It’s been a transformative year for us.

At a time when downsizing is the new black, we expanded the depth and breadth of our contributor pool to include seasoned journalists and bright new voices from diverse theatrical backgrounds. Each week they filed stories often overlooked by mainstream media to illuminate and celebrate LA’s thriving performing arts community. Our columnists have become appointment destinations as well.

We transitioned leadership and increased our editorial team to include Don Shirley as contributing editor and Katie Gould as graphic designer.  New layouts, original photography, embedded audio and video, live streaming and social media have all enhanced our site’s experience and reach.

The result: Readership has quadrupled since 2010.

I want to thank Don for keeping our feet to the flames when it comes to accuracy and style; Katie for her artistic eye and attention to detail; Neal for expanding our technology horizons; the writers for their hard work and dedication for basically “mad money;” the individual artists who share their unique theatrical journeys with us via First Person; the producers, publicists and photographers for keeping their humor intact while we work together on a gazillion shows every week and last, but not least — our readers, who let us know daily that we’re on the right track.

I am enriched daily by each of you.

On behalf of all of us at LA STAGE Times, I’d like to wish everyone a happy holiday and a joyous New Year!  See you in 2012!

Deborah Behrens

Editor-in-Chief