go to rehearsals? What was that like?

Hope: Yes, we have been rehearsing every week since October, which is tiring but great fun. It was tricky learning all of the songs and dances, but I really enjoyed it and it was more and more exciting the closer it got to Show week at the end of January.

Georgia: Yes, rehearsals were every Sunday for 2 hrs. It was fun and lots of concentrating and hard work.

Would you recommend the experience?

Georgia: Absolutely!

Hope: Yes! If you love performing, it is great fun and I have made lots of friends.

Well, it’s great to hear how much both Hope and Georgia have enjoyed the experience! But what did their Mums think about all of this?

Kay: Hope has always loved performing and she is so happy when she is practising, rehearsing and on stage. It is great for confidence, discipline, exercise and making friends. Performing arts is a great activity for children as it covers so many different things. It is open to everyone and everyone can benefit from the freedom of expression, confidence and communication skills which will be of great value in later life in whatever they decide to do.

Jackie: It’s a big plus – it really brings out the best in your child and the progress I have seen is amazing! Georgia has grown in confidence, really enjoys performing.

Find out more about Jigsaw Sevenoaks.

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 Schools Perform at Summer Festivals!

Jigsaw at Summer Fairs and Festivals

We love celebrating any chance Jigsaw students have to showcase their talents and hard work. When a whole Jigsaw school can get involved, that’s even better! Jigsaw Schools Perform at Summer Festivals! With the Summer sun comes Summer fairs and festivals, a great way to not only enjoy the weather but see and support what’s happening in your local community, including Jigsaw’s upcoming Summer Schools and Autumn term.

These events provide great opportunities for Jigsaw students to perform in a different environment than they might be used to, and to show family and friends the great dancedrama and singing that they’ve been learning!

 

Harrow

Jigsaw Harrow appeared at host school Priestmead Primary School‘s summer fair in the last week of June.

Despite the heatwave, they performed a fantastically energetic dance routine!

Find out more about the Autumn term at Jigsaw Harrow.

 

St Albans

Jigsaw St Albans appeared on the ‘Silver Birch Stage’ at M Festival, which benefits host school The Marlborough Science Academy.

Their set kicked off with ‘Naughty’ from the musical Matilda, followed by ‘A Million Dreams’ and the instantly iconic inspirational ballad ‘This Is Me’ from The Greatest Showman.

Find out more about the Autumn term at Jigsaw St Albans.

 

Barnet

Four Jigsaw schools appeared together at the East Barnet festival (can you say “supergroup”?): BarnetEnfieldFinchley and Hendon.

Barnet and Enfield sung Stormzy’s moving track ‘Blinded by Your Grace, Pt. 2’, while Finchley and Hendon sung a medley of ‘Play’ and ‘When Your Feet Don’t Touch the Ground’ from the musical Finding Neverland.

 

Summer schools are taking place at Jigsaw EnfieldJigsaw Finchley, and Jigsaw Hendon.

Find out more about the Autumn term at Jigsaw Barnet.

 

Surbiton

Jigsaw Surbiton were invited to run a 45 minute Dance and Drama workshop for children and parents at Hollyfest. The annual summer fair for host The Hollyfield School, Hollyfest is an evening of of live performances, food, drink, stalls, workshops and fireworks.

They had lots of fun learning a dance to Lil Nas X’s hit song, ‘Old Town Road’! 

 

 

Jigsaw Surbiton at Hollyfest summer fair

Find out more about the Autumn term at Jigsaw Surbiton.


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 Reviews: Mr Stink

Last month we ran a competition for a chance to win a pair of tickets to see and review the latest production of Mr Stink, based on the book by David Walliams at the Chickenshed Theatre. The story follows a very kind, but lonely, 12-year-old Chloe who invites the homeless ‘Mr Stink’ and his dog to leave behind the wooden bench where they have taken up residence and secretly move them into her family’s shed. Matters become more complicated when Chloe’s mother – with unfulfilled political ambitions – tries to take credit for Chloe’s generosity. Such a wonderful story, we asked our students what was the most generous thing they had ever done?

 

 

We had some wonderful answers but the one that stood out for us and our competition winner was from Jigsaw student Leyla. Leyla wrote;

The most generous thing I’ve ever done was cutting my long hair and giving it to children who lost their hair after bad illness, so they smile again.

At the same time, I raised money so the charity can make 2 wigs for children for free.”

So, last week Leyla visited the Chickenshed theatre to watch and review the show Mr Stink.

So, Leyla, did you enjoy the show?

“I loved it!”

What was your favourite bit?

“When Mr Stink went into Chloe’s house and wanted his breakfast in front of the reporter.” 

Did you have a favourite character?

“My favourite characters are Chloe and her father.”

Would you recommend it to your friends?

“Absolutely! It was very funny!”

Well, we can’t say much better than that! If you would like to take part in Jigsaw Reviews keep an eye on your school’s Facebook and Twitter feeds where competitions, news and opportunities are regularly posted. Who knows, next time, it could be your very own words featuring on The Jigsaw Blog!

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

Mr Stink

Mr Stink is at the Chickenshed Theatre from now until the 5th of August 2018. Click here for more information and to book tickets online. For all other enquiries please call the Box Office on 020 8292 9222.

About Chickenshed…

Chickenshed is a pioneering and inclusive company that makes beautiful and inspirational theatre. We bring together people of all ages and from all backgrounds to produce outstanding theatre that entertains, inspires, challenges and informs both audiences and participants alike. Our vision is a society that enables everyone to flourish, and Chickenshed’s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. For more information please visit our website.

Jigsaw Reviews: A Christmas Carol

Jigsaw Performing Arts A Christmas Carol blog post

 

Back in November we announced the winner of our Jigsaw Reviews Competition, and this month our lucky winner Thomas of Jigsaw Croydon went to see A Christmas Carol at the Chickenshed Theatre. Boasting 5 star reviews, this retelling of Charles Dickens classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge had a lot to live up to. So, did it meet great expectations? Scroll down to read Thomas’ thoughts on the production…

 

So, Thomas, congratulations on your competition success. Did you enjoy the show?

“I really did enjoy it. It was a great experience. I think Chickenshed made the story of A Christmas Carol really magical. The actors put their own unique twist to make their characters personality shine”

 

What was your favourite bit?

“My favourite part was the Ghost of Jacob Marley’s song as it was very groovy and upbeat.”

 

Did you have a favourite character?

“My favourite character was the Ghost of Christmas Present because he was very jazzy, bright and sparkly.”

 

Would you recommend the show to your friends?

“I would absolutely recommend this show and I’m sure my friends will love this festive bundle of joy.” 

 

Well, if that isn’t a recommendation, we don’t know what is! You can catch A Christmas Carol at the Chickenshed Theatre from now until the 5th of January 2019.

 

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 Performing Arts is coming to Cardiff!

Why Jigsaw, and why Cardiff? 

I fell in love the brand immediately. Jigsaw’s ethos summarised all the reasons that I wanted to run a theatre school in Cardiff. The word Jigsaw is representative of all the parts of performing arts coming together, but to me it represents finding a place that feels like a perfect fit for you. We are all different, like the pieces of a jigsaw, and that should be celebrated.

I’ve never wanted to be ‘normal’ however so many children are scared to show they’re uniqueness or not conform to the mold. With the rise of social media, the pressure on children to be flawless is every increasing. I want to challenge that by helping young people to see that they should be proud and true to who they are.

I have spent the last 4 years working for an amazing company, helping employees in large organisations with their confidence, energy and positivity. All the tools that I use, I gained through performance skills as a child and have realised the importance of ingraining these at a young age. I became a Mum almost 2 years ago and want nothing more than to inspire my daughter to be proud of who she is and to follow her heart! I want her, and any child who chooses to be part of Jigsaw Cardiff, to dream big, celebrate their uniqueness and find their place to belong.

It’s all about the magic of growing up!

I did my first show when I was 3 years old and knew then that I would always be involved in theatre. When people do shows together it creates a bond and as a result all my lifelong friends were made though drama, dance and singing groups. When I had my daughter, my focus moved to children. I’ve always loved working with young people, but it suddenly became more important to me. Being a mum is magical and I wanted to be part of creating memories of theatre with my daughter and her friends.

When we grow up, we become so distracted by the routine of life. We can forget that creating, singing, dancing and playing are actually far more important that a clean house and nice car! When our children become adults, they will remember the community they created and the friends they made at Jigsaw Cardiff! I feel so privileged to be embarking on this new adventure and cannot wait to get started!

Jigsaw Cardiff runs on Saturday mornings at Cardiff High School. To enquire or to book your child’s place please contact Philippa on 02922 362 496 or email cardiff@jigsaw-arts.co.ukVisit Jigsaw Cardiff 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