The fate of the annual Playwrights Expo -- and possibly the fate of the Expo's parent organization, Alliance of L.A. Playwrights -- will be decided Jan 10 at the Stella Adler Theatre. Co-chairs of the voluntary, non-profit organization Dan Berkowitz and Dick Dotterer have been trying for some time to step down, but as no one has expressed an interest in succeeding them, both have agreed to serve again--"but with some changes in the way the group is run," said Berkowitz.Members will have a chance to hear what ALAP has planned for the new year and to demonstrate whether they are willing to lend a helping hand. "We particularly need people who will produce events, or who are at least willing to take a major role in producing them," said Dotterer. "As one example, September 2000 is the time for another Playwrights Expo--the popular biennial ALAP event which brings together playwrights and representatives from scores of area theatres. But putting together an Expo is a hell of a lot of work, and Dan and I are simply no longer willing or able to expend the time and effort to do it alone. So if you want to see a 2000 Expo, we need someone willing to produce or co- produce. And if no one is willing, there won't be an Expo. Simple as that. How this next year shapes up will also determine the ultimate future of ALAP...We hate to see such a valuable resource for the theatre community fade away."

The Jan. 10 meeting is free for all current members, $5 for all others. Reservations are a must; call (323) 957-4752.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent