Ever since Ted Pappas was appointed artistic director of the Pittsburgh Public Theatre last fall, he has heard occasional rumors that he is no longer the president of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers (SSDC). Fact is, Pappas still runs the union.

SSDC's Barbara Hauptman contacted Playbill On-Line to ask for help setting the record straight.

"We kept hearing this rumor that Ted wasn't the SSDC president, even though he is," Hauptman explained. Hauptman said that people have occasionally approached her and Pappas to congratulate him on his Pittsburgh job, but then ask, "Who's the new president of the SSDC?"

"People say they heard about his new job from Playbill On-Line," Hauptman said, "so we thought we'd ask if Playbill On-Line could reannounce that Ted Pappas was named artistic director at Pittsburgh Public Theatre but that he is not resigning as president of the union. His appointment there is wonderful for him and we're delighted but it doesn't affect his relationship with us at all. Ted is still and will continue to be the president of Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. "

Hauptman conceded the dual roles meant Pappas would be "using USAir a lot." For information on the SSDC call (212) 391-1070. The Pittsburgh Public Theatre can be reached at (412) 316-8200.

-- By Murdoch McBride