Association of British Theatre Technicians
The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) is a British charitable organisation representing technical staff working within theatre. Overview. The ABTT was founded in 1961 by group of theatre producers, technicians and architects. The association has played a role in ensuring that regulations are suitably drafted and enforced, publishing a number of recommended Codes of Practice for the theatrical industry and theatrical technicians. The ABTT’s central aim is to "set out the physical standards for building and their equipment that are necessary to enable to good management of the premises and to provide the  safety of the occupants in premises used for entertainment”. The ABTT is a Charitable Organization under English law, and operates throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. The ABTT also has a number of volunteer technical committees which liaise with government and other organisations. Membership. The ABTT employs three members of staff. The ABTT is governed by Memorandum and Articles of Association and is registered as a charitable organisation with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. It has 11 trustees who are appointed due to their expertise in areas including theatre and stage management, architecture, technical theatre, planning law  and the performing arts. The Chairman of the Trust is Louise Jeffreys. The ABTT’s funding is derived from its memberships, donations given by supporters and proceeds from training. The principal source of income is from events including the ABTT Theatre Show which is held annually. Remit. The ABTT was established by in 1961 with a central focus of ensuring "the advancement of …the technical subjects connected with theatre and theatrical presentation, fostering knowledge and the appreciation of the art of technical theatre". The ABTT offers guidance and advice through their Codes of Practice relating to planning, health and safety , architecture regeneration and development, and design which concern theatres and places of entertainment. The ABTT's remit covers a large range of buildings which include both old and new theatres either used, disused or in other uses. Notably, it also includes buildings or structures that have been temporarily converted into theatrical spaces. ABBT Theatre Show. The ABTT Theatre Show is an annual trade show hosted in London and organised by registered charity, the Association of British Theatre Technicians. The ABTT Theatre show draws exhibitors and visitors from all over the world interested in topics such as lighting, audio visual, scenography , rigging, set construction, technical theatre and related technologies. History. The ABTT Theatre show has been running since 1978, originally named The ABTT Trade show but rebranded in 2001. From 1980 the event was situated in the Shaftesbury Theatre; proceeding in 1981-82 to The Roundhouse and Riverside Studios during 1984-90. The ABTT then moved the Theatre Show to The Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch after deciding that an event space, rather than an exhibition hall would "provide everything we need to use… (with it being ) a quirky venue… exhibitors have welcomed the choice." and since then Alexandra Palace has  held the event from 2015 to present. For 2019 Isobel Hatton was appointed as Theatre Show Director and delivered the event at Alexandra Palace. However, due to the coronavirus outbreak, the 42nd ABTT Theatre Show scheduled for June 2020 was postponed, being ran instead in collaboration with PLASA in 2021 from 5-7 September at Olympia London. Remit. The purpose of the ABTT Theatre Show is to bring together drama schools, Trade Associations and live entertainment under one roof to help explore the connection between these different Industries. The ABTT Theatre Show has been developed by the ABTT to be  relevant across theatre, TV, film and commercial work. A broad range of technical disciplines are covered, bring relevant to venue operators, production staff, theatre consultants and students addressing issues of health and safety, codes of practice, live performance, academic development, and other relevant matters. Exhibitor Technology, Live performance and specialist advice is made available for a wide range of issues which relate to theatres and places of entertainment. These include theatre design, sound design, stage lighting, live performance, and issues relating to health and safety issues matters that relate to places of entertainment. ABTT Awards. Each year the Theatre show  presents the ABTT Awards. In 2014, these awards were presented for the first time in combination with the National Awards for Stage Management in a joint ceremony with the Stage Management Association, with the host for the awards being actress Lesley Manville. Resources. The ABTT has a number of resources that contribute towards the promotion of health and safety within theatres and their technical equipment: