Category: Jigsaw

New Saturday Morning Performing Arts Classes in Ilford for Ages 3–6

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We’re so pleased to be expanding our timetable at Jigsaw Ilford.

Due to growing demand from local families, we are now offering Saturday morning performing arts classes for our youngest students aged 3–6.

The same safe, welcoming and structured experience you know and trust — now with more flexibility to fit around family life.

Our New Morning Class Times

Starting from Saturday 2nd May, we are now running:

  • 3–4 years: 9:30am – 11:00am
  • 5–6 years: 11:30am – 1:00pm

Our popular afternoon classes will continue as normal, giving families even more choice when planning their weekends.

 

Why We’ve Introduced Morning Classes

We know weekends can feel busy and sometimes unpredictable and many of our parents told us they were looking for:

  • Earlier class options
  • A more structured start to the weekend
  • Activities that work around siblings and family plans

So, we’ve listened. These new morning sessions are designed to give you more flexibility, while still offering the same high-quality, child-centred experience Jigsaw is known for.

What Your Child Can Expect

Each 90-minute session includes:

  • Dance – building coordination, rhythm and energy
  • Drama – encouraging imagination, expression and confidence
  • Singing – developing voice, communication and joy

But more importantly, every class is structured and focuses on confidence with no pressure. Classes are led by experienced, DBS-checked teachers who create a place where every child can belong, where confidence can grow over time.

Perfect for First-Time Classes

For many families, this will be their child’s first drop-off activity.  It’s completely natural to wonder:

  • Will they be okay?
  • What if they feel shy?
  • Will they settle?

Our experienced team are here to support both children and parents through those early weeks, helping every child feel safe, settled and ready to join in at their own pace.

A Place to Belong

More than anything, our classes are about creating a space where children feel safe, happy and included. Not just the confident ones. Not just the outgoing ones. Every child.

Start Your Child’s Confidence Journey This May

If you’ve been thinking about starting a class, this is the perfect time.Our new morning sessions begin on Saturday 2nd May, and spaces are limited.  We offer a two-week trial, giving your child the chance to settle in, build familiarity and see if it feels right.

Start your child’s confidence journey this term starting on Saturday 2nd May.

👉 Book your two-week trial today
👉 Experience a class before committing
👉 Give your child a place to belong

The right class can make a lasting difference.  And week by week, you’ll start to see that confidence grow.

 

 

Meet our incredible teacher from Jigsaw High Barnet… Elle!

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SPOTLIGHT ON….. ELLE!

Name: Elle

Where are you from? Originally from London but I’ve lived in Hertfordshire most of my life.

When did start working at Jigsaw? September 2025

 Which Jigsaw schools do you and have you worked in? Jigsaw High Barnet and Jigsaw Afterschool Clubs.

What subject do you teach? I teach Singing and Dance.

Where did you train? I studied Performing Arts (BTEC) and A-Level Dance, following a performing arts pathway at the Duke of York’s Royal Military School.

What did you do before Jigsaw? Before Jigsaw, I was a Dance Competition Coach at the University of Exeter. I was also a Production Choreographer for a production of We Will Rock You The Musical.

Have you had any of jobs that you loved/hated? I’ve been really lucky with my jobs. I’ve loved all of them. I’ve always worked in roles related to Performing Arts, and having the opportunity to create the kinds of things I dreamed about when I was younger truly feels like a dream come true.

What’s your greatest career achievement? My greatest career achievement would have to be either winning four national dance titles for pieces I choreographed or seeing my choreography performed on a West End stage that I once performed on myself. Both are real full-circle moments for me.

What do you enjoy the most at Jigsaw? I love seeing the children grow over the terms. Watching their confidence build, whether that’s performing on stage for the first time or trying something new, is so rewarding. Seeing them blossom into the performers we know they can be is such a privilege.

What has been your favourite moment at Jigsaw? My favourite moment has been putting together our first show at Jigsaw High Barnet. Choosing the show felt easy because our students are bursting with personality. I’ve challenged them with more difficult material, and it’s been amazing to watch them come together as a cast. I know they’re going to absolutely smash their first show.

What’s your favourite show? My favourite show would have to be Legally Blonde. It was the first show that I ever watched on a West End stage. Seeing someone who not only has the same name as me, but has the same favourite colour, I have always connected with the show and the ethos that it pushes; to always be the best you can be regardless of what other people think of you.

What would be the most rewarding role or show for you to do? I think it would have to be Velma from Chicago as I come from a big dance background and  I grew up doing quite a lot of Jazz and Musical Theatre.

Who is your favourite actor/actress? Why? I think it would have to Viola Davis. She is such a versatile actress and her ability to connect with each of her roles in such a believable way is so admirable. And she has EGOT status too!!!

Do you have a favourite song? My favourite song is So Into You by Tamia.

If you had a film of your life who would play you? I think it would have to be Danielle Brooks from Orange is the New Black and The Colour Purple. I think she could capture the emotional and comedic parts of my personality.

Anything else you think we should know about you? I was always told I was “too much” in school. I was the girl who was too loud and too expressive. But when I moved into performing arts training, those were suddenly the very things I was celebrated for.

That experience has really stayed with me. It’s shaped how I teach and how I support my students. I want every child to know that what makes them different is actually their biggest strength. You’re never “too much”, you just need the right space to channel it.

I’m really passionate about helping young performers embrace who they are and use that in their training, because that’s where the most exciting and authentic performances come from.

Meet our fabulous singing teacher Melissa from Jigsaw Barnet!

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SPOTLIGHT ON……….. Melissa!

Name: Melissa

Where are you from? Ipswich, Suffolk

When did start working at Jigsaw? April 2018

Which Jigsaw schools do you and have you worked in? I started as a Performing Arts teacher in Balham, then moved to teaching Singing. I’ve taught singing and drama across lots of Jigsaw schools (Balham, Ilford, Croydon, Finchley, Barnet).

What subject do you teach? Mostly singing! But I enjoy teaching all 3 disciplines.

Where did you train? Performance Preparation Academy, Guildford. 

What did you do before Jigsaw? I worked as an actress, performing in several pantomimes as Wendy (Peter pan), Cinderella & Belle in Beauty and the Beast, I also worked abroad as part of an entertainment team for TUI Gold. 

Have you had any of jobs that you loved/hated? As a student I worked in ASDA in the chilled aisle. My feet were always freezing!

What’s your greatest career achievement? Taking over Jigsaw Enfield and Plumstead as owner/manager and watching the schools grow & seeing students achieving wonderful things.

What do you enjoy the most at Jigsaw? The atmosphere at Jigsaw is unmatched, we are all one big family. It’s such a joy to see so many students grow up to be not only wonderful performers but wonderful little people!

What has been your favourite moment at Jigsaw? Watching students overcome their fears and achieve their goals. Each year during shows or presentations, we see so much growth in each and every student and it’s so incredibly rewarding.

What’s your favourite show? Les Miserables

What would be the most rewarding role or show for you to do? I’d love to play Miss Honey in Matilda or be in a Disney musical.

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

Meet our wonderful teacher Olivia from Jigsaw Potters Bar and Barnet!

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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!!)

Summer Term Bookings Are Now OPEN at Jigsaw Barnet – Come and Join the Fun!

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We are so excited to announce that Summer Term bookings are now officially OPEN at Jigsaw Barnet!

The sunshine is (hopefully!) on its way, and there’s no better time for your child to step into the spotlight, build confidence, and have an unforgettable term packed with creativity, energy and fun.

 

What to Expect This Summer

At Jigsaw, our Summer Term is bursting with:

  • High-energy drama lessons 
  • Exciting singing sessions
  • Dynamic dance routines
  • Confidence building activities
  • Performance skills development

Whether your child is full of energy and loves to perform, or a little shy and looking to grow in confidence, our supportive and nurturing environment helps every student shine in their own way.

 

Why Join Jigsaw?

At all of our schools, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, inclusive space where children aged 3–18 can express themselves, make new friends and develop skills that last a lifetime.

Our experienced, passionate teachers ensure every session is filled with encouragement, laughter and creativity. We focus not only on performance skills, but also on teamwork, resilience and self-belief.

Spaces fill quickly, so we encourage families to secure their place as soon as possible.

Book now and come and join the fun at Jigsaw Barnet! 

We can’t wait to welcome both new and returning students for another brilliant term of performing arts magic. 

Summer Term Bookings Are Now OPEN at Jigsaw Crouch End, Come and Join the Fun!

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We are so excited to announce that Summer Term bookings are now officially OPEN at Jigsaw East Barnet, Jigsaw High Barnet, Jigsaw Potters Bar and Jigsaw Crouch End! The sunshine is (hopefully!) on its way, and there’s no better time for your child to step into the spotlight, build confidence, and have an unforgettable term packed with creativity, energy and fun.

What to Expect This Summer

At Jigsaw, our Summer Term is bursting with:

  • High-energy drama lessons
  • Exciting singing sessions
  • Dynamic dance routines
  • Confidence building activities
  • Performance skills development

Whether your child is full of energy and loves to perform, or a little shy and looking to grow in confidence, our supportive and nurturing environment helps every student shine in their own way.

Why Join Jigsaw?

At our schools, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, inclusive space where children aged 3–18 can express themselves, make new friends and develop skills that last a lifetime. Our experienced, passionate teachers ensure every session is filled with encouragement, laughter and creativity. We focus not only on performance skills, but also on teamwork, resilience and self-belief.

Spaces fill quickly, so we encourage families to secure their place as soon as possible.

Book now and come and join the fun at Jigsaw Crouch End! 

We can’t wait to welcome both new and returning students for another brilliant term of performing arts magic!

Easter Camp at Jigsaw Barnet with Hercules Theme!

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Go the Distance This Easter with Hercules

If you are looking for a creative and confidence building Easter holiday activity in Barnet, Jigsaw Barnet has something very exciting planned.

Our Easter Performing Arts Camp in Barnet returns this year with an epic theme that will capture children’s imaginations from the moment they arrive…

Hercules.

Throughout the week, children will step into the world of Greek heroes, legendary adventures and larger-than-life characters. Inspired by the heroic story of Hercules, they will explore storytelling, movement and music through drama, singing and dance.

For families searching for a children’s Easter camp in Barnet, it is a wonderful opportunity for children to spend their school holidays doing something creative, active and genuinely memorable.

A creative holiday experience for children in Barnet

At Jigsaw Barnet, our holiday camps are designed to give children a space where they can relax, have fun and grow in confidence.

Across the week, children take part in a variety of performing arts activities including:

Drama
Through storytelling games, improvisation and character work, children explore the heroic world of Hercules while developing communication skills and confidence.

Dance
Energetic choreography and movement games help children express themselves physically while building coordination and teamwork. Children may even learn routines inspired by the vibrant style of the show.

Singing
Fun and uplifting songs bring the legendary adventure to life and help children develop their voice and musical confidence.

The focus is always on creativity, teamwork and enjoyment. Children are encouraged to try new things, share ideas and work together as they build their own heroic adventure throughout the week.

The magic of the Hercules theme

Themes play a big role in what makes our Easter camp in Barnet so special.

The Hercules theme invites children to explore their imagination and step into a world of myths, heroes and comedy. One moment they might be training to become heroes, the next they could be bringing characters like gods, villains and mythical creatures to life through drama, music and movement.

Creative themes like this allow children to step away from screens and into a world of imagination, storytelling and performance.

For many children, it becomes a week full of laughter, creativity and unforgettable moments.

Making new friends during the Easter holidays

One of the highlights of our Barnet Easter camp is the friendships that form during the week.

Through group games, creative challenges and shared performances, children quickly begin working together and supporting one another.

By the end of the camp, many children leave with:

• New friendships
• New creative skills
• Greater confidence in themselves
• Happy memories from a fun and imaginative week

Holiday camps can be a brilliant way for children to reconnect socially during school breaks while enjoying something different from their usual routine.

Whether your child already loves performing arts or simply enjoys creative play and making new friends, they will be warmly welcomed at Jigsaw Barnet.

Book your place at Jigsaw Barnet Easter Camp

If you are looking for a creative Easter holiday camp in Barnet, we would love your child to join us.

Spaces at the Jigsaw Barnet Easter Performing Arts Camp are limited and tend to fill quickly, so early booking is recommended.

Join us on Monday 30th March – Thursday 2nd April at East Barnet School and go the distance with a heroic week of creativity, confidence building and fun.

 

Jigsaw Youth Theatre Barnet Home Performance – Saturday 14th March

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Saturday 14th March was a special day for our Jigsaw Youth Theatre students in Barnet as they performed their play Ride or Die in front of an audience for the very first time.

 

After weeks of rehearsals, character work and script practice, the group finally had the chance to share their hard work with family and friends. Performing in front of an audience for the first time can feel like a big step, but the students rose to the occasion brilliantly and delivered a performance full of confidence, humour and personality.

 

A brilliant showcase of character and storytelling

 

This term’s piece was a play, giving our students the opportunity to really focus on developing their characters and bringing the story to life through acting.

From the moment the performance began, the students fully committed to their roles. Each character felt clear and believable, and it was wonderful to see how much thought the group had put into their performances.

There were plenty of funny moments throughout the play, which had the audience laughing along and enjoying the story. The students showed great timing, strong character choices and excellent teamwork on stage.

 

It was clear that they had really enjoyed exploring their roles and working together to build the performance.

Despite the natural nerves that can come with performing, the group handled the experience brilliantly. They supported each other, stayed focused and brought lots of energy to the stage.

Moments like this are such an important part of the Jigsaw journey. While the final performance is always exciting, the real achievement is seeing students grow in confidence and feel proud of what they have created together.

 

A fantastic evening for Jigsaw Youth Theatre Barnet

 

The performance was a huge success and a wonderful way for students to share their work with family and friends.

The audience thoroughly enjoyed the show, and it was lovely to see how proud everyone was of the students and their achievements.

A big well done to all of our Jigsaw Youth Theatre Barnet performers for their hard work, commitment and fantastic performances. They brought humour, creativity and confidence to the stage and should all feel incredibly proud.

JYT will be entering into the National Theatre Connections competition on Saturday 28th March at The Swan Theatre in High Wycombe. We cannot wait to see them perform Ride or Die again and we wish them the best of luck!

 

 

Meet our super assistant from Jigsaw Potters Bar & Barnet – Steph!

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SPOTLIGHT ON STEPH  

Name  Steph Michael

Where are you from? East Barnet

When did start working at Jigsaw? January 2026

Which Jigsaw schools do you and have you worked in? I work in Jigsaw Potters Bar and Barnet.

What subject do you teach? I am a performing arts assistant in both schools. I also work with Megan during the week, helping her with the admin side of things!

Where did you train? I trained at Masters Performing Arts College in Essex where I gained a Level 6 Diploma in Musical theatre.

What did you do before Jigsaw? Have you had any of jobs that you loved/hated? I worked in a restaurant as a waitress whilst also auditioning for performing roles. A job that I loved and still love is teaching dance. A job that I hated was working in an office as I couldn’t sit still for that many hours.

What’s your greatest career achievement?  Graduating college, getting an agent and landing a job as a performing elf at Christmas.

What do you enjoy the most at Jigsaw? I enjoy the atmosphere and connection everyone has. The team are all very welcoming and friendly and the kids are very fun to teach and get to know each week. Jigsaw feels like a safe environment for children to be themselves, make lots of friends and most of all have fun!

What has been your favourite moment at Jigsaw? Seeing the younger kids that start off upset and wanting their parent at the start of the session to thriving, joining in and loving the rest of the session. It’s really nice to see their growth. Their confidence grows and they get braver each week they come in.

What’s your favourite show? Legally Blonde

What would be the most rewarding role or show for you to do? I would love to be a dancer in Hairspray, Mamma Mia or Legally Blonde.

Who is your favourite actor/actress?  Why? Brianne Howey – I think she’s really funny and she plays each character in each show she’s in so well. She embodies the character very well and has the ability to make you believe everything she is saying or doing.

Do you have a favourite song? What you need – Tems

If you had a film of your life who would play you? Ashley Tisdale – because I think she is just as dramatic as I am!

Anything else you think we should know about you? I have a big German Shepherd dog that I love. I’m terrified of wasps. I love musical theatre and would love to be on the West End one day!

Show Term Success at Jigsaw Crouch End

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Show term is always a highlight of the year at Jigsaw Crouch End, and this term has been truly wonderful.

Over the past term our students have been working hard in their singing, dance and drama classes as they prepared for their performances. Seeing them take to the stage with such excitement and confidence has been fantastic. One of the most special things about this term has been watching our youngest performers shine. For many of them, it may be one of their first experiences performing in front of an audience, yet they have done so with huge smiles and plenty of enthusiasm. Moments like these show just how powerful performing arts can be for children.

Building Confidence Through Performing

At Jigsaw, performing is not just about learning lines or choreography. It is about helping children grow in confidence, develop teamwork and feel proud of what they achieve. Throughout the term we see students become more confident in themselves, more willing to express their ideas and more comfortable performing in front of others. Show term is always a wonderful celebration of that progress.

Join Us Next Term

While we are celebrating a brilliant show term, we are also excited to be looking ahead to our next term at Jigsaw Crouch End. Our performing arts classes combine singing, dancing and drama, helping children develop confidence, creativity and friendships in a fun and supportive environment.

If you would like your child to experience the joy of performing arts and build their confidence along the way, we would love to welcome them.
BOOK YOUR TWO WEEK TRIAL HERE!