Angel from Jigsaw Balham shares her Jigsaw Journey!

Another inspiring Jigsaw Journey, shared by Angel from Jigsaw Balham.

We spoke with Angel, an ex-student now Jigsaw assistant teacher, to hear about her inspiring Jigsaw journey.

“Being a student at Jigsaw from the age of 3 really encouraged my love for Performing Arts and helped me grow in confidence from a young age. My time at Jigsaw Arts introduced me to so many friends who I still have today. Jigsaw to me always felt like such a comforting space where I could really be myself and that made me never want to leave!

Angel in the 5-6 years class at Jigsaw Balham many years ago!

I loved all the shows I did with Jigsaw Balham! I especially loved taking part in the Jigsaw Arts Summer School. I have such vivid memories of those Summer School shows, which included Shrek, The lion king and Hairspray. 

Angel in Shrek at a Jigsaw Balham Summer School.

The Saturday School show that will definitely stick with me was ‘Finding Neverland’ in 2018, as It was one of the last shows I did with Jigsaw along with so many friends that I’d made over the years.

Angel in G3, the eldest group at Jigsaw Balham.

Now working as a Performing Arts Assistant every Saturday at Jigsaw Balham, I get to see young people be inspired the same way I was for so many years. It is a joy to help give that gift to them as they learn to express themselves and grow in confidence through the arts.

This March, my School’s Sixth-form Theatre society put on the show ‘Footloose’. It was a production led entirely by us students! From choreography, to set design; every department was run by a member of the Sixth-form. We rehearsed from October to March, 3 days a week after school and during half term we spent 3 full days ironing things out and rehearsing with the band, sound and lighting. It was Directed by Paddy, a friend of mine and former Jigsaw student. I played Vi, the Reverend’s wife, and Ariel’s mother, and it was so much fun.

Angel as Vi in Footloose.

This year, once I finish Sixth-form, I think I will be moving on to university where I wish to study Politics and Anthropology. However, I am considering taking a gap year as I’m still not 100% sure what I want to do after university, but whatever that may be, I know that the skills I’ve gained from my time at Jigsaw will help me through.”

Learn more about the classes at Jigsaw Balham here.