Q&A with Matt Hemley, The Stage Newspaper

The Stage is probably one of the theatre industry's most known print and online publications and it's been here since 1880. Although the pandemic has culled the industry for the foreseeable future and we're all wondering what this will mean on a long term basis, The Stage has continued to kept us up to date with everything we can know for now. You cannot imagine for a newspaper that has shared thousands of uplifting stories over the years now has to share the devastating news of redundancies and show loses coming to light over the last few weeks. It's paramount that beyond the gates of this pandemic, newspapers like The Stage continue to surface and I wanted to chat with their News Editor, Matt Hemley about his role and how the publication are getting through this difficult time. 

Matt has worked for the newspaper for 13 years, first as their broadcast reporter where he covered TV and radio. He gradually moved his way up through the ranks of this magazine and became news editor a few years back. We had a quick Q&A which I hope you'll really enjoy if you are interested in theatre and journalism. 

1. What is your role within the company?

As the news editor I look after all of the news content, in print and online. I decide what goes up on our website and what news we cover in the print edition. 

2. How did you get into your area of work?

I have always loved theatre and acting, and as a kid I went to a local drama school. I then studied acting at Bretton Hall, but when I graduated, I swiftly realised a career in acting wasn't for me. So I retrained in journalism, something I'd always been interested in (I set up a school newspaper at primary school) and after that I got a job in a local newspaper in Watford. But I always had my eye on The Stage, as I wanted to combine my two passions, so when a role came up in 2007 I applied and got it, much to my joy!

3. Can you give an overview on how your role works? How do you source your articles?

Working with a team of two reporters, I am responsible for ensuring our content is up to date and relevant. We have two deadlines a day - one in the morning and one in the afternoon, so we usually catch up first thing about what each of us is working on, whether it's something that's come into our inbox overnight, or something we've spotted on social media as being of interest. Having been at The Stage for so long, I have good contacts in the sector, so if anything big is going on, someone will usually let me know.

When the news is filed, it's my job to edit it, and make sure it's tight and fit for publication - though my team are so good they don't need much editing. I am very lucky to work with such talented people. We also have a weekly deadline for our print issue, which is on a Tuesday. So that day usually means I have my head down reading pages and proofing them. 

4. How long can it take for an article to be published?

Because of our two deadlines a day, we can get articles up very quickly. Sometimes within the hour, or less, if they are simple stories. For those requiring interviews and investigation, it can take longer - sometimes you work on a story for a couple of days, maybe even the best part of a week. They're usually the juicy ones. 

5. What's the best thing about your job?

The variety we get to write about, the brilliant subject matter (theatre is the best industry) and the lovely people I work alongside. 

6. What is the biggest challenge in your field of work?

The biggest challenges often involve exposing people who have not behaved very well in the sector, usually by not paying actors and crew. These stories are delicate and require a lot of work to make sure everything we say is accurate and backed up with documentation, which can be time consuming. The other challenges have been during the pandemic - we have been busier than ever trying to stay on top of all the goings on, and it's been quite relentless. That can take its toll on your mental health. 

7. Are there any misconceptions about your job?

That all we do is sit and watch shows! We do see shows, obviously, but as an industry newspaper, it's more about keeping people in touch with what is happening in the sector. It's not as glamorous as it may sound!

8. Is there an experience of working at The Stage that has stuck with you?

The Stage has provided me with so many opportunities, for which I am hugely grateful. One of them was interviewing my hero, Gloria Estefan, live on stage, to help launch her musical, On Your Feet! It was a dream come true. 

9. How has your team been working around the pandemic?

Very hard! We are small - just the three of us - and as I say, it's been relentless. It's mostly been bad news too, such as job losses and companies closing. That makes us really sad, as - although this is a job - there is also a passion for most of us, so we feel it when these stories break. The pandemic has been so brutal for so many people, and particularly those in theatre, I am so sad for all those people now without work, and all those venues having to make difficult decisions. 

10. Why do you think your role and newspaper are vital within the theatre industry?

More so than ever, I think The Stage is needed by the industry. It's become a place for people to keep on top of everything that has been going on at this time. I hope we continue to hold that place for many more years.

11. What can people do to support The Stage through this time?

Subscribe and keeping reading! 

You can access The Stage through their website, print and also an app. To find out more head to their website here.