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How did we end up here?
From volunteering in Matson to becoming directors of their own business, this is GL4’s story.
Naomi (left), Sarah (right)
Sarah and Naomi have always been heavily involved within their community, with Sarah starting off as a volunteer at The Redwell Centre and Naomi as a volunteer at The Redwell Centre and GL Communities. Sarah and Naomi were in a Community Connectors meeting when a local organisation (Strike A Light) approached them and asked how they would feel if they were to bring a show to Matson.
With no prior knowledge about theatre and the arts, Sarah and Naomi were skeptical but jumped right in at the chance to be producers (they had no idea what a producer was)!
GL4 Office
The first two shows were a great success and it was from this that GL4 was born. Sarah and Naomi went through the process of setting up GL4 as a community interest company, with the support from Nicholas Clitheroe. Although they had little experience, Naomi designed the logo which still remains the same today, with the support of Gloucester City Homes modernising and creating the logo in different formats.
GL4 logo
6 years later, GL4 has continued to grow and expand. They have now employed an Assistant Producer as well as a HR Consultant. As well as continuing to programme shows and events across the Matson estate, they also have youth groups running which include Beats and Youth Theatre in partnership with Strike A Light.
GL4’s vision is to break down the barriers that people feel when they think of visiting the theatre. They believe creativity should be accessible to everyone.
Christmas Event 2020
So what’s next for GL4? They are looking to continue their organisational development work, as well as expanding on their community engagement work that is already in place. They would love to become a National Portfolio Organisation one day.