Zinoman began his career at Time Out as the assistant editor of the theatre section under Sam Whitehead. He graduated to editor when Whitehead departed the position in 2001. David Cote, currently the assistant drama editor at Time Out, will now become the magazine top theatre writer. Zinoman began writing free-lance features for the Times in 2002. In addition to the "On Stage and Off" column, he will continue to contribute to the Arts and Leisure section on Sundays.
Zinoman has a theatrical background. His mother, Joy Zinoman, is the artistic director of the Studio Theatre in Washington, DC.
Past "On Stage and Off" columnists have included Times feature writer Alex Witchel and current Times second-stringer Bruce Weber. Zinoman's appointment is a rare example of the Times finding new theatre writing talent from outside its ranks.
