Meet our two new Appetite core team members Sammy and Tash! We are absolutely thrilled that they have joined us as we continue to expand our work into the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme, and continue to work in Stoke-on-Trent.
Hi Sammy, Welcome to the Team! Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born in Stoke and living in Staffordshire for all my childhood I decided to study Drama and Physical Theatre at St. Marys University in Twickenham. After I graduated I spent a year at The Battersea Art Centre learning about all aspects of theatre life from Box Office to Producing. I then spent a few more years living and working in London working on different arts projects which mainly revolved around working with communities, schools and services.
I then moved back to Stoke and shortly after joined the Appetite team as Brighter Futures Appetite builder, I spent two wonderful years there before leaving to travel Asia. Since then I have got married and become a mum to two wild and beautiful children.
What made you want to join the Appetite team?
I am so passionate about everyone experiencing Art no matter what your background, ability or health. Appetite embodies all of this as well as believing that Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme deserve the same level of quality Art as the rest of the world, this is why I feel so privileged to be part of the team again.
What will you be doing?
I am Appetite’s Community Participation Co-ordinator, this involves getting out and about meeting community members and groups, hearing what they have to say about Art they have seen in the city and what they would like to see in the future. I’ll be working with our strategic decision making group, The Supper Club, to help them feed into what performances and events take place in the city. I will also be working with our wonderful group of volunteers.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work my two little children keep me very busy, but you could always find me hunting out a good coffee or going for a long walk.
What’s it like starting a new job in these unusual times?
Starting a new job right now is very strange, from interviews over zoom to getting your IT equipment in a trolley in the carpark. However joining such a welcoming team, Appetite and the New Vic, has been so lovely with or without lockdown.
What are you most looking forward to in being part of the team?
Bringing something new and exciting to people that makes them feel inspired and hopeful, community is everything, whatever that may look like. I’m most looking forward to seeing that first hand, connecting with people and sharing that experience.
Hi Tash, Welcome to the Team! Tell us a bit about yourself.
I currently live in Cheshire, but have spent a lot of time in Stoke and Newcastle
over the years with my friends and partner being from the area. I lived in
Cornwall for three years whilst I studied Journalism at Falmouth University and
then returned home when I graduated (I really miss the regular pasties
though). My first role out of uni was being part of the marketing team at Gandeys
Circus, which was very busy and unpredictable! I really enjoyed helping to
promote and put the events together. It’s a great feeling when you work really
hard on an event and you finally get to see it and see how the audience reacts.
What made you want to join the Appetite team?
The organisation is focused on giving something to the community and providing
local people with good-quality arts and events. I have always appreciated
having local, accessible arts, especially having attended an arts university,
and how beneficial it can be so thought it would be incredibly rewarding to be
part of something that aims to provide that to a community.
What will you be doing?
I am the Project and Marketing Assistant so will be doing a lot of social media, ensuring
that our audiences are engaged and up-to-date with local events. I’ll
also be supporting the team with the development of marketing campaigns, as
well as assisting with the admin side of putting the events together which I’m looking
forward to attending and assisting with on the day.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love to read and constantly have one or two books on the go. I have a long
reading list and a crowded book shelf I’m trying to make my way through. I also
regularly practise Kickboxing with my local martial arts academy which is hard
work but so much fun!
What’s it like starting a new job in these unusual times?
It’s been a lot easier than I first anticipated. It’s definitely been strange
meeting colleagues digitally and not being in that office environment, but
everyone has been so warm and welcoming that it’s made it a lot easier to
adjust and ask those silly, new-job questions.
What are you most looking forward to in being part of the team?
Bringing something new and to get excited about to Stoke-On-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme. Given
the current climate, I think people need something to not only look forward to,
but also to feel a sense of community and support in their local area and I
look forward to being part of an organisation that is able to provide that to
people.
