You may already know Amelia and Tommy – two familiar faces who’ve been part of The Garage’s story for some time. We’re excited to share that they’re now stepping into new roles as our team continues to grow and evolve. These fresh chapters will help shape the future of our work, and we couldn’t be more delighted to celebrate their journeys. To mark the occasion, we asked Amelia and Tommy a series of questions about their new roles, experiences, and hopes for the future. Let’s hear more about them…
Welcoming Amelia our new Communications & Participation Producer
Amelia’s connection to The Garage runs deep. A creative practitioner specialising in acting, music, producing and writing, she is also the co‑founder of SOUP – a local creative company that puts on live cabaret events highlighting local performers and makes digital content and she is the lead singer and songwriter for Amelia & The LoveFools. But long before all of that, The Garage was one of the first places where she felt truly at home.
She first walked through our doors at around six or seven years old, attending classes and workshops throughout her childhood. At a time when school didn’t always feel like the right fit, she was later diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD. The Garage offered something different: a space where creativity was encouraged, individuality was valued, and she felt understood. That early sense of belonging is what ultimately led her back here as an adult, this time as a practitioner and member of staff.
Amelia’s new role builds on everything she has already contributed to The Garage, while aligning more closely with her growing freelance practice. It allows her to work more independently, take on greater responsibility, and contribute creatively and strategically to projects across the organisation. Rather than stepping away as her external work expanded, this role gives her the chance to bring that experience back into the place that helped shape her.
Reflecting on the transition, Amelia describes it as a meaningful full‑circle moment: “Growing into this role within a team and community I already know feels incredibly special. The Garage has been a constant throughout my life, so stepping into a new chapter here feels supportive rather than daunting. There’s a shared history and trust that makes this progression feel natural.”
Her previous role has given her a strong foundation for what comes next. Having worked on the ground, she understands how the organisation functions day‑to‑day, how teams collaborate, how participants engage with the space, and what makes The Garage feel welcoming and accessible. She also brings lived experience as someone who grew up here, which informs her approach to supporting young people, creatives and communities who may not thrive in more traditional environments.
Looking ahead, Amelia is excited to develop her skills further, take on new challenges and work even more creatively and collaboratively. “I’m really looking forward to contributing to projects that reflect the evolving needs of our community,” she says. “The Garage has always been a place where people can experiment, learn and grow – just as I did when I first walked through the doors. We’ve got some really exciting showcases coming up this year, and I’m already busy planning them.”
We’re thrilled to see Amelia step into this new role. Her creativity, lived experience and deep-rooted connection to The Garage make her an invaluable part of our team, and we can’t wait to see the impact she continues to make.
Welcoming Tommy our new Venue Services Coordinator
Tommy, 25, has called Norwich home since childhood and first discovered The Garage at the age of 14. He describes attending classes here as “really pivotal in both my confidence building and planting the seeds for my wider interest in the creative arts.”
After joining The Garage as a Front of House Assistant earlier this year, Tommy has now stepped into the role of Venue Services Coordinator. The position was recommended to him by Amelia, the previous post-holder, who Tommy had known for years through both the Norwich music scene and mutual connections.
Reflecting on his Front of House experience, Tommy says: “Having that experience of the ‘front lines’ at The Garage has enabled me to keep my finger on the pulse of what the Trust has to offer.” In his new role, he will be working across both front and back of house – welcoming audiences, managing hires for our theatre and studio spaces, uploading events to our ticketing system, and giving tours to prospective clients.
Tommy explains: “I was really keen to go for this role so I can be more directly engaged with the goings-on at the venue, but also have a greater influence in the wider Norwich arts scene. Plus, being able to leave a more prominent personal mark on The Garage feels like a full-circle moment for me, after how much it helped me when I was a teenager.”
He adds: “Being able to grow into this role from the inside makes the job feel extra special. Having strong relationships with the staff already makes it less daunting, and I’m excited to develop those connections further. Having lived in Norwich for so long, and being part of the music scene for nearly three years, I already have a sense of the community Norwich has fostered. Taking on a more pivotal role in what the city has to offer through the arts feels like a real honour, and a fantastic way to give back to the community I’ve become a part of.”
Looking ahead, Tommy is most excited about collaboration: “Working with the Youth Board and the Marketing Team in particular really appeals to me. I’m also excited to be at the venue more – seeing people more often, helping out the FOH team, meeting parents, clients, and trustees. At a time when it’s so important to hold onto local culture and community, that feels like a super exciting challenge.”
We already know that Amelia and Tommy will bring great energy to their new roles, we can’t wait to see the ideas and impact they bring to The Garage!
Are you also a young musician wanting experience in the arts? Check out our volunteer opportunity on our Work With Us page!