Actors' Equity Association executive director Alan Eisenberg has announced that theatre publicist David Lotz will assume the role of communications director for the union effective July 24. The actual appointment was made earlier, on May 16, at a meeting of Equity's governing Council. Lotz has 15 years experience on Broadway, some of it with Equity. He worked there as an Off-Off-Broadway business representative between 1978 and 1983. In 1991 Lotz joined the Association of Theatre Publicists and Managers (ATPAM) and went on to work for a variety of theatrical productions, cabaret acts, fundraisers and special events. His work included nine years at the former Rainbow and Stars.

Equity retains its long-term relationship with the outside publicity firm, Dick Moore and Associates.

Seeking to improve Equity's communications and image, Lotz issued a prepared statement. "We must improve Equity's image in the theatrical press and with the general public," Lotz said. "For too long, Equity has gotten a bad 'rap' from the press. Producers and Broadway shows create their own 'spin,' so there's no reason why Equity's policies and accomplishments should not also be effectively publicized."

-- By Murdoch McBride