"After a lengthy and exhaustive search of theater critics across the country, we're confident Charles McNulty is the best person for the job," said LA Times deputy managing editor for features, John Montorio. "Charles brings to the position more than just a good academic and professional background in the theater, though that was important of course. He is a critic with passion about theater, with catholic tastes and an understanding of the world outside Broadway, which will be especially key in covering Los Angeles' lively theater scene."

McNulty, whose theatre writing has previously appeared in the Los Angeles Times as well as The New York Times, American Theater magazine, Theater magazine and Variety, will assume his new position in December.

Current chairman of the Obie Awards, the theatre chronicler also runs the M.F.A. program in dramaturgy and theater criticism at Brooklyn College. He has also taught theater courses at Yale University, New York University and The New School in New York City.

In addition to his experience (since 1992) at the Village Voice, McNulty has served for six seasons as literary manager/ dramaturge at New Jersey's McCarter Theatre and worked at the Yale Repertory Theater and New York Shakespeare Festival.

The Brooklyn native earned a bachelor's degree from the Stern School of Business at New York University and went on to acquire a master's degree in dramatic writing and literature there. He also received master's and doctorate degrees in dramaturgy and dramatic criticism from the Yale University School of Drama.