The Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers (ATPAM) elected Maria A. Somma president July 8, along with a slate of other officers to the union's board of governors.
Theatregoers don't deal with press agents much, but theatre critics, journalists, researchers and paparazzi work closely with those in charge of publicity. Though press agents don't handle a show's advertising, per se, they do arrange special events, coordinate opening nights, set up photo ops and send out releases and announcements for shows.
In addition to Somma, Robert Nolan was elected Vice-President and Gordon G. Forbes, Secretary-Treasurer -- all for two-year terms.
Newly elected, one-year-term board members are Shirley Herz (Chapter Chair), Kevin McAnarney, Molly Smyth, Jim Baldassare, James LL Morrison and Barbara Carroll (alternate).
ATPAM, now in its 59th year, represents press agents, company managers and house managers on Broadway, Off-Broadway and in U.S. And Canadian touring companies. --By David Lefkowitz
