Volunteer Interview with Ellis

5 days ago
2 min read

How and when did you join the cornerHOUSE?

I joined in early 2024. I reached out to Nicky online about volunteering to get technical experience because I was training as a technician then. I came down to chat and see the place, Nicky gave me such a friendly welcome I knew I wanted to get involved as much as I could by the time I left. It was a perfect place to gain experience and grow doing different things. I was also new to Surbiton then, so it was really nice to meet new people and find community.

What roles have you done with us?

I’m really proud that I’ve gotten stuck into everything and I get to do a variety of roles over different events at cH. My favourite is definitely sound engineering for live music events. I do sound engineering, lighting, camera, projection, technical stage management and anything to do with computers. I design and build audio files and custom sounds for plays as well. I have even done some panto set painting. Since 2026 I’ve been shadowed a few times by new volunteers where I’ve tried to support their growth in their careers. I think most people have my number now to call if they need impromptu technical assistance. I’ve definitely talked people through operating the lights or fixing the projector over the phone a few times. I love helping people.

Has volunteering helped you with your career in any way?

100% it has. I’m lucky that I get to do my passion as a job and I now work in the Live Events team for a globally recognised London venue. I have learnt a lot at cH, because it gave me the space to explore ideas, technical equipment to practise on, and a supportive community who always believed I was capable.

When I started working as sole technician on events and really stepped up in leadership and technical ability (I like to call myself ‘duty tech’ haha) in mid 2024 it was a challenge. Being solely responsible for the technical success of a band or a play was actually a great way to grow significantly because the more problems

you encounter and solve, the more experience you have to draw on going forward, and the better I understood my trade in my day job for it.

Do you have any highlights?

The Pantos are great fun, and I love getting to see everyone together and putting on a great show. Especially my first one where I was with other tech volunteers and I had so much fun getting to know them and having our own little team for the show. Panto is just hysterical, I think in 2024 we famously had more improv then scripted lines and I just couldn't stop laughing the whole production.

One of my close friends I first met when they were volunteering at CH so that’s got to be a be a highlight. We actually just got back from hiking Ben Nevis together!