Hi, I’m Saffire, and I recently had the incredible opportunity to complete a two-week work placement at Fixation Academy.
Laura and Carly visited my university, Chickenshed Theatre Company, to introduce us to the work they do at Fixation. I was immediately inspired by their passion and the creative, inclusive environment they described. As soon as I learned that I needed to find a placement, I knew I wanted to be part of what they were doing and reached out straight away.
From the moment I arrived, I could feel the warm, welcoming atmosphere they had spoken about. I was lucky to be involved in a variety of sessions, including Little Visions, LAMDA, Youth Theatre, Mini Movers, Baby Ballet, and more. These experiences gave me valuable insight into the wide range of classes offered at the academy and allowed me to work with participants aged from just 3 years old to 75. It was such a pleasure getting to know everyone and supporting them in their creative journeys—especially since I’d never worked with such a broad age range before.
One of the most valuable aspects of my placement was the opportunity to develop my delivery skills. I regularly led warm-ups and activities, which helped me grow in confidence and refine my teaching style. Coming from a performing arts background, I was also able to contribute my own knowledge and ideas to the sessions. In turn, I learned a great deal from observing how structured and thoughtfully planned Fixation’s sessions are. Their warm-up games and lesson structure really enhance the children’s understanding and engagement.
Being immersed in such a creative space allowed my own imagination to expand, and I believe it nurtures the creativity of every participant—no matter their age. Although I joined midway through their preparations for a show and initially worried I might not be of much help, the team welcomed me with open arms. They encouraged me to take notes, offer feedback, make adjustments, and even lead parts of the sessions, which I deeply appreciated.
This placement has reaffirmed my passion for working with children in the performing arts. Helping young people explore their creativity and feel confident in expressing themselves is something I truly love, and I’m even more motivated now to pursue a career that combines teaching with the arts.
I’m incredibly grateful for the skills and experiences I’ve gained at Fixation Academy, and I’ll carry them with me into the future.
I would absolutely recommend Fixation to anyone looking to be part of a vibrant, inspiring, and supportive community.
