Contact Information
Weekend School
Becket Keys Secondary School
Sawyers Hall Lane
Brentwood
CM15 9DA
Directions
Fees
3 - 6 years
£170 per term (£ 42.50 a month on direct debit spread over the year)
£127.50 for second child, £85 for third child
New students are invited to do an initial two-week trial for £30. This is deducted from the fees when you book for the rest of the term.
7 - 18 years
£308 per term (£77 a month on direct debit spread over the year)
£231 for second child, £154 for third child
New students are invited to do an initial two-week trial for £60. This is deducted from the fees when you book for the rest of the term.
Jigsaw Jumpers
£99.00 per term (£24.75 a month on direct debit)
£74.25 for second child, £49.50 for third child
New students are invited to do an initial two-week trial for £18. This is deducted from the fees when you book for the rest of the term.
Term Times
Autumn term:
29th September- 8th December
Class Times
Sunday Mornings
3-4 years
9.30am – 11.00am
11:30am-1:00pm
5-6 years
9.30am – 11.00am
11.30am – 1.00pm
7 - 18 years
10.00am – 1.00pm
Managers
Each school has its own manager who is a key member of the Jigsaw Arts team. The manager coordinates teachers, students and parents to ensure we have a safe, professional and smooth-running school.
Jigsaw Arts managers have a teaching and/or a performing background. In addition to their individual experience, all managers are trained by Jigsaw to provide each school with a first-class consistent service. In larger schools an assistant is also provided.
Teachers
The students are coached by fully trained tutors who are well organised, energetic and passionate about teaching.
Jigsaw Arts takes every care when selecting new teachers for its schools. They all have experience in teaching or a formal qualification, with many still working professionally in the performing arts industry. All teachers have a DBS check and attend Jigsaw Arts teacher training sessions to provide consistent tutoring across our schools.
All schools are regularly inspected by Jigsaw Arts’ head office management team, to ensure that the quality of teaching is consistent.
Discipline policy
Jigsaw Arts requires all students to behave in a disciplined and professional manner. Students are expected to be punctual and committed to the course to achieve their full potential.
Students who have the desire to succeed in the performing arts industry need to learn the importance of self-discipline and hard work. Jigsaw Arts will remove from classes any student whose behaviour is deemed inappropriate, disrespectful or disruptive to other students and teachers.
Abbie Nicholls
Owner and School Manager
Abbie Nicholls attended Jigsaw Ilford for two years at the age of 12 as a scholarship student. She continued her passion for the arts and began studying Drama, Applied Theatre and Performance at the University of East London from 2014. As part of her studies, she spent 6 months abroad at Columbia College of Chicago studying Acting. She continued to graduate in 2017 with first class honours and was awarded the Dean’s Award for Performing Arts. In 2020, Abbie was awarded the Alumni’s Rising star of the year award from the University of East London.
Abbie also works as a Drama Practitioner, Director and Choreographer working with inclusive performing arts companies.
Yasmin Lawson
Main School and 5/6 Performing Arts Teacher
Yasmin trained at East 15 Acting School. Her passion for performing started at a very young age. Whilst not teaching and studying you will find Yasmin playing show tunes on repeat, rollerskating round her kitchen, window shopping in London and loving all things Disney.
Through her own expereinces of attending local theatre schools as a child, to working with young people, Yasmin is a true believer in the benefits of performing arts for all. Whether a child is destined for a life on the stage, or just needs some extra encouragement to build their confidence, she believes that every child deserves a safe supporting space they can express themselves and reach their full potential – but most importantly, create some lifelong friends and have FUN!
Brooke Woolley
3/4 Year Old Performing Arts Teacher
Brooke is a bubbly, enthusiastic teacher who always wants the best for my students. She has always had a passion for the performance arts industry. She began my dance teaching journey at the age of 13 starting as a assistant to now being qualified. She also qualified for the UDO Worlds Championships in Street Dance in 2019. She hopes to inspire this new generation to courage them to achieve their goals!
Kacey Straw
Performing Arts Support
Kacey has been training and attending performing arts schools for her whole life. She recently had the opportunity to perform in the Shaftesbury theatre to perform piece from the musical’s Six and Hamilton. Alongside my training in performing arts, I am also completing my level 3 in production arts. So as well as performing I also know about the technical side too! I have recently discovered my huge passion for teaching and can’t wait to teach and inspire the next generation of performers!
Joseph Asher
Main School and 5/6 Performing Arts Teacher
Grace Hyman
Jigsaw Jumpers
Grace holds an Enhanced DBS Check and a level 2 in understand Autism.
Grace graduated from CPA Studios with a level six diploma in professional musical theatre and dance. Since graduating in 2017 Grace has been the lead singer in a very popular band and has performed all over Essex as a solo singer in many fabulous venues and has also been in various shows. Grace also has lots of experience in teaching young performers through some great performing arts schools in Essex. Grace as an educator is determined to pass on valuable knowledge and skills to all
Certificates
Students are awarded certificates at the end of every year that they attend. We are rewarding commitment and effort rather than ability as we feel every student has personal objectives within the course. Students who reach 3 years or more are then awarded medals every year.
Reports
During our technique term, students concentrate on building and improving their skills, exploring many areas of the performing arts. During this term, parents will be given a written report on their child’s progress. The school manager is also available for ongoing verbal feedback.
Children's Short Sleeve T-Shirt
£10
Sizes
3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-11, 12-13
Children's Long Sleeve T-Shirt
£12
Sizes
3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-11, 12-13
Children's Front Zip Hoodie
£20
Sizes
3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-11, 12-13
Children's Jogging Bottoms
£16
Sizes
3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-11, 12-13
Jigsaw Arts run three terms per year. Twice a year family and friends will be invited to watch a presentation or show combining dance, drama and singing. This is an excellent opportunity for the students to put their performance skills into practice.
Jigsaw Arts devises performances so that all students are included. Each student will be individually challenged as well as being encouraged to work as part of a team.
Jigsaw Jumpers is coming to Brentwood on Sunday mornings!
Jigsaw Jumpers is more than just a 45-minute performing arts class for your child, our classes help develop the parent-child relationship, and is a positive step in your child’s development!
Through the medium of drama, singing and dance, your child will begin their expressive journey and the 45-minute class will be taught by fully qualified and experienced pre-school teachers. Our teachers understand the individual needs of each child, and are always on hand to offer advice, encouragement and support.
Parents attend each Jigsaw Jumpers session and are encouraged to be involved in exploring imagination with their child. This shared learning and enjoyable experience helps develop a special bond between parent and child, and this in turn assists with the development of confidence and creativity very early on in life.
Holiday Workshop Information
October half term camp!
28th October- 31st October
A whole week of Performing Arts fun creating, rehearsing and then performing a show to present to family and friends.
£160 per student £140 per sibling
Hampton’s leisure centre, Chelmsford
9:00am-3:30pm
Why not try a Jigsaw Holiday Workshop as an affordable solution to keeping your children busy and active? Jigsaw provide fun and exciting performing arts activities that will build your child’s confidence.
Holiday workshops for children
Students are divided into appropriate age groups and take part in dance, drama and singing activities that lead to an end of the week show. There will be a balance between show rehearsals and fun activities and games that will ensure your child has a memorable holiday with an opportunity to make new friends.
Escape the rain with an Easter or half term workshop or take to the stage in a fun-filled summer school. Our holiday workshops are hugely popular amongst children who attend our weekend schools as well as children who are joining Jigsaw for the very first time.
Holiday Workshops for 3-5 years
The two hour sessions are full of fun packed, exciting performing arts activities and games. They offer a taster of the full day programme and the week leads to a mini performance. Perfect for building confidence, making new friends and keeping your child busy during the school holidays.
Holiday workshops for 5 - 16 years
Each day will begin with ice breaker games followed by a physical and vocal warm up. Students will then work in smaller groups for dance, drama and singing activities. As the week progresses, the children’s work is pieced together to form a show for family and friends at the end of the week.
What do children need to bring?
A packed lunch that doesn’t need refrigeration. Lunches will be stored in a cool dry place but refrigerators are not available. We recommend you use an ice pack.
Plenty of water to keep hydrated.
Students should wear clothes and shoes appropriate for movement.
Summer schools
Jigsaw summer schools are hugely popular. Taking place during various weeks throughout the summer holidays, it is always a major highlight of the Jigsaw calendar and there have been some unforgettable summer school shows over the years.
Our Teachers
The holiday workshops are led by inspiring and experienced teachers who also teach regularly at our weekend schools. The teachers have attended Jigsaw Arts training and have a DBS check. Many of our teachers also work professionally in the performing arts industry.
Find out more about Our Teachers.
As well as our weekend Performing Arts Schools, Jigsaw offers entertaining and fun Birthday Parties for children at a location of your choosing throughout London, the Home Counties and South Wales. Our parties are perfect for children who love the performing arts and want a creative and imaginative, fun filled party.
What does Jigsaw provide?
One of our specialist performing arts teachers will take the children on an hour’s fun filled adventure through dance, singing and drama activities based on your child’s favourite theme! Past themes have included ‘Princesses and Pirates’, ‘Frozen’, ‘Superheroes’, ‘Under the Sea’ and many more. You pick the theme and our performing arts teacher will ensure that your child and their friends have a wonderful and memorable day. The sessions will run much like our Performing Arts Schools but with the added excitement of the entire party being designed for the birthday child and their guests.
We are more than happy to discuss any ideas that you may have for the content or theme in the build-up to the big day and are happy to suggest activities/games which can be incorporated into the themed party.
All out tutors are DBS checked and have had in-house training.
Activities will be appropriate for the age of the birthday child so please bear this in mind when inviting friends and family. These activities are suitable for a maximum of 20 children. We are unable to accommodate a larger group as we want to ensure that every child has a memorable experience.
What do I need to provide?
A clear space in your home or a small hall. We will also need a power point. If you would like to include any props (pass the parcel etc) then please provide these also. Leave the rest to us!
Costs and booking
£120 for an hour to a maximum of 20 children. There is a £10 surcharge for parties outside the M25.
A £40 deposit is payable in advance to secure your booking.
Deposits are non refundable. Should you wish to cancel your booking, 72 hours notice is required. If the appropriate notice has not been given you will be charged 50% of the balance
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We all know that feeling, the anticipation of doing something for the first time. For some people this manifests as excitement, an unstoppable optimistic energy as they look forward to joining a new club or taking on a new activity. For some of us however, doing something new can be a daunting experience that leaves […]
How to Conquer Stage Fright!
Glossophobia. No, it’s not a new type of paint. It’s the fear of public speaking – or, in other words, stage fright. It’s one of the most common fears. Even very experienced performers get stage fright, so it’s not surprising that children do as well. “I get stage fright and gremlins in my head […]
The Cure for Back to School Blues
There’s an epidemic sweeping the country – the back to school blues. After a long summer of holidays, beaches, clubs and pools, the reality of another term – another year! – at school starts to sink in. And it doesn’t just afflict children. Parents have been feeling the pressure of buying new stationary, replacing outgrown, […]
Jigsaw Review: The Worst Witch, Vaudeville Theatre
Recently on the Jigsaw blog, we ran a competition to win tickets to The Worst Witch on stage! We can now unveil the winning entry: If I was a witch my favourite spell would be, I’ll make my cat disappear to have adventures climbing trees, Sneaking up on the neighbour’s dog that’s always teasing him,So […]
Competition: Win Tickets to See The Worst Witch, in the West End!
We have a fantastic competition for a Jigsaw student to win tickets to see The Worst Witch in the West End! Update: read the winner’s review of the show here! For a chance of winning this amazing prize, simply answer this question: “If you were a witch, what would your favourite spell be?” […]
Why Everyone Can Enjoy a Trip to the Theatre
Whether it’s a challenging new work, a literary classic, a spectacular musical, or a good old-fashioned panto, the theatre can offer something for everyone. This is the principle behind ‘Kids Week’ in London, which returns again for 2019. Despite the name, it actually runs for the entire month of August, during which a child who’s […]
Agency Workshop Day
Above: Lily Mae in rehearsals for the musical Little Miss Sunshine. Lily Mae attended the Agency Workshop in 2017. Following the great success of the last one, and all the wonderful casting news for Jigsaw students (which you can read about here), there will be another Agency Workshop Day on: Sunday 30th June 2019 in […]
When is Acting Useful in Everyday Life?
At Jigsaw, we know that acting and drama skills have all sorts of applications beyond the stage or screen. While some might take acting classes with an eye to appearing on the West End, others want to boost their confidence, be creative or simply make some new friends. So when and how is acting useful in everyday […]
What Does My Child Need?
Every child develops in different ways. No-one knows what a child needs better than their parent or guardian. The person who watches them grow, cares for and challenges them, understands them more than anyone. But what they might not understand is that performing arts aren’t just for the naturally theatrically inclined, or those seeking a […]
My First Jigsaw Experience
I’d been working at Jigsaw head office a little over a week as the Office and Social Media Assistant when Founder and Company Director Nikki asked me to join her for a class at Jigsaw Crouch End. It’s one thing to be on the other end of the phone, telling people how great Jigsaw is, […]
Are Singing Lessons Worth it?
Now, I’m sure that there are a lot of us out there who enjoy singing out loud to our favourite pop songs in the shower. The decibels bouncing off the bathroom tiles as we serenade an imaginary concert of adoring fans, all in the safety of our own home. But aside from the fantasy of […]
Why is Dance Important?
This guest blog was written by Isabelle, who teaches dance at Jigsaw Balham, Jigsaw Bexleyheath and Jigsaw Croydon! Dance has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Many of my fondest childhood memories are of being in the vibrant heat of the dance studio learning new moves or […]
Why Arts Education is Important in a Child’s Social Development
This blog post on children’s social development is written by Emily, the manager of Jigsaw Balham. As an advocate for the arts and the benefits it can bring about in young people, I could talk about this until I am blue in the face… but I shan’t. Instead I shall attempt to sum it up […]
Our favourite drama games that you too can play at home
At Jigsaw we believe that drama is an important tool in any child’s development. From helping students to develop their concentration and creative thinking, it also teaches children to share ideas, listen, communicate efficiently and problem solve. Just like any other skill, we become better at all these things with practice, but there’s no need […]
The Value of Creativity
This guest blog post on children’s creativity is written by Emily, manager of Jigsaw Balham. I have had the pleasure of working with Jigsaw Arts for a number of years as a singing, drama and dance teacher, and in the last year have become the manager for the brilliant Jigsaw Balham. I have been engaged […]
Top 10 Christmas Movies for the family
There is nothing like sitting in front of the fire on a cold winters day with the family, all huddled round in their Christmas jumpers, mince pies at the ready and a good Christmas film to celebrate the festivities! That surely is one of the highlights of the winter season. Here we have a list […]
Christmas Shows with a Jigsaw Twist
Christmas is a magical time of the year! From family gatherings, roast dinner and giving gifts it’s a holiday season full of fun and celebration. There are lots of magical shows across the country this time of year, so we thought we would compile a list just for you – with a Jigsaw twist! Read […]
Christmas Films for all the Family!
November is here! The nights are getting longer, the temperature has dropped, and Christmas is less than two months away! But what are we all going to do with ourselves until the festivities begin? Never fear! If anything brings the family together it’s a good old-fashioned movie night. We’ve curated a list of the latest […]
Jigsaw – Skills for Life
When booking a performing arts class for the first time parents often ask us the million-dollar question: “How will the class benefit my child?” At Jigsaw, we appreciate that our students join our classes for a multitude of reasons. Every student can benefit in some way from the performing arts. While some join us to […]
Back to School! Back to Jigsaw!
As the long hot days of Summer shift to Autumn there is a sense a freshness in the air! Yes, it’s time to don the uniform and head back to school. But wait! That can only mean one thing… Back to school means back to Jigsaw! We have had such a great summer with many […]
Andy Hutchings is appointed joint Director of Jigsaw Arts Franchise Limited
Jigsaw is excited to announce that from the 1st September 2018, Andy Hutchings will become joint shareholder and Director of Jigsaw Arts Franchise Limited with Nicola Lander. Andy became a Jigsaw teacher in 2001 and over the years progressed to be General Manager. Later in 2016 he became the franchisee of Jigsaw Broxbourne and Ware […]
Beating the Heat at the Virgin Sport British 10K
Congratulations to Jigsaw Company Director, Nicola Lander and Business Development Manager, Andy Hutchings who completed the Virgin Sport British 10k in Westminster on Sunday, 15th July. After months of training and fundraising both runners laced up their trainers on that sweltering Sunday morning to complete the race in 1 hour 12 minutes! “It was an incredible hot day!” […]
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 […]
Jigsaw Runs For Cancer Research!
Having both lost a parent to cancer, our founder Nicola Lander, and our Business Development Manager, Andy Hutchings, will be running the Virgin Sport British 10k in Westminster on Sunday, 15th July 2018 at 9.30am. If you are in the area in this day, please do come along the running route to cheer them both […]
Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools revealed as a Winner in the National mumandworking awards 2018 as hosted by NatWest
The UK’s flexible working ‘trailblazers’ announced in national awards celebrating family-friendly, agile employment The winners and highly commended finalists in the prestigious 2018 ‘mumandworking awards’ were recently revealed in an inspiring, high profile ceremony, hosted by NatWest, and Jigsaw Performing Arts was amongst them. These pioneering awards were launched over 8 years ago to celebrate the […]
Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools look forward to the National mumandworking awards 2018 as hosted by NatWest
2018 Shortlisted Nominees Revealed in National Awards celebrating family-friendly, flexible working The nominees for the prestigious mumandworking awards 2018 have been announced – and Jigsaw Arts is amongst them. These pioneering awards were launched over eight years ago to celebrate the UK’s leading lights in the world of flexible working – those amazing and inspiring […]
A Teaching Team at the Heart of What We Do
The Jigsaw Arts team is more than just a group of individuals – it’s a community. Head Office staff, Managers, Teachers and Assistants all have one thing in common: they love what they do. Everybody at Jigsaw is incredibly passionate about the performing arts, and that passion is delivered week in, week out, and it all leads […]
Top Five Reasons to Take to the Stage
Nothing quite beats a night at the theatre. With so many great shows out there this season, there’s no better time to get stuck in to the performing arts than now. Here are our top five reasons to take to the stage: 5. You can make a difference Theatre challenges, questions and inspires. What better […]
Spring Term Booking Now Open
A new year of performing arts classes Jigsaw classes have proven to be an excellent way to build confidence, social skills and self-esteem in children of all ages. We’ve had some exciting additions to our teaching team this year, all of whom look forward to welcoming you to Jigsaw in the new year. Booking is now open for the 2018 spring […]
Students Get to Grips with Shakespeare and Puppetry at the National Theatre
War Horse and William Students from Jigsaw’s agency, Jigsaw Arts Management, had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of attending puppetry and Shakespeare workshops at London’s National Theatre. On the first day of workshops, the students had an exclusive behind the scenes look and a guided tour of the production workshops where NT props and set are created, and then […]
Jigsaw Agency Workshop Day is a Huge Success
Jigsaw Arts Management Agency Workshop Day Last Sunday’s agency workshop at The Actors Centre, London was a huge success. It was a fantastic way for Katie from Jigsaw Arts Management to meet lots of children for the first time and a chance for her to see what they are best suited to when it comes to putting them forward for […]
Incredible Singing Success Stories
The benefits of singing Let’s face it: we all love singing. Whether it’s around the house, in the car or within a singing lesson, we somehow feel more alive after giving a rendition of our favourite rock song, pop song or musical theatre number. Singing is cathartic. It helps ease stress and can prove to […]
Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools Announced As National Business Awards Finalist
Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools has been shortlisted for The Business Award for Arts and Creative Services for the 2016 Lloyds Bank National Business Awards. Jigsaw is a business in the Creative Industry dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self-expression and building confidence. For over 20 years, Jigsaw has provided drama, singing and dance classes for children […]
Top 5 Techniques for Learning Lines
Learning lines can be tricky at times, but with plenty of patience and the right techniques, it is definitely something that we are all capable of mastering. So with Spring shows across Britain now well into rehearsals and with the new term underway at Jigsaw Arts, here at Head Office, we put our heads together […]
Reflecting on 2015 and a Look Ahead to 2016
By Daniel Jenkins With Christmas well and truly over and the New Year now underway, here at Jigsaw Arts we’ve had time to take stock and look back at 2015 – and what an exciting 12 months they’ve been… In 2015 we celebrated our 20th birthday; 20 years of Jigsaw! We can’t quite believe how […]
Audition Tips from Jigsaw Arts Management!
Jigsaw Agency’s audition tips It’s an exciting time for the Jigsaw Agency as we approach the deadline to renew children on our books for another year and welcome those that are joining us for the first time. Those that are on the agency will know that ‘Spotlight’ is the online CV every child has with […]
Top 10 Autumn Activities
Autumn is certainly a season of change. As we make the rather gloomy transition from Summer into Winter we notice that the arrival of night time becomes much earlier and of course the temperature drops considerably. We see the leaves start to change colour and fall off trees, the birds migrate south and animals start […]
Top 10 things to do on a rainy day!
Top 10 things to do on a rainy day! It’s a rainy day, wet and miserable outside and the kids are grizzling about the house complaining that they are bored and have nothing to do. Don’t worry – help is at hand. Here are 10 boredom-busting rainy day indoor activities for kids. 1. Pizza party Lay […]
Top 10 Skills Children learn from Performing Arts
Top 10 Skills Children learn from Performing Arts 2015 is a very exciting year in our Jigsaw calendar as we look back over the past 20 years that we have been offering Performing Arts classes to 3-18 year olds. Reflecting on this, we have come up with our top 10 skills children learn from […]
Spotlight on Jigsaw Manager Danny Bage
Danny is currently a Jigsaw manager of two schools; Harrow and Ware. He has been working for Jigsaw as a teacher and manager for 9 years now. We thought we would catch up with him to find out a little more about his background, his experience with Jigsaw so far and we threw in some fun questions […]
Top 10 Audition Tips
As we’re approaching the deadline for children to renew their Spotlight membership for our Jigsaw Arts agency we thought it would be a good time to discuss our top 10 Audition tips for the performing arts. This isn’t just of course for children that are going for professional auditions. The same tips apply whether […]
Franchise Success!
We talk with Michael, Jigsaw’s first franchisee, about his franchise success. Franchise Success Case Study How did you hear about Jigsaw Performing Arts? I worked for Jigsaw as a drama teacher in 2006 when I was still at drama school. I think it was an advert in The Stage! What attracted you to a […]
Owing to our continued success and growth, we are always on the look-out for the very best teachers to enhance the Jigsaw team.
If you are interested in becoming part of the team, please send a cover letter and CV to:
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Head Office: Prospect House, 2 Athenaeum Road, Whetstone, London, N20 9AE
If you have any questions please complete the form below or call 01245 768154.
