13 March 2025
Sofia Millbank was one of the 2024 recipients of the Roundhouse Live Events Internship in partnership with Greenpeace and the Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust. She reflects on how the internship, which included working on the Greenpeace Field at Glastonbury as well as events at the Roundhouse, has impacted her career in live events production.
When I applied for the Roundhouse Live Events Internship last year, I knew I wanted to work in live music and events. But I also knew I didn’t come from a conventional background — no perfect grades or industry connections. What I didn’t realise was just how much this experience would shape my journey — not just in terms of skills, but in confidence, industry relationships, and a clearer vision for my future.
To put it in perspective: last April, I started my internship. This April, the collective I co-founded will be performing at the Roundhouse.
At the time, I was already managing Sexy Lady Massive, a collective I started to champion women and non-binary artists in UK dance music. Balancing that with my internship was intense, but in hindsight, it was the best thing I could have done. The hands-on experience at Roundhouse gave me the tools to level up as a music manager while also opening doors I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise.
Learning by Doing
The beauty of the Roundhouse internship is that it’s not about shadowing — it’s about doing. From day one, I was thrown into the deep end (in the best way possible), assisting with live events across different genres and scales. One of the biggest highlights? Working on a major festival stage in collaboration with Greenpeace. Being behind the scenes at a renowned festival, working alongside artists and crew and seeing how everything comes together on such a massive scale was surreal.
Closer to home, I was involved in live productions at the Roundhouse itself, from emerging artist showcases to major gigs. Seeing how a venue of this size operates — from advancing shows to artist liaison, production and marketing — gave me invaluable insight into what it takes to put on a successful large-scale event. It also made me realise how much I thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
Building Confidence & Industry Connections
One of the biggest personal takeaways from the internship was confidence. The team at Roundhouse genuinely trusted me to contribute, which made me feel like I had a real place in the industry. I wasn’t just making tea or standing on the sidelines — I was actively helping to make events happen.
Beyond that, the internship introduced me to a network of incredible people, from Roundhouse staff to external promoters, artists and other industry professionals and stakeholders. These connections have been invaluable — not just for career advice but for actual opportunities. Since finishing the internship, I’ve been able to collaborate with people I met during my time there, and those relationships continue to open doors.
What It Led To
Now, a year on, I’m still managing Sexy Lady Massive, but with a completely different level of insight and professionalism. The experience I gained at Roundhouse helped me structure our events better, communicate more effectively with venues and artists, and ultimately put on bigger and better shows. I’ve also taken on freelance event management roles and continue to work in the live music space — something I don’t think would have happened as quickly without the confidence and skills I gained at Roundhouse.
One thing any creative knows is that doors don’t just open. The trajectory and ease of my career are directly linked to this internship.
Why You Should Apply
If you’re thinking about applying for the Roundhouse Live Events Internship, do it. Whether you want to work in production, artist management, event coordination, or anything in between, this experience will give you the tools, connections, and confidence to take that next step. You’ll learn from some of the best in the industry, work on real events, and leave with a much clearer idea of where you want to go.
For me, this internship was a game-changer. It took me from someone with ambition to someone with experience — and that has made all the difference.
Applications for the 2025 Roundhouse Live Events Internship in partnership with Greenpeace and the Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust are open until midnight on Monday 17 March. Find out more and apply here.