Meet The Member - Katie of Jigsaw Performing Arts
Jigsaw Performing Arts
We caught up with Katie Hillcoat of Jigsaw Performing Arts, to learn more about her journey into becoming a performing arts teacher.
We are happy to have you as a member of We Are Harpenden. We would love to hear about your journey, how did you get into teaching performing arts?
Thank you for having me! I trained in acting at Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and whilst training I started teaching at a Performing Arts school – I loved it! I found it so rewarding to pass on my passion for the arts and knew from that moment that I would continue to teach alongside my performing career!
When working with the kids, what would you say is the most important thing for them to go away feeling from your classes?
A real sense of achievement because we challenge them in their classes, so being able to rise to this and feel proud of themselves for ‘going for it!’ is super important to us.
Before getting into this business did you have another profession? Was it a big leap to start this?
I have been teaching and running Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools for the last 13 years before setting up in Harpenden so it has been a big part of my life. Before that, I toured Germany in two plays and one musical which was a lot of fun!
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
There is no better feeling than seeing a more reserved/shy child at the start of term start to come out of their shell and feel confident enough to really express themselves in class. We know those skills will take them far as they grow up!
For parents looking for a new activity for their kids, what would you tell them about the performing arts, and its benefits to children and teens?
That the performing arts isn’t just about learning how to sing, dance and act – your children will grow in confidence and develop their social and communication skills whilst doing something FUN and EXCITING every weekend!
When it comes to your business, what would you say you are most proud of?
At Jigsaw we focus on every child’s journey and bringing the best out of each and every one of them. I am proud of our attention to detail which enables us to provide outstanding classes.
Looking forward, is there anything you are particularly excited about? Are there any plans you can share with us?
We have a guest workshop this term with a West End performer who has been in shows such as ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘Wicked’ – I’m very excited for our older students to experience this masterclass! One of them may end up working with her on a West End stage one day – watch this space!
Do you have a favourite spot you like to go to in Harpenden?
Having three children under 5 I sadly don’t have much spare time, but you’ll often find me chasing them around Rothamsted Park followed by a Sunday roast at The George!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I have taught Performing Arts in 5 different Countries and some of those students I see regularly on TV, films and The West End which is always fun to spot!