Our Jigsaw Mitcham students joined up with two other local branches for an unforgetable evening at the theatre! Robin Hood was a fantastic show and a great opportunity for our young performers to experience live theatre all togehter! And we are all feeling VERY Christmassy now!
Category: Jigsaw
Catching Up with Yazmin: From Jigsaw Student to West End Performer
We’re delighted to share an update on one of our brilliant former students, Yazmin, whose performing arts journey began right here at Jigsaw Performing Arts School in Ilford and has gone on to reach some truly exciting milestones.
During her time at Jigsaw, Yazmin developed a real passion for dance, drama and singing, loved meeting new friends, and thrived on trying out new skills. She often spoke about how Jigsaw helped her build confidence and encouraged her ambition to pursue a career in the performing arts – and she certainly meant it when she said “watch this space!”
Since then, Yazmin has continued to work hard on her training, going on to attend the prestigious Mountview Theatre School, where she further honed her skills as a performer. Her dedication paid off when she was cast in the West End production of Les Misérables. An incredible achievement and a proud moment for everyone who has followed her journey.
Yazmin is now continuing to shine on stage, currently appearing in panto as Princess Rose in Sleeping Beauty at Nottingham Playhouse. It’s wonderful to see her talent, confidence and love for performing bringing joy to audiences, just as it did all those years ago at Jigsaw.
From a four-year-old taking her first steps in her performing arts class to a professional performer on some of the UK’s most celebrated stages, Yazmin’s story is a fantastic example of where passion, training and belief can lead. We can’t wait to see what she does next.
Yazmin will also be back teaching perfroming arts to our younger students in the New Year. What a treat!
If you’d like to follow in Yazmin’s footsteps—or simply explore the skills, confidence, and creativity our classes can unlock, we’d love to welcome you. Join us for a two-week trial at Jigsaw Ilford, held at Valentines High School on Saturday afternoons, and see firsthand how our classes help students grow both on and off the stage.
5 Benefits of Performing Arts For The Under 5’s
When people think of joining a performing arts school it’s often connected to aspirations of being an actor, dancer or singer! And we have so many students who’ve gone off to have amazing careers in the performing arts! But we have far more students who came to our classes and left with confidence, charisam and creativity that will be with them for a life time! We thought we’d take a quick look at the top five benefits the peforming arts can bring to your little one!
Independence – For many of our 3 year olds this is the first class without a parent in the room with them! That is a huge step for everyone. Jigsaw creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that puts everyone at ease. But once in class, tasked with learning song lyrics, remembering cues on stage and making the choreography their own, your child learns to take responsibility for themselves incredibly quickly. Over the course of a term, watch how your little one’s independence soars.
Confidence – One of the most beneficial skills taught by the performing arts is the boost of confidence! In a supportive environment where your child can make mistakes and work in a team alongside their peers, they can feel free to safely express themselves and take risks. Through script work where individuals speak their personal lines aloud, public speaking becomes the norm as opposed to intimidating! A student initially clinging to a parents leg at the begining of term can be running into to class and raring to go by the end. It’s wonderful to watch!
Ready for School – Many of our 3-4 year olds are in nursery school when they originally join us, however through their experience at Jigsaw they quickly mature and are ready to start reception. A combination of the independence and confidence they’ve learnt prepares them to make the transition smoothly. In class they are listening to instructions, working as a team, learning when to contirbutie and when to listen – all of which will stand them in good stead for the steps into school!
Social Skills – The building blocks of the performing arts are communication and collaboration between people; a show isn’t complete without a brilliant ensemble supporting its principals. The same is true for your child: their constant interaction with fellow Jigsaw-goers as well as their teamwork on stage and dialogue with teachers, automatically improves their social skills without them even noticing. Many of our Jigsaw students meet like-minded individuals through our classes and make lasting friendships too.
Fun! – Most importantly, the performing arts provide enormous amounts of fun for your 3-6 year old! During a 90 minute session, classes cover content interspersed with drama-based games which are sure to put smiles on many faces! Classes are full of laughter and smiles and our children always come out buzzing to their grown-ups, excited to return the following week.
A Day In The Life Of Our 3-6 Year Old Performing Arts Classes!
Our 3-4 and 5-6 year old sessions all have a structure that helps the creativity flow! We know students aren’t always the best and explaining what they’ve been doing in class, so we thought a quick look at our session structure would be useful!
Whilst parents have a quiet hour and a half, grab a coffee or catch up on some life admin – this is what your little ones are getting up to! Our sessions are an hour and a half long and split roughly into three main sections of 25 minutes on each subject: singing, dance and drama. Each subject is split roughly in half; firstly we warm up and do our techniquye exercises to keep growing out skills, and then move onto that terms main piece for the subject; each week bulding on the week before. But our familiar Jigsaw routine begins before the sessions even start!
Preclass – The day begins as soon as students arrive at Harirs Academy Morden. Schools manager Emma welcomes the students and signs them in as the start lining up for class. Class teachers greet their students and welcome them into the classroom!
Circle Time – We start with our weekly newsround and register Now is the time to share news they’ve been bursting to tell Jigsaw friends all week. (Cuddly toys and props are,of course, welcome). For some this is a moment of confidence to say a quiet ‘hello’, for others it’s the moment to recount an exciting story from their week.
Dance Warm Up – Time to warm-up! We get everyone up and moving, we get the music on and the endorphins flowing for some of our fun warm ups and games. Some are familiar party favourites with a dance twist, such as musical stautes or bumps. Others are Jigsaw games focusing on stretching, spacial awareness, co-ordinationa and dance technique!
Dance Sessions – Keeeeep dancing! With the energy levels up from our warm-up, we seize the moment and launch into our current dance. Whether we are working on a show or a presentation there will be a main dance for the term that we keep coming back to and improving. Each week builds on the week prior so students re-cap what they were taught, before going on to learn some further moves and choreography.
Drama Warm Up – Our drama sessions are all about creativity, imaginiation and communication. Our technique exercises can include tongue twisters, imagination games, role play and also near the begining of term a few name games to make sure we are all get to know each other well!
Drama Session – Each term the focus of our drama can change from a scripted scene, a choral piece like a poem or narrative story to imagination and role plays. The focus is always on building confidence and helping students release their imagination and creativity. If we are working on a scripted piece for the term teachers usually send home a script week three or four so that we can practice at home! Sometimes we find ourselves going on daytrips to the beach, other times we’re in magical forests. If we’re in the middle of a show or presentation term, we’ll be running our scenes and practising our script lines.
Break time! Our 3-4 classes join the 5-6s for their break, a prime opportunity to chat to friends or siblings, have a few minutes down time and of course teachers organise the all important toilet trip! When packing a snack for break time remember that we are a nut-free school, and that students only have a few minutes so it’s a small snack and drink. And nothing too messy please (no yoghurts!). Once everyone is feeling refreshed we split back to our usual classes ready for more Jigsaw fun!
Singing Warm Up – Last, but certainly not least, we make time for some singing. A lovely way to end our 90 minute session, we’ll form a semi-circle and start with a vocal warm-up so as not to strain our voices. We do fun an accessible vocal warm ups based around faciial warm ups, tongue twisters and scales – but all turned into fun and engaging exercises.
Singing Sessions – With our vocal sirens complete, it’s time to look at our song for the term. We sing through what we’ve already learnt before covering some new ground. We’ll run it a few times so it’s really ingrained in us; muscle memory is real! Initially we will sing along with the orgiinal singer, but then during the term move onto a backing track. During the term we’ll also often add some movement, or choreography to the song – to help little ones remember the words but also bring the piece to life.
End Of Class – Time flies when you’re having fun! Sometimes we have time for a quick game before a wind-down exercise. A calming excesie at the end of term is a grreat way to bring the day to a close, reflect on what we have learnt and be ready to leave the session with a big smile on our faces! Students always come out buzzing and already looking forward to next week’s class! At collection there’s an opportunity to for parents to talk to the teacher, often scripts, song words or even costume sheets will be sent home.
Feedback – During the early weeks of term parents understandbale may want some feedback about how their little on has been getting on! If parents wait outisde for a moment whilst teachers pair students up with their families, teachers will then step out and come and give feedback once everyone is collected. We also share a few photos most week in our private Jigsaw Mitcham & Morden facebook group so you can see a few snapshots of how students are getting on in class.
During the Week – We don’t set homework of course but that doesn’t mean Jigsaw isn’t thought about until the next session! At home parents can always support Jigsaw sessions by playing any songs that they know are used in the sessions. Usually around week three or four we’ll share the class content in our Facebook group and teachers will always be happy to let you know. It could be the playlist you have on in the car on the way to school, whilst having breakfast or even bath time! But becoming more familiar with the content is always a good way to support your childs Jigsaw journey.
Before you know it we’ll be back in class for another super Saturday at Jigsaw Arts Mitcham & Morden.
Marvellous Mitcham & Morden End of Term Shows!
As we find ourselves gearing up for Christmas, the last few weeks have naturally been super busy – not to mention full of our wonderful end of term shows performed over the final few weeks at Harris Academy Morden! We are so proud of all the hard work our students have put into these past 11 weeks: learning script lines, song lyrics and some fabulous choreography. The numerous weeks of rehearsals paid off with the brilliant performances our students were able to share with their friends and family.
Our show schedule was kicked off by the impressive 3-4 year olds who brought explorers on a Bear Hunt to life – full of energy and enthusiasm! Teachers Sophie and Rachel were incredibly proud of their students who were buzzing with confidence in front of their families. Clearly speaking their lines, performing dances with energy and (most importantly!) having fun on stage, all their skills were beautifully displayed at such a young age. We are so proud of them all!
Next up were the 5-6 year old shows who went on a Trip To The Zoo (with run-away lions on the loose!) Highlights included impressive cartwheels and some scarily accurate animal impersonations…! It was great to see our students working together as a strong ensemble to bring these shows to life and showcase thier skills.
Finally, we rounded the term off with a spectacular 7-18’s showing of Breaking the Habit! Each age group their created their own world with strong characters, clear plot and plenty of dance moves. We had Great Gatsby-like glitz and glamour for our oldest students, chaotic cops for our 9-11 year olds and our youngest group played the Blessed Sisters of Mercy who took in the show’s protagonist, there was quite literally something for everybody! (And plenty of laughs.) Performed in our large theatre space It was an impressive end to our 2025 Autumn term which audiences thoroughly enjoyed.
We can’t wait to be back to school on the 17th January and look forward to seeing a wide range of new skills and activites! Come and join the fun next term. Email michael@jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call 0208 657 8067
Wonderful Wimbledon End of Term Shows!
As we find ourselves gearing up for Christmas, the last few weeks have naturally been very busy – not to mention full of the wonderful end of term shows performed across our schools: both at Ricards Lodge and Dundonald Primary! We are so proud of all the hard work our students have put into these past 11 weeks: learning script lines, song lyrics and some fabulous choreography. The numerous weeks of rehearsals paid off with the brilliant performances our students were able to share with their friends and family over the past few weeks.
Our show schedule was kicked off by the impressive 3-4 year olds who brought Hungry Caterpillars and sparkling Rainbows to life! Teachers Emma and Fran were incredibly proud of their students who were buzzing with confidence in front of their families. Clearly speaking their lines, performing dances with energy and (most importantly!) having fun on stage, were skills beautifully displayed at such a young age. We are so proud of them all!
Next up were the 5-6 year old shows which ranged from Trips To The Zoo (with run-away lions on the loose!) all the way to Wonderland on an Adventure with Alice! Highlights included impressive cartwheels and some scarily accurate animal impersonations…! It was great to see our students working together as a strong ensemble to bring these shows to life and showcase thier skills.
Finally, we rounded the term off with a spectacular 7-18’s showing of Breaking the Habit! Each age group their created their own world with strong characters, clear plot and plenty of dance moves. We had Great Gatsby-like glitz and glamour for our oldest students and the Blessed Sisters of Mercy who took in the show’s protagonist, there was quite literally something for everybody! (With plenty of laughs.) Performed in our large theatre space – with the brilliant tech team adding some lighitng and sound magic – It was an impressive end to our 2025 Autumn term which audiences thoroughly enjoyed!
We can’t wait to be back to school on the 18th January and look forward to seeing a wide range of new skills and activites! Come and join the fun next term. Email michael@jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call 0208 657 8067
Super Sutton Shows Marking The End of Term!
As we find ourselves gearing up for Christmas, the last few weeks have naturally been very busy – not to mention full of the wonderful end of term shows performed over the final few weeks at Harris Academy Sutton! We are so proud of all the hard work our students have put into these past 11 weeks: learning script lines, song lyrics and some fabulous choreography. The numerous weeks of rehearsals paid off with the brilliant performances our students were able to share with their friends and family.
Our show schedule was kicked off by the impressive 3-4 year olds who brought explorers on a Bear Hunt to life – full of energy and enthusiasm! Teachers Sophie and Sofia were incredibly proud of their students who were buzzing with confidence in front of their families. Clearly speaking their lines, performing dances with energy and (most importantly!) having fun on stage, all their skills were beautifully displayed at such a young age. We are so proud of them all!
Next up were the 5-6 year old shows who went on a Trip To The Zoo (with run-away lions on the loose!) Highlights included impressive cartwheels and some scarily accurate animal impersonations…! It was great to see our students working together as a strong ensemble to bring these shows to life and showcase thier skills.
Finally, we rounded the term off with a spectacular 7-18’s showing of Breaking the Habit! Each age group their created their own world with strong characters, clear plot and plenty of dance moves. We had Great Gatsby-like glitz and glamour for our oldest students, chaotic cops for our 9-11 year olds and our youngest group played the Blessed Sisters of Mercy who took in the show’s protagonist, there was quite literally something for everybody! (And plenty of laughs.) Performed in our large theatre space It was an impressive end to our 2025 Autumn term which audiences thoroughly enjoyed.
We can’t wait to be back to school on the 17th January and look forward to seeing a wide range of new skills and activities! Come and join the fun next term.
Email michael@jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call 0208 657 8067
Jigsaw Youth Theatre Opens In Mitcham & Morden!
From the start of our Spring term beginning in January 2026, our students aged 15-18 will be part of a newly formed youth theatre. This class will provide a more nuanced approach to the three disciplines of the performing arts, honing in on specifics and pushing performance skills furhter than ever before! We’ll be staying true to the Jigsaw Arts key skills of singing, dance and drama but working in a more focused and grown up way.
Many of our Jigsaw students have a real passion for performing which they intend to pursue professionally, the next step of which usually includes applying for further drama schools and training courses. Jigsaw Youth Theatre provides expert advice on how to navigate the application process with, for example, teachers helping individuals develop a repertoire of songs they can use going forward for auditions. We will also be building a range of performance pieces as a company so we are able to explore more performance oppoturnities than ever before!
Previously the older studnets mixed with the whole school from 7-18’s, now our Youth Theatre will have a bit more indendence, doing their own shows and their own stand alone creative projects – we can’t wait to see what they create! As many of our teachers are performers themselves who have trained and are currently working within the performing industry, they are the perfect port of call for those students looking to take the next steps in making their performing dreams a reality!
Our supportive and insightful youth theatre is for further developing students who already have a love of the performing arts in more challenging sessions. We are so excited for its opening in January 2026 and can’t wait to welcome our students in!
The Best Christmas Present for Your 3–6 Year Old: A Gift That Lasts a Lifetime
With so many toys available and children’s attention spans seeming shorter than ever, it can be hard to choose a Christmas present that truly makes an impact. Many toys are fun for a few days, then forgotten. But experiences stay with children, shape their confidence, and help them grow.
This Christmas, give your child a gift that goes far beyond the festive season:
Performing arts classes that nurture creativity, social skills, and self-belief.
Why Performing Arts Are the Perfect Gift for Young Children
1. Builds Confidence and Self-Esteem
Drama, dance, and singing encourage children to express themselves openly. As they practise performing in front of others, they naturally build confidence, overcome shyness, and learn to trust their own abilities.
2. Boosts Communication and Language Skills
Through storytelling, role-play, and vocal exercises, children develop clearer speech, stronger communication, and a richer vocabulary. These skills support reading, phonics, and public speaking at school.
3. Improves Focus and Concentration
Performing arts activities help young children practise listening, following instructions, and staying engaged, skills that transfer directly to the classroom.
4. Encourages Teamwork and Social Development
Group exercises in drama and singing teach children how to collaborate, take turns, share ideas, and support one another. They learn empathy, cooperation, and how to build friendships.
5. Enhances Physical Development
Dance classes improve coordination, balance, rhythm, and overall fitness. Movement-based learning is especially beneficial for energetic early years children.
6. Sparks Imagination and Creativity
Performing arts invite children to create characters, explore emotions, and express their ideas freely. This kind of imaginative play strengthens creative thinking and problem-solving.
7. Supports Emotional Wellbeing
Through drama and music, children learn to recognise, explore, and manage emotions in a healthy way, boosting their emotional intelligence.
Why Choose Jigsaw Performing Arts in Ilford?
At Jigsaw Ilford, our performing arts classes are specially designed for young children aged 3–6 years, offering a balanced and enjoyable introduction to:
- Dance — rhythm, coordination & movement
- Drama — expression, storytelling & role-play
- Singing — vocal development, breathing & musicality
Each 90-minute class includes 30 minutes of each discipline, taught by experienced and enthusiastic specialist tutors. All our teachers are DBS checked, providing a safe, supportive environment where children can thrive.
We group children into 3–4 years and 5–6 years to ensure age-appropriate learning and confidence building.
Classes take place on Saturday afternoons at Valentines High School, Ilford.
Give a Two-Week Performing Arts Trial This Christmas!
Instead of another toy, give your child the chance to discover their voice, build lifelong skills, and experience the joy of performing arts.
Book a two-week trial today and reserve your child’s place in our fun, creative performing arts classes!
Jigsaw Youth Theatre now LIVE!
Exciting news for young aspiring actors! Jigsaw Youth Theatre is running in Ware, offering a fantastic opportunity for teenagers to dive into the world of performing arts. Whether you’re thinking of pursuing a career in the arts or simply want to develop skills and build confidence and creativity, Jigsaw Youth Theatre provides a vibrant and supportive environment for young talent to thrive.
Here Franchisee Rachel, will answer a few questions on what you can expect!
What is Jigsaw Youth Theatre?
JYT is an extension of our already popular, weekend classes. Aimed at students aged 15-18 (14 if in year 10), it is a chance to further develop skills in acting, singing and dance in a more challenging environment. We will be exploring engaging texts that are aimed at more mature students and there will be performance opportunities throughout the year to put those skills into practice.
I’ve never performed before, can I still attend?
Absolutely! There is no limit to when a student can begin to get involved in the arts. Our classes are flexible and inclusive so that students of any skill set can feel equally as involved. Now is a great time to try, as JYT is new for all of its participants.
Will there be chances to go on theatre trips?
Each school will vary in its plans for the year, but almost all Jigsaw schools do participate in theatre trips for it’s teenage students. We find that trips are a good chance for students to bond and it also opens up their mind to the variety we have in the world of theatre, inspiring them for the academic year ahead!
Did you ever have any experience in a Youth Theatre?
I was part of my local youth theatre for many years and some of my most rewarding memories as a teen took place within the group. I joined Central Youth Theatre back in my home town of Wolverhampton as a very timid 12 year old, and stayed until I was 18! I had opportunities to perform in professional theatre spaces, at Youth Theatre festivals down in London and even gained some experience in film, costume design and producing/funding a large scale production. CYT is still running today and it inspired my life so much that I still regularly touch base with the directors, as do many of the alumni.
What is your aim for JYT?
My personal aim for JYT is to create a safe environment for young actors to explore their creativity, be inspired and afford them some similar opportunities of those I was lucky to experience during my own time in a Youth Theatre. For those that would like to pursue a career in the arts further after school or college, it would be great to be able to give them an insight into how a professional working environment can be in the world of performing arts. Most of all, we of course want it to be fun!