Category: Arts

Kalyn from Jigsaw Wandsworth reviews Les Mis!

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On the 28th of November, Kalyn from Jigsaw Wandsworth saw the timeless classic Les Miserables at the Soundheim Theatre in London with Nikki and fellow Jigsaw Franchisees; Aoife, Christabel and Katie. The evening was a well deserved celebration marking the end of Franchise training for Jigsaw Wandsworth’s Kalyn and Jigsaw Epsom’s Christabel. What better way to celebrate than in Jigsaw style by going to the theatre!

Back when she was a Jigsaw student, her teachers introduced her to the world of musical theatre for the first time. Ever since, Kalyn has loved watching musicals and listening to the soundtracks at home – and loves playing them to her 3-4 years Performing Arts classes too. Les Mis is no exception! There are some amazing songs in Les Mis that are favourites for our young students to learn at Jigsaw, such as: Castle on a Cloud and Little People.

Whilst Kalyn knows the soundtrack off by heart, this was her very first time seeing Les Miserables at the theatre – and she was blown away by how magical it was. In particular, she was impressed with the talented and confident child performers who played young Gavroche, Eponine and Cosette! Their performances were both comedic, yet gut wrenching. Commanding the stage and projecting your voice to a huge theatre of over 10,000 seats is absolutely incredible!

The classic masterpiece wowed the audience through the casts’ spine tingling vocals, as well as gorgeous costumes and the work of the very talented Wigs, Hair & Make Up department – who aged and transformed the characters so well.

Another stand out moment in the show, was seeing not one, but TWO ex Jigsaw teachers in the cast. Jess and Yasmin are working in the ensemble and shone throughout the performance! We couldn’t be more proud and the incredible standing ovation during the curtain call was testament to how amazing it was.

Kalyn will be opening Jigsaw Arts Wandsworth and Christabel will be opening Jigsaw Arts Epsom in January 2024 – and will definitely be organising more theatre trips in the near future with their students!

Spotlight on Karina, Jigsaw Stevenage Dance teacher!

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Stevenage Dance teacher Karina, today we shine our spotlight on you! Karina, Jigsaw Stevenage’s longest standing teacher and cover manager, teaches dance at Jigsaw Stevenage on Saturday mornings and has been a great support to all. Karina trained at IItalia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and joined Jigsaw Stevenage in 2018.

Aside from teaching Dance at Jigsaw Stevenage, what do you enjoy the most at Jigsaw?

I definitely enjoy the show term the most. I love watching the progress and journey from Week 1 when the children are learning/selecting the drama, singing and dance material, to the Show week where they have the finished piece ready to perform on stage for all the parents to see. I love the dedication, commitment and hard working attitude all students bring to rehearsals as well as hearing and witnessing all their incredibly creative ideas that make our show so personal to our school.

What do you do when you are not teaching Dance at Jigsaw Stevenage? 

My favourite hobby would definitely be taking dance classes at pineapple dance studios or BASE in London. I also love yoga!

What is your favourite show to watch?

My favourite show would have to be Miss Saigon. The music and storyline is so powerful and moving that it brings me to tears and I have goosebumps from start to finish.

If there was a film based on your life, who would play you?

Emilia Clarke

Who is your favourite actress/actor?

My favourite actor is Leonardo DiCaprio.

What is your favourite song?

It’s all coming back to me now – Meatloaf

Which show would you most like to perform in?

I think the show I would enjoy the most if I had an opportunity to be in would be Wicked as it is the first musical I ever saw. It is a dream of mine to play Elphaba on stage!

The Music and Drama Educational Awards – Megan’s Nominated!

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Megan, owner of Jigsaw Barnet and Jigsaw Potters Bar has been shortlisted for The Music and Drama Educational Awards – Drama Inspiration Category! Alongside running two Jigsaw Schools, Megan also works in a Secondary School during the week. To her surprise, Megan was entered into The Music and Drama Educational Awards this year.

We spoke with Megan ahead of The Music and Drama Educational Awards evening!

“The Music and Drama Educational Awards is a national ceremony that takes place each year. Lots of people from up and down the country enter with the hopes of winning an award. I had entered the drama department of the school that I work in for an award but unfortunately we weren’t shortlisted. As I was scrolling through the list, I saw my name and I was like wow, what? Is that me!

My colleagues and two of my students had nominated me for the Drama Inspiration Award. They had to go through quite a rigorous process and put together long statements as to why I am an inspiration to them and the students. So it’s actually really sweet that they’ve done this! I didn’t know anything about it until the other day, I just saw an email saying to view the list.

In February 2024 we will attend the ceremony, which will be so exciting! I would say it’s actually a once in a lifetime opportunity. Me, my partner, and my mum will be coming with me. I have been shortlisted with three other people. The people in my category are all up for the Drama Inspiration Award and there’s some really really big names on the shortlist. I’ll be sure to take lots of pictures throughout the night!” – Megan

We are really proud to share this warming achievement and wish Megan all the best!

Introducing Kalyn From Jigsaw Arts Wandsworth!

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“Jigsaw felt like a family from the moment I stepped through the doors on my first day as a student – so much so that I returned as soon as I could to teach! I look forward to inspiring the students bringing fun Performing Arts classes to Wandsworth”- Kalyn

Why do you want to open a Jigsaw School?

It has always been my dream to open a Jigsaw School! From the perspective of an ex student and teacher of 5 years, Jigsaw is a place that sparks creativity, imagination and a sense of belonging for students and staff. Performing Arts classes for children aged 3-18 are really beneficial to build confidence, communication and social skills.  I’m really excited to open my school Jigsaw Performing Arts Wandsworth and bring more creative classes to young people in South West London!

What are you most excited about?

I’m most excited for our first show term at Jigsaw Performing Arts Wandsworth. It’s my favourite term – I love seeing the dance, drama and singing pieces students have been working hard on. It’s a great chance for the students to have lots of fun and build their confidence to perform in front of their families. Seeing the show come to life with the costumes and props is always very magical!

What do you hope to inspire in the young people of your area?

I hope to inspire students to be their authentic selves, and not be afraid to be silly or make mistakes at Jigsaw! Through our Singing, Dance and Drama classes I want to inspire creativity – absolutely anything is possible when you use your imagination. Jigsaw Wandsworth is a place to belong for everyone; so I hope to inspire a feeling of community and a place where every single young person fits in.

Jigsaw Performing Arts School Wandsworth will open its doors in the new year! Running Saturday morning performing arts classes for students aged 3 – 18. Boosting confidence and feeding imaginations of growing and developing minds!

Book your two-week trial today by emailing wandsworth@jigsaw-arts.co.uk or calling 02078872478.

Learn more about the classes at Jigsaw Wandsworth here.

Lee Pratt Half-Term Workshop at Jigsaw Barnet

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Lee Pratt hosted a Half-Term Workshop at Jigsaw Barnet! Megan, Owner and Manager of Jigsaw Barnet, shares the events of the Half-Term Workshop!

In the October Half-term, Jigsaw Barnet hosted a ‘Thriller Workshop’ for their students. The day was jam packed with fun Drama, Singing, Dance activities, material learning, a SFX workshop, and a performance to friends and family!

Lee Pratt, professional dancer and performer, visited Jigsaw Barnet to lead the Drama, Singing and Dance workshops. And what a brilliant experience it was for the students! After the students performed the newly learnt ‘Thriller’ themed material to their friends and family, Lee Pratt kindly hosted a personal Q & A with the students. A very special experience and our students gained so much. It was really insightful for them to hear from a professional who started with dance as a hobby, just like them.

Lee spoke to the students about how he got into the performing arts industry, and shared the route that he took. Lee also shared valuable advice on how our students could do the same, and how to deal with the stress and worries that may appear along the journey. The students left the workshop feeling so positive. They actually asked him not to leave!

Some of our students at Jigsaw Barnet are in the years of considering their chosen GCSE’s and the next steps to take once they leave school. Lee explained that it was only in college that he really found this passion for dance. A similar age to some of our students at Jigsaw Barnet. He proved that consistency and passion can lead you to where you need to be!

The Q & A was a brilliant opportunity to teach our students a realistic yet encouraging life lesson. Yes the performing industry is made up of lots of fabulous people, but you do have to have the right mindset, work ethic, and dedication to succeed.

Image and text:The main theme that the students took from the day was to dream big but also keep your head down!
Learn more about the classes at Jigsaw Barnet here.