This is Head office news article
Author: Cda Editor
JIGSAW EPSOM CLASSES OPEN JANUARY 2024!
In January 2024, Jigsaw Epsom is opening their doors! Offering singing, dance and drama classes to students aged 3 – 18. Having recently completed her Jigsaw Franchise training, we spoke to new Jigsaw Epsom franchisee Christabel about how it went:
What steps did you take to go from the franchise enquiry stage to embarking upon your training?
“I had enquired earlier in the year about the Jigsaw franchise and attended one of their Discovery Days where I found out more about how the business works. From there on, I visited another Jigsaw school in action and did some research before deciding on an area. Once this had been established and a start date of January 2024 was decided on, my training to become the owner of Jigsaw Epsom was scheduled for November 2023.”
What did you cover in your training and what were your favourite parts?
“There are so many different aspects of the business that I didn’t realise were part and parcel of the role. It was interesting learning about Jigbase (Jigsaw’s online management system) and trying it out for myself. I also enjoyed being taught how to run a school; the day-to-day details, as well as what goes on behind the scenes, such as marketing/social media campaigns. It was really nice being able to meet so many of the Head Office staff and current franchisees – everyone is so friendly; they were also great at providing advice and answering and queries that I had. I completed my training with Kalyn, the Wandsworth school manager, so it was good to be able to train alongside someone who is also starting out. We both received our first bookings within a day of one another too, which was amazing! The training finished with dinner and a trip to the theatre as well, which was such a nice way to finish the training, after all the long days, taking in copious amounts of information. It was also really quite apt, being a performing arts school, to be able to attend a performance together!”
How do you feel, now that the training part is over? Are you ready to open up your new school?
“It has been a long week for me, travelling from Epsom to head office in North London each day. Nonetheless, the training was extremely well-organised and in-depth, so I do feel that I’m now armed with all the information needed to go forth and open up my school, so yes, I would say that I am ready to begin the classes in January. I suppose now it’s all about applying the information learned, which is incredibly exciting, although I may not be saying this on my first day, when I’m nervous about getting everything right! I do know that I will have my Franchise Support Manager with me on the day though, which is reassuring. This is where you have backing as a franchisee; I know that I am not going to be left to my own devices and that there is an entire support network available for me to tap into, whenever I should need it.”
Jigsaw Epsom will be opening its doors January 2024! Offering singing, drama and dance classes to students aged 3 – 18. Get in touch to learn more to to book your two week trial – Epsom@jigsaw-arts.co.uk!
JAKE AND JASON FROM ABSTRACT KIDS DRAMA ON THEIR TIME AT JIGSAW!
Hey, so my name’s Jason, or Mr. Jason to some!
I first attended Jigsaw when I was around 15. This began as I was lucky enough to receive a scholarship through my school. I always did very well in drama, but going to a drama school wasn’t something my parents could afford, looking back now, that moment had such a big impact on my journey in life, so I’m always so grateful for it. I first attended Jigsaw Bexleyheath, which is where I actually met Jake, all those years ago. I stayed on and joined the Jigsaw Youth Theatre, performing in a number of plays. After a few years away from Jigsaw, working and travelling, I was asked to be part of the team at Jigsaw Balham, where I became the drama teacher for about 3 years while studying Drama at uni. I also taught a lot at Jigsaw Finchley and Jigsaw Croydon aswell, as different summer camps around London. Eventually I ended up moving out to Bangkok, Thailand to embark on a new chapter in my life.
Hi there! My name is Jake and Jigsaw has officially been a part of over half of my life… (I think that makes me old),
Similarly to Jason, I received a scholarship to attend Jigsaw Bexleyheath when I was 14 years old. Soon I became a member of the first Jigsaw Youth Theatre and after a short stint at university, I found myself teaching at Jigsaw at the age of 21.
I first taught at Jigsaw Croydon as a Performing Arts assistant; learning from many amazing teachers (borrowing all the best bits!), and then I became a Performing Arts teacher working at many, many Jigsaw schools across London. I genuinely couldn’t even hazard a guess at how many schools I’ve taught at! And now at age 28, I am writing a blog for Jigsaw, it’s one of those amazing full circle moments.
What are you both up to now?
Right now, we are running Abstract Kids Drama; a children’s theatre company based in Phuket, Thailand. We’re a very small team, so at times it seems like we are taking on many roles. “Not quite the actor’s life I (Jake) had envisioned as a kid.”
We specialise in nurturing and growing a child’s imagination through play. Which basically means; we have created a job where we can continue being big kids- and it’s a LOT of fun! We have just completed our first year as a business and it’s all going very well.
What inspired you to teach/create your own business?
Jason: For me, drama is more than just becoming an actor. Although I love performing, the business of acting has never really appealed to me. I still find so much joy in creating and learning and I have always had a great rapport with kids. Drama is such a powerful tool that allows us to play with all the ideas and concepts of the world within a safe and playful space. Teaching has always come natural to me, and using my skills as a performer to create immersive worlds that inspire and educate just feels right. Working for myself has always been a dream of mine. While I value being a team player, I’ve never enjoyed being told what to do. Being my own boss provides the freedom to grow in the direction I want, while also helping others grow in their own ways. I truly believe that this is my calling, and I’m determined to give it my all.
Jake: I started Abstract Kids to create a home, a playground and a safe space to express ourselves freely. Growing up was a pretty difficult endeavour for me. I used my imagination to escape and there I discovered the best tool for life: play. Through play I heal, I learn, I grow and I am devoted to sharing this with the world. I believe that children are our future (thanks, Whitney) and I am beyond proud to say I am lucky enough to help nurture and encourage the coming generations. Children will always teach me more than I teach them.
What was your favourite thing about attending Jigsaw/being a Jigsaw teacher?
Jason: My favourite thing about being with Jigsaw is the people. Everyone is very supportive and it really does feel like one big family, giving each other the space and support to be the best they can be.
Jake: Being able to witness growth. Growth in myself, growth in my students, growth in the teachers and growth in the communities that each Jigsaw school had built. It was beautiful watching so many people of different ages, backgrounds, cultures all working together to create art. Jigsaw is a collaboration of passions.
How did going to Jigsaw/working at Jigsaw help to prepare you for creating/running your own business?
Jason: I learnt so much about teaching, running schools and planning ahead. Most importantly, it inspired me to create a space where people are excited to work.
Jake: I’m not sure anything can fully prepare you for running your own business! But Jigsaw did a great job in training me to always prepare for the unexpected. Working in the creative arts industry, there is always some unique obstacle that no-one has faced before – but that’s when it gets fun!I take my playfulness with me into every aspect of my life and especially when it comes to business.
Any challenges you faced where your time at Jigsaw helped/prepared you to overcome them?
Jason: One piece of advice that always stuck with me came from my manager, Kate Cohen, when I was younger: “Even if kids are running around and having fun, it doesn’t mean they’re not listening.” It’s true – our approach to learning isn’t about being strict or always finding the right answer. Rather, it’s about showing respect for one another, playing with new ideas, and creating an environment in which we can all grow. And why not have fun while we’re at it?
Jake: Through some very difficult times in my life growing up, Jigsaw has always been there for me. Life always has its ups and downs and whether I was attending Jigsaw as a student or teaching there as a young adult, Jigsaw was always the beacon of light that kept me going. The astounding thing about Jigsaw was at any of their schools, even miles apart, it’s always felt like home to me. Truly and always a place I felt I could belong. It’s a family that I am very grateful to still be a part of.
Any inspirational words for current Jigsaw students/teachers?
Jason: Take the time to discover what you truly value and what pulls you from within. As you search, don’t forget to learn new skills, be kind, and work hard to create the world you want to live in.
Jake: Keep going! I was a very shy kid when I joined Jigsaw, but I was always curious and eager to learn. Everyone has something to teach you, if you’re open-minded and patient enough to listen.
Jason: Sending love to all at Jigsaw and wishing you all the best.
Jake: Thank you for this opportunity! And hello to all my old friends, mentors, students at Jigsaw! If you’re ever travelling through Phuket, be sure to come say hey. Wishing you all the best, Jake
Check us out on Instagram @abstractkidsdrama!
KIDS DRAMA ON THEIR TIME AT JIGSAW!
Hey, so my name’s Jason, or Mr. Jason to some!
I first attended Jigsaw when I was around 15. This began as I was lucky enough to receive a scholarship through my school. I always did very well in drama, but going to a drama school wasn’t something my parents could afford, looking back now, that moment had such a big impact on my journey in life, so I’m always so grateful for it. I first attended Jigsaw Bexleyheath, which is where I actually met Jake, all those years ago. I stayed on and joined the Jigsaw Youth Theatre, performing in a number of plays. After a few years away from Jigsaw, working and travelling, I was asked to be part of the team at Jigsaw Balham, where I became the drama teacher for about 3 years while studying Drama at uni. I also taught a lot at Jigsaw Finchley and Jigsaw Croydon aswell, as different summer camps around London. Eventually I ended up moving out to Bangkok, Thailand to embark on a new chapter in my life.
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JIGSAW ARTS FRANCHISE, A REWARDING BUSINESS INSPIRING FUTURE GENERATIONS.
Our Jigsaw founder, Nicola Lander, shares her story:
I started like you, with a passion for performing arts, a belief in the benefits and a desire to pass it on to as many young people as possible. I love seeing that once shy child progress in confidence and take on a big role in the end of term performance. Nobody believes me now, but I was once that shy child! I love hearing from past students and seeing how their performing arts skills have helped prepare them for life’s challenges whether they work in the industry or elsewhere. I really believe in the benefits of what we provide to young people. Some of those students have become assistants, teachers, managers and Jigsaw Arts franchise owners. That is the ultimate goal and is what contributes to creating ‘A Place to Belong’ with our students franchisees.
I ran up to 22 schools from head office for 18 years so have hands on experience in all aspects of the business. I also know all the small details and challenges of running a performing arts school. It is rare to find a situation that I haven’t dealt with before.
In 2013, I felt I couldn’t run anymore schools and deliver the same level of high quality and personal service to all the parents and students. I’m good at remembering names but it had stretched beyond what I was comfortable with. If I was going to reach more families, I needed some like-minded people with the same passion as myself, creative but organised and dedicated, to expand the Jigsaw schools. Over the years one of my favourite roles within my business is bringing in new talent and training them up to work at the school or in head office. So the thought of training up franchisees and giving them the tools to succeed really appealed to me. Watching a new franchisee blossom into a successful business owner mirrored that same feeling of joy when I watched children grow in confidence at the schools.
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SHOW THEM HOW MUCH PERFORMING MEANS TO YOU!
Ahead of their certificate presentation, Amy sat down with some Group 3 students at Jigsaw Crouch End to find out what Jigsaw means to them..
Amy: You’ve all been coming to Jigsaw Crouch End for a really long time! Jasper – you’ve been here 13 years! But can you all remember your first day at Jigsaw?
Mia: My first day at Jigsaw, I came in and everyone was really welcoming and kind. I absolutely loved it and had so much fun. I made so many friends in my first year and I’ve been here for ages now!
Katie: My first day was nearly six years ago, so I’m really old now! I came in and Amy introduced me to the people in my group and made sure I made friends. Everyone wanted to be friends, so it was really nice.
Josie: I started in group 1 and I came in with a full-on leopard print outfit! Now I’m really embarrassed about it! Ha ha! But everyone made me feel really welcome.
Amy: Great! And what are your favourite memories of Jigsaw? A highlight? Maybe a show or a piece you’ve performed?
Koralie: My favourite piece was when I was in group 2. We were ready to go on stage and I was dressed in a black and gold costume. I was so scared but I knew that performing is my thing and I want to do this for the rest of my life!
Kasper: It was last year, we did a show called Finding Neverland and we were the lost boys!
Jasper: Donkeys years ago, we did a take on Little Shop of Horrors. We were plant busters and it was a really great adaptation. Lots of fun. I was called Robert! Great name!
Mia: I remember that show! I came to watch it -I was in the 5&6’s class at the time! My favourite show when I was six was a circus story. I was a clown who was sad and everyone helped me to feel happy again. My Dad fully sprayed my hair and I had face paint! I don’t think anyone can beat that!
JIGSAW BUSHEY SHOW DAY 2023!
We spoke to Jigsaw Bushey Franchisee Katie to learn more about the day…
“Earlier this month, the 7+ year old students at Jigsaw Bushey performed ‘The Fallen Hero’ to an audience of friends and family for their end of term show. And it was a massive success! Myself and the team at Jigsaw Bushey are beyond proud of all of the students!
The great thing about the Bushey Academy, where we perform our end of term shows at Jigsaw Bushey, is that it has the most divine theatre. It’s gorgeous. With the lighting and atmosphere, it really does feel like a professional experience for the kids.
Offering the students this experience is so magical. Throughout the term they rehearse in a different space and they don’t actually see the theatre until the big day. It’s the biggest challenge and the most exciting part of it all.
There’s a backstage room where we get everyone all warmed up. Making sure we’ve got our face gems and glitter to spray on! Once costumes are ready to go, we get straight onto the stage to rehearse and perform! And at that point, you know, the kids, especially if it’s their first time performing, and they see how big the audience will be, it does get really, really exciting.
We had a lovely technician called Anna who did our lighting and sound. And an interesting story about Anna, is that she started with us as a Jigsaw teaching assistant! She now works professionally in the industry doing mainly sound. So I got her on board to be our technician for the morning, and it was really lovely to see her again.
When it comes to the show itself, it is so exciting. The hustle and bustle! The theatre was jam -packed, completely full. Backstage, we have three members of staff to support the students. We’ve got someone in the dressing room, one along the corridor getting the kids to and from the stage and then one person backstage.
Our lovely dance teacher Kim has the students repeat lots of positive affirmations to each other every week, and we did this before the show. When we are preparing the students to perform, we believe in the importance of encouragement and empowerment!
The students perform their best when they are in this positive space. Scaring them with “if you don’t know your lines, you’re going to be on stage and you look silly” is not what we do!
Kim is really good at getting the kids together and empowering them by saying things like “you are amazing! Tell me, I am amazing!” and they proudly repeat it and say it to the person next to them etc. And this is so special.
The process of show day this year felt like such teamwork. Every group coming together with positivity, and for the kids to support each other on stage and know that they’ve got each other’s backs is invaluable. You know, the theatre world is all about coming together as a cast!
I am really looking forward to next years show, bring on 2024!” – Katie, Jigsaw Bushey