Spotlight on Jigsaw teacher Alex

Alex began her Jigsaw journey exactly a year ago in April 2014 and comes all the way from The Comox Valley, which is on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. She has worked in our Enfield, Sevenoaks, Ilford and Bexleyheath Jigsaw schools and will be soon starting as the singing teacher in Finchley for Summer 2015. Alex is also very excited to be performing in ‘Carousel’ the musical at The Stag Theatre with Petts Wood Operatic Society later this month.

 Where did you train?

Capilano University and the University of British Columbia both in Canada but I have also done the Teacher Training course that the Association of Teachers of Singing puts on once a year here in England.

What did you do before Jigsaw? Have you had any of jobs that you loved/hated?

I have worked in retail on and off for a very long time which can at times be trying but also really fun. I worked at Tiffany & Co. on Bond Street for several years before working at Jigsaw and getting to try on all the really fancy jewellery was great fun!

What’s your greatest career achievement?

I’d like to think that there are still lots of great achievements to come but so far getting to work with one of my childhood heros Jeff Hyslop and the amazing musical director David Warrack for two summers doing theatre in my home town was a dream come true.

What do you enjoy the most at Jigsaw?

I enjoy the sense of family that is always prevalent at Jigsaw. The fantastic dynamic between all of the teaching teams, as well as with the children and even their parents is what make Jigsaw such a special place to be.

What has been your favourite moment at Jigsaw?

I think watching Jade and Ben at Jigsaw Ilford dance and rap during the filming of the Jigsaw song.

What’s your favourite show?

‘Into the Woods’ is my favourite! I love all of Stephen Sondheim’s shows but there is something special about the message behind all the fairy tales in ‘Into the Woods’ and I love that.

What would be the most rewarding role or show for you to do?

I have always wanted to play Christine in ‘Phantom of the Opera’. Since I was about 13 years old and using my bed as the boat as I acted out the whole show in my bedroom.

Who is your favourite actor/actress?  Why?

I love Natalie Portman. I think she is a superb actress and is always very natural both on film and off. Plus she’s not afraid to be silly and poke fun at herself, which is something everyone should be able to do.

Do you have a favourite song?

Hmmm this is always a tough question for a singer. I have many favourite songs in many different genres but right now I’m really enjoying listening to anything by George Ezra.

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

Sutton Foster or maybe it’s just because I’d love her life…

Anything else you think we should know about you?

 Basically all you need to know about me is that I love to sing and the fantastic thing about being a singing teacher is not only being able to do what you love but to be able to inspire a whole new generation to love doing it too!

Jigsaw Performing Arts is dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self-expression and building confidence. We offer performing arts classes for children aged between 3 – 18. Find your nearest school by entering your postcode into the search on our home page.