Meet the team!
We asked our team a series of questions so you can get to know us better.
Naomi Draper
Tell us about your role?
I am the artistic director at GL4. I’m responsible for the programming and planning of events, including our participation program. I also oversee the management and recruiting of volunteers.
What does a typical working day for Naomi look like?
A typical working day varies. One day I could be sitting at my computer all day answering emails and planning events. The next day I could be in meetings all day. I could then be running a craft class or being front of house at an event.
What has been the highlight from your time at GL4 so far?
There have been many highlights, I can’t just pick 1! One event that always sticks in my head was when we brought Neverland to The Redwell Centre. Another was when we did the Christmas float in lockdown. Seeing the way people reacted to something after such a rubbish year was amazing.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy going out for food, seeing family and friends and I also enjoy relaxing.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Paris. It’s the romantic capital of the world and I want to go up the Eiffel Tower (even though I’m scared of heights).
It's a relaxed Sunday afternoon, what film do you watch?
Dirty Dancing!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I am a qualified NVQ2 hairdresser (not experienced).
Tell us about your role?
Sarah O'Donnell
I am the Organisational director for GL4, I do all the things that keep the business running, from accounts, invoicing, risk assessments, policies and procedures. We are GDPR compliant and I am the safeguarding lead.
What does a typical working day for Sarah look like?
A typical day is up to my eyes in paper work! I check to make sure any events we have coming up have risk assessments completed, contracts are in place, accounts are up to date.
What has been the highlight from your time at GL4 so far?
Attending the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Spending time with my family.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Lapland because they don't have deadly snakes and spiders as its too cold!
It's a relaxed Sunday afternoon, what film do you watch?
This is a tough one, it would probably be Steel Magnolias or Beaches.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I am a qualified chef and have also been on the telly as part of BBC One Street Auction
Ellie Maynard
Tell us about your role?
I’m the programming & marketing coordinator for GL4. My main roles are to assist the artistic and organisational directors in the smooth running of live events, participation, community engagement and day to day organisational activities.
What does a typical working day for Ellie look like?
A typical day in the office would consist of checking my inbox and replying to emails, scheduling the relevant social media posts and creating Mailchimps. If we have craft classes or craft packs coming up, I would prepare everything ready for those classes which would include using the Cricut machine.
What has been the highlight from your time at GL4 so far?
The highlight of my role so far has been working with lots of different organisations across Matson and Gloucester.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy cooking and spending time with my friends.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
100% I would go to Disney World Florida. I'm obsessed with Disney and I've never been to America so this is definitely top of my list.
It's a relaxed Sunday afternoon, what film do you watch?
Either a rom com like 10 Things I Hate About You or a Disney film like Tangled or Moana.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I’m a trained dancer and studied Professional Dance and Musical Theatre at university.
Katy Costigan
Tell us about your role?
The Participation Producer is a new role at GL4 and I am excited to explore all the wonderful things it will involve. The main focus of my job is the running of youth activities in Matson and surrounding area, this includes our Youth Theatre - run in partnership with Strike A Light and Bristol Old Vic, Beats - our music group run with Music Works at The Venture and our Dance group at Robinswood Academy. We are not only looking to run great regular sessions but see how our participants can get involved with our events program and work with other organisations to create additional opportunities.
What does a typical working day for Katy look like?
I spend my time supporting our amazing facilitators to run their sessions, through looking at how the groups might best work together, documenting attendance and managing the team, fundraising for future activities and finding new opportunities for our young people to be a part of.
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What are you most excited about working with GL4?
The amazing group of people I get to work with; both at GL4, our facilitators and artists as well as the brilliant young people who attend our sessions.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy walking my dog and trying to keep up with my toddler. Other than that, I love live music as well as food and finding new and exciting places to eat.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would love to be somewhere warm with beautiful beaches and great food. I am thinking somewhere like Malaysia would be incredible. Although right now I would take a sunny day on the south coast!
It's a relaxed Sunday afternoon, what film do you watch?
Always love a bit of Mary Poppins, Addams Family Values is one of my all time favourite films, but I also love some of the classics like 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I have a very distinctive laugh that can be heard about 3.5 miles away!