Ruthie Fierberg

Ruthie Fierberg is an independent arts journalist, producer, and consultant, based in New York City. She is the creator and host of the podcast Why We Theater on the Broadway Podcast Network, which digs into the onstage works we love to create the offstage change we need. As the former Executive Editor of Features and Branded Content at Playbill, Ruthie spent 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. In 2020, Ruthie served as the sole executive producer of three digital concert specials which defined virtual concert creation on the pandemic. Two of these concerts (Pride Spectacular and ¡Viva Broadway!) were shortlisted for Emmy 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 the annual American Performing Arts Professionals Conference. 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.