Ruthie Fierberg is an arts journalist based in New York City and creator and host of the podcast WHY WE THEATER. She recently published a big investigative feature about bringing Broadway and Off-Broadway back post-COVID (ruthiefierberg.medium.com). As the former Executive Editor of Features and Branded Content at Playbill, Ruthie spent the past five years creating innovative and engaging content through in-depth written, multimedia, and video pieces focused on the arts. She also created and hosted Playbill's Live From the Red Carpet specials from all of Broadway's opening nights and the annual Tony Awards. A graduate of Barnard College, she has written for such national publications as Good Housekeeping, Parents, American Baby, Parents Latina, and Backstage magazines. Ruthie has moderated panels for the 92Y, the JCC of Manhattan, Disney Theatrical Productions, BroadwayCon 2016–2020, and is the moderator for Second Stage's new 2STREAM series. She has appeared on NPR, SiriusXM Volume radio, and a number of podcasts as a guest expert. A lover of theatre, tennis, and Bikram yoga, Ruthie is also involved with such causes as Covenant House International and The Actors Fund. Find more at ruthiefierberg.com listen to WHY WE THEATER for free wherever you get your podcasts, and follow her IG: @ruthiefierceberg / Twitter: @RuthiesATrain.