East West Players announced recently that Al Choy, associate director of the Capital Initiatives Department at KCET and current CFO on the board of EWP, will take on the duties of managing director starting Jan. 4, 2000. Choy, who has extensive experience in fundraising, marketing and management, will oversee daily operations of EWP, as well as assume the responsibilities as development director for fund raising.

At KCET, Choy spearheaded a $19,000,000 capital fund raising campaign aimed at converting KCET to the new, federally mandated digital broadcast standard. He has been a stalwart supporter of EWP over the years, with duties ranging from running the box office and concessions to serving as marketing director.

Since its move to the mid-size David Henry Hwang Theatre in downtown L.A. in March 1998, EWP has more than doubled in size, including its annual budget and educational and mainstage programs. EWP will be celebrating its 35th anniversary with its 2000-01 season.

"We are glad to have Al return to EWP," said Tim Dang, producing artistic director. "It's like a family reunion. EWP has changed quite a bit since Al worked at EWP. He will dramatically take the theatre to another level of operation so that the artistic side of the organization may flourish."

EWP is located at 244 S. San Pedro St. For tickets and information call (212) 625-7000 or visit www.eastwestplayers.com -- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent