Hi everyone! I am so excited to be back posting again. I hope that everyone is staying happy and healthy during these crazy times. I hope my blog can provide you some sources of theatre content during these times where we can’t go to the theatre. Today’s interview is with the lovely Lauren who runs Theatre Nerd Magazine! She was so fun to chat with and I think you will really love this interview I did with her!
1. What’s your name? How old are you? Where are you from?
My name is Lauren Guest, I’m 20 years old and I’m from Bournemouth.
2. Tell us a little more about Theatre Nerd Magazine.
TheatreNerd Magazine is a publication written by the fans themselves. It covers a variety of shows and people’s personal stories!
3. What made you start Theatre Nerd Magazine? What was the process like?
I completed a BTEC Foundation Course in Art and Design but decided not to go to University after that so was wracking my brain for a project to sink my teeth into. I wanted to combine my passions of art, writing and theatre so a magazine seemed the best thing to do! Once I get an idea, it’s as if I’m instantly energised and have to start straight away so the first edition was up for sale within just two weeks of having the idea! I did lots of market research into people’s preferences for online or physical copies, whether they preferred deeply personal stories or informative pieces like reviews. I’m always working to make it better and give the people what they want!
4. What made you start a magazine opposed to something such as a podcast or YouTube channel?
I do already have a YouTube channel (Lauren Guest) where I just upload whatever I’m creating at the time such as video art and the introduction video to TheatreNerd. I’ve come across some really great theatre podcasts, @goodversations being one of my favourites, but doing a podcast really didn’t cross my mind as I hate the sound of my own voice and like to take the time to think about what I want to say so a magazine seemed a better route for me.
(Side Note: I interviewed Alexandra who runs Goodversations, a few months ago. I think she is awesome as well! You can read that interview here!)
5. How do you manage Theatre Nerd Magazine, being a student or having a career and everyday life? (Let me know if your a student or have a career!)
TheatreNerd is a quarterly magazine (January, April, July and October) so I’m able to work on it at my own pace. I’m not as student as like I said, I chose not to go to university but I’m not working either as I wanted to get into scenic art but there aren’t many university alternatives to get into that! I do freelance art projects for people such as book illustration, animations and logo design but would love to land a job as an artist somewhere and be part of a team!
6. What has been like seeing the impact Theatre Nerd Magazine is having on people? Any fun stories?
It’s been really lovely to hear back from people who having had the opportunity or the time to write creatively. A few of our writers had writing degrees but weren’t able to find work in the industry so cut it out of their life, meaning they were grateful to write for TheatreNerd. Also, I love to hear that people appreciate our representation of diversity, for instance this month I interviewed Rachel Leah, an upcoming wheelchair actress.
7. What advice do you have for someone who wants to start something such as a magazine, podcast or just a business in general?
Just do it! If it fails, it fails and life goes on. If it works out, amazing! Make sure you consider every aspect of your venture including fees and methods of communication etc, as these things take a lot of planning but most of all you’ve got to love what you’re doing to stay inspired and enthusiastic.
8. What do you see for the future of Theatre Nerd Magazine?
In the beginning, I looked far ahead but now I take it month by month. I would love to see the family grow and have lots more article submissions come my way as I know there’s many more stories out there. I would love to see us become an established brand and hopefully see people sporting some merch one day.
9. Favorite shows that you can only find on the West End right now?
I went to see &Juliet during my work experience at the national theatre right before the coronavirus pandemic hit and I’m so glad I did! I had reservations as the music is all pop songs but they’re were so well executed and took me back in time a little! I saw Grace Mouat, our April cover girl, as Juliet and she was phenomenal!
10. Who is a woman or women that you look up too in the theatre community and why?
100% Shoshana Bean. I’ve been a fan of hers for years now and went to her London concert at Cadogan Hall in 2018. She’s the most authentic human I’ve ever come across and I see a lot of myself in her. You can see her heart leave her when she’s on stage and touch every single audience member; and not forgetting that VOICE.
Thank you so much Lauren for such a lovely interview! I loved chatting with you! I can’t wait to watch TheatreNerd Magazine grow! You can check out Lauren on Instagram, @laurxnguest and @laurenguestart. TheatreNerd Magazine is also on Instagram @theatrenerdmagazine! You can also get yourself some copies of TheatreNerd Magazine here! I hope everyone enjoyed today’s interview. Please go show Lauren some love and if you do, tell her the Broadway Babes sent you! Everyone please stay happy and healthy during these crazy times. We are in this together!
Until next time,
Marisa
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