Latest News

The late Michael Elphick

3rd Feb 2012

As a long standing supporter of the ABTT Michael Elphick died in 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer.

ABTT Members entitlement to 50% discount on Stage Jobs Pro

27th Jan 2012

As a direct benefit ABTT members are entitled to 50% discounts on Stage Jobs Pro membership schemes.

ABTT 1 Day Pyrotechnics Awareness Course

24th Jan 2012

Date: Sunday 22nd July 2012

Venue: Warwick Art Centre, Coventry.

Open to ABTT Members and Non Members.

ABTT Bronze Certificated Award for Technical Theatre Training (Manchester, April 2012)

20th Jan 2012

Places still available on this Bronze Award Course, so apply now!

ABTT 2012 Theatre Show moves to a vibrant new venue in the creative heart of East London

10th Jan 2012

For 2012, the ABTT Theatre Show is moving to the ‘Old Truman Brewery' a new venue for the event, located in the heart of a thriving and booming creative community in East London.

As part of the Jennifer Tipton event weekend (see www.ald.org.uk/events/ for more info), the Association of Lighting Designers will also be holding an "Emerging Lighting Designers" meeting this Friday, 13 January 2012.

The Stage Events

9th Jan 2012

Recently launched, The Stage Events brings the newspapers insights and expertise directly to you through a series of half-day 'How-to' sessions. These expert-led events will help you to find your way and shape your career in an increasingly competitive environment.

The Guthrie Thrust Stage 1948 - 2011: A Living Legacy

6th Jan 2012

The exhibition celebrates the unique contribution of the Thrust Stage to world theatre architecture by director Tyrone Guthrie (1900 - 1971).

Today is its last day at the Crucible, Sheffield. After which it moves on to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon where it shall be shown from 16 January - 10 March 2012.

ABTT Office Closed over the Festive Break

23rd Dec 2011

The ABTT Office shall be closed over the festive period from 24th December 2011 and shall resume business on Tuesday 3rd January 2012. Any enquires you may have during this time will be dealt with in the New Year.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Announced sale of London's Lawrence Hall prompts change of venue for ABTT 2012 Theatre Show

20th Dec 2011

Following the announcement today (20th December) of Westminster School's purchase of Lawrence Hall from the Royal Horticultural Society, organisers of the ABTT 2012 Theatre Show moved swiftly to announce the event will be transferring to a new venue.

The sad passing of Keith Campbell

20th Dec 2011

The ABTT would like to report the sad passing of one of our long standing Members, Keith Campbell, on the 5th November 2011.

Desk & shared use of meetings office in a West End Theatre Producer's office

13th Dec 2011

Desk and shared use of meetings office in a West End Theatre Producer's light and well equipped modern office in Covent Garden.

ABTT Bronze Certificated Award for Technical Theatre Training (Manchester, April 2012)

5th Dec 2011

ABTT's next Bronze Award is announced!

Apply now!

ABTT 2012 Summer School

5th Dec 2011

Full details shall be made available in the new year, but it shall take place, once again, at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry from 22nd - 29th July 2012.

Pension Scheme for Administration & Technical Staff in the Arts ("the Scheme") Appointment of Pitmans Trustees Limited

29th Nov 2011

The duties and demands on lay trustees have become increasingly onerous over recent years and the regulatory regime affecting pension schemes is evoling at a rapid rate.

New guidance about exposure from entertainment lighting

14th Nov 2011

Guidance has now been provided for assessing the risk of exposure from entertainment lighting.

NSA Annual Industry Conference 2012

10th Nov 2011

The third Annual Industry Conference will be taking place on the 6 & 7 March 2012 at The Lowry (Salford Quays)

The sad passing of Ken Smalley

3rd Nov 2011

We wish to announce the death of Ken Smalley whom was the technical officer of the association for many years.

Arts Council England unveils details of £440m strategic funding

1st Nov 2011

Arts Council England has announced its plans to invest £440 million funding in strategic programmes over the next three years, with major priorities including touring, capital projects and audience development.

Shadow culture minister to examine state of the arts in the regions

26th Oct 2011

New shadow culture minister Dan Jarvis has announced he is to launch a report about the arts in the regions.

The Guthrie Thrust Stage 1948 - 2011: A Living Legacy

23rd Oct 2011

The ABTT announce the British tour of this exhibition, created earlier this year for the Prague 2011 Quadrennial of Scenography and Theatre Architecture.

Desirable items wanted for Channel 4's Hit Series 'Four Rooms'

13th Oct 2011

From iconic film and TV memorabilia, to beautiful or rare objects from music or theatre, or even the grotesque and macabre, your item could be bought for life changing amounts of money.

Memorial announced to honour Richard Pulford

3rd Oct 2011

A West End memorial event is to be held later this month in honour of former Society of London Theatre and Theatrical Management Association chief executive Richard Pulford on Tuesday October 25th.

Venues fear licensing changes could increase red tape

20th Sep 2011

Campaigners have hit out at the government’s proposals to reform live entertainment licensing, claiming the plans will in fact increase costs and red tape for some venues.

PLASA Show 2011

14th Sep 2011

Thank you to all those who came over to see us at our stand this week.

Local government culture funding cut by £200m in 2010/11

14th Sep 2011

Local authority spending on culture fell by more than £200 million in 2010/11, according to figures just released by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Ladder Exchange

5th Sep 2011

The Ladder Exchange starts 1 Sepetmeber.

Revised code of practice on work at height in theatres

4th Sep 2011

The revised Code of practice for the selection and use of temporary access equipment for working at height in theatres has now been published.

Howard Bird 1953 - 2011

25th Aug 2011

It is with deep regret that the ABTT reports the passing of our former Executive Director and ABTT member Howard Bird on Thursday the 25th of August 2011.

Sound design trade association formed

16th Aug 2011

Leading sound designers, including two-time Olivier Award winner Gareth Fry, have joined together to form the UK’s first trade association aimed at representing their interests.

The sad passing of Richard Pulford

6th Aug 2011

The ABTT would like to extend its deepest sympathy, as It is with great sadness that we have been informed of the passing of Richard Pulford. The former Society of London Theatre and Theatrical Management Association chief executive passed away at the age of 67, following a long battle with illness.

Frank Matcham Society Seminar

4th Aug 2011

A one day seminar organised by the Frank Matcham Society to examine the plight of theatres and music halls at risk throughout the UK.

Frank Matcham Society Seminar

4th Aug 2011

A one day seminar organised by the Frank Matcham Society to examine the plight of theatres and music halls at risk throughout the UK.

West End bounces back

27th Jul 2011

London’s Theatreland has recovered from a financially disappointing first quarter, posting box office takings for April to June that are up 2% on the same period in 2010.

Historic Liverpool Neptune theatre reopens as The Epstein

27th Jul 2011

A famous Liverpool theatre is set to reclaim its place amongst some of the city's most famous cultural landmarks.

Following a £1 million investment, the refurbishment of the former Neptune Theatre is now complete.

World Scenography Book

17th Jul 2011

World Scenography - The 3 Volume Series edited by Peter McKinnon and Eric Fielding

£55 million fund announced to help cultural organisations build endowments

3rd Jul 2011

Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt today announced details of Catalyst Endowments, a £55 million scheme to help arts and heritage organisations secure their long-term financial stability by building endowment funds.

ABTT Awards 2011

19th Jun 2011

This took place at the Theatre Show and was sponsored by Jelf insurance.

Love Never Dies to close in August

19th Jun 2011

Phantom of the Opera sequel Love Never Dies is to close on 27 August, it has been confirmed.

New Rules for Working with Tallescopes Announced

8th Jun 2011

After discussion amongst the Tallescope Working Party - which comprises representatives from SOLT, TMA and a range of UK theatre industry organisations, members of the HSE and the manufacturers of the Tallescope, Aluminium Access Products - the ABTT, on behalf of the industry, is please to announce:

New Benefits for ABTT Members

26th May 2011

The ABTT is delighted to announce two new benefits for its members, to come on line during next month's ABTT Theatre Show (15-16 June 2011).

Knight of Illumination Awards: Deadline extended to June 30 2011

24th May 2011

The Knight of Illumination Awards has extended the deadline for entries into its lighting design awards programme until June 30 2011. Currently in its fourth year, the Knight of Illumination Awards was established to recognise the talents of lighting designers working across the creative arts in the UK.

Act now: can theatre help with climate change?

18th May 2011

Theatremakers are thinking more than ever about climate change, but it's behind the scenes where we can make a real difference

British Standards on Flying, lifting equipment and trusses

17th May 2011

BSI MHE 3/13, the committee that created BS7905-1, BS7905-2, BS7906-1 and BS7906-2 is considering a review of these standards.

Theatre needs to show more community spirit

16th May 2011

With Michael Sheen's The Passion uniting Port Talbot, and the Gulbenkian Foundation offering a new award, participatory theatre is on the up. But is it always as good as it can be?

National Theatre of Scotland launches trainee director scheme

15th May 2011

The National Theatre of Scotland is to recruit three Scottish or Scotland-based trainee assistant directors to work on its autumn schedule of productions.

Theatre manager Paul Iles dies aged 59

2nd May 2011

It is with great sadness that the ABTT report that Theatre manager Paul Iles passed away over the weekend.

Our deepest condolences go to his family and friends.

Technicans required to work at the Royal Opera House in Oman

22nd Apr 2011

The Royal Opera House in Oman is looking to recruit a small technical team to start a.s.a.p on initially one-year contracts, which will be renewable each year. This would be for all the posts and not on a project by project basis as it states on some of the jobs.

RSC wins tourism award

18th Apr 2011

The Royal Shakespeare Company has won Visit England’s award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism.

What should the regional theatre of the future be doing?

17th Apr 2011

Larger theatres have a duty to support innovation and cater for communities – and we at West Yorkshire Playhouse are no different.

SMA Launch on line Survey

7th Apr 2011

Today the SMA announced they are launching an extensive membership (on-line) survey to find out what role a professional body should offer in the way of support and advocacy

The sad passing of Robert Corder 1932 - 2010

3rd Apr 2011

It is with great sadness that we have been informed of the passing of Mr Robert Corder who died on Boxing day 2010 at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.

He was an ex ABTT Council member and will be sadly missed.

Hundreds of arts groups lose funding

30th Mar 2011

More than 200 organisations that received regular funding from Arts Council England have missed out after "a series of painful decisions".

Riverside Studios, Shared Experience and Exeter among casualties in ACE’s “progressive” new portfolio

29th Mar 2011

Riverside Studios in London, Derby Theatre, Exeter Northcott, black theatre company Nitro and touring company Shared Experience have been the big casualties in today’s announcement of funding beyond 2012 by Arts Council England.

Arts Council England announces funding decisions and new National portfolio of arts organisations

29th Mar 2011

Our new National portfolio of funded organisations is announced today, with decisions made within the twin context of our strategic framework Achieving great art for everyone and a challenging economic backdrop.

MPs attack arts council in select committee report

27th Mar 2011

Politicians have warned that Arts Council England has left itself open to accusations that its decision-making process on the new National Portfolio “lacked rigour”, in a select committee report which is highly critical of the quango.

Philanthropist Vivien Duffield pledges £8.2 million to arts companies

24th Mar 2011

Vivien Duffield today pledged £8.2 million in grants to 11 arts organisations including the Donmar Warehouse, the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company from the Clore Duffield Foundation.

Fears for future of Derby Theatre are unfounded, say key partners

23rd Mar 2011

FEARS that Derby Theatre will close if the Arts Council fails to provide financial support are unfounded, according to those backing the venue.

New calls for council to buy former Hippodrome after fire breaks out

23rd Mar 2011

CAMPAIGNERS have again called for Derby City Council to buy the former Hippodrome theatre after another fire in the derelict venue.

ABTT NEWSLETTER V1 8

14th Mar 2011

News update from the ABTT

Zaha Hadid on song: China's Guangzhou Opera House

5th Mar 2011

Jonathan Glancey explores Guangzhou's glittering, intergalactic new opera house, designed by British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid and opened last weekend. Sixteen years after a similar project in Wales ground to a halt, she explains why Cardiff's loss is China's gain

Theatre programmes, and what to do with them

25th Feb 2011

Charlotte Higgins of The Guardian describes one of her biggest problems is amassing theatre p[era and concert programmes - if only that were the only problem we had!

ABTT NEWSLETTER

21st Feb 2011

Copyright would the Bard have survived the Web

19th Feb 2011

A long view of the copyright problem: How paywalls enabled Shakespeare to earn the money to write his plays, the USA's plans for a Digital Economy Act and an argument that ‘talent remains undeveloped unless the market rewards it

Artsmarts: Why Cutting Arts Funding Is Not a Good Idea Funding the arts funds scientific innovation and economic development.

18th Feb 2011

Congress is once again making plans to gut the National Endowment for the Arts, so it is time for us to post more data supporting the arts. In previous posts, we've argued that the arts are essential for the development of scientific imagination. (See A Missing Piece in the Economic Stimulus; Arts and Crafts: Keys to Scientific Creativity; Arts at the Center of Creative Education). Here we argue that the arts stimulate economic development by fostering scientific and technological innovation.

Derbyshire campaigners wait for decision on Matlock Bath Pavilion

17th Feb 2011

Local campaigners will get the chance to take control of Derbyshire’s Matlock Bath Grand Pavilion and turn it back into a theatre, if plans are approved by the local council this week.

The £75,000 arts festival experiment

17th Feb 2011

Who in their right mind would give tens of thousands of pounds to a bunch of twentysomethings to use as they see fit, not ask for profits, and tell them that any mistakes made will be an important learning curve? Peter de Haan would. And next week, thanks to his arts funding group Ideas Tap and their collaborators, Old Vic New Voices and the National Youth Theatre, we will see where all the money has gone.

Richard Eyre: Arts cuts will result in cultural apartheid

15th Feb 2011

The former artistic director of the National Theatre on the scale of the threat created by the coalition's axe.

ACE vows not to repeat mistakes of last investment round

10th Feb 2011

Arts Council England chair Liz Forgan has vowed that the organisation’s forthcoming spending review, when it will overhaul its porfolio of funded companies, will be “as good and fair as it can be”.

How to run a theatre without arts funding

9th Feb 2011

When Lucy Bailey and Anda Winters launched a self-funded London theatre just after the government arts cuts were announced last October, some wondered if it was an act of madness.

National Theatre to advise regional venues on fund-raising

2nd Feb 2011

The National Theatre is to offer guidance to two regional theatres in a pilot scheme designed to “unlock local philanthropy”.

Derby Hippodrome Theatre legal bill claim dropped

1st Feb 2011

Derby City Council has decided not to pursue the owner of the Hippodrome Theatre for £17,000 in legal costs.

Theatreland enjoys ‘golden age’ despite ash, slump and snow

27th Jan 2011

London theatre continues to defy the effects of the recession, reporting overall results for 2010 that saw record box office revenues and a minimal (0.79%) drop in attendance.

Vaizey - arts must further embrace technology and innovation

27th Jan 2011

Ed Vaizey is to make his first keynote speech as culture minister this week, calling on the arts sector to embrace technology and innovation more fully.

Tallescopes: The current position

20th Jan 2011

For the current position by the ABTT on this long running issue please 'Read More'.

TMA/BECTU Code of Conduct for Get-Ins, Fit-Ups and Get-Outs

19th Jan 2011

TMA/BECTU Code of Conduct for Get-Ins, Fit-Ups and Get-Outs

A Joint Working Party of representatives from the TMA and BECTU has developed a Code of Conduct for Get-Ins, Fit-Ups and Get-Outs.

The sad passing of David I.Taylor

18th Jan 2011

It is with great sadness that we have to report the passing away of Mr David.I.Taylor. David was Arup's global leader of Theatre Consulting, based in New York. The ABTT would like to extend its deepest sympathy.

Rob Harris of Arup has provided the statement below.

LEEA launches new practical training courses for the text, examination and maintenance of overhead lifting equipment

18th Jan 2011

The LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Association) has announced new practical training courses for engineers responsible for the test, examination and maintenance of overhead lifting equipment. The expanded portfolio includes courses designed to prepare trainees for the LEEA's Diploma examination, as well as specialist training on the maintenance of hoists and electric overhead travelling cranes.

ENO opera to be broadcast in 3D

10th Jan 2011

English National Opera’s forthcoming production of Donizetti’s Lucrezia Borgia is to be broadcast live in 3D as part of a partnership with Sky.

ABTT Office Closed over the Festive Break

24th Dec 2010

The ABTT Office shall be closed over the festive period from 24th December 2010 and shall resume business on Tuesday 4th January 2011. Any enquires you may have during this time will be dealt with in the New Year.

ABTT 2010 Honours

15th Dec 2010

The Association of British Theatre Technicians has bestowed its top accolade on Chris Higgs, a National Rigging Certificate Assessor and manager of the Birmingham NRC assessment Centre.

The ABTT Fellowship, given only to individuals who have rendered significant service in the technical aspects of theatre, was announced at the Association's annual Christmas Party, hosted by ETC at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane last Friday.

Rachel Kavanaugh steps down from Birmingham Rep

15th Dec 2010

Rachel Kavanaugh, artistic director of Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company, has announced that she is stepping down early next year.

Thank you...

13th Dec 2010

A massive thank you to all those whom were able to attend the ETC/ABTT Christmas Party that took place last Friday at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

ABTT would also like to thank ETC's support with the arrangements.

Belfast Lyric to reopen in May

13th Dec 2010

Belfast’s new £18 million home for the Lyric Theatre is to open on May 1, 2011 after two years of construction and planning with a gala performance on its newly named Northern Bank Stage.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End theatre sale collapses

11th Dec 2010

Andrew Lloyd Webber has pulled out of a move to sell four of his West End theatres to a consortium led by former BBC and ITV chairman Michael Grade.

Paul Sadler honoured by Instituion of Mechanical Engineers

30th Nov 2010

Paul Sadler, founder of Delstar Engineering Ltd, part of the Stage Technologies Group, and now a senior engineering consultant with the operation in Suffolk, has recently been incorporated as a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Vaizey announces plans for Creative England

29th Nov 2010

England’s nine screen agencies are to be merged to create a single body called Creative England.

Exclusive: Menier’s Russian owners reveal plans to launch ‘rocket’ theatre in Southwark

18th Nov 2010

The Russian owners of the Menier Chocolate Factory have unveiled ambitious plans to expand the London venue, adding a 300-seat theatre and restaurant in an adjacent complex that will also feature offices and a rocket-shaped, multi-storey apartment block.

ONE PLACE REMAINING for the Bronze Award Training Course, Tunbridge Wells

16th Nov 2010

The Bronze Award for Theatre Technicians training course taking place at Tunbridge Wells (January 2011) has just ONE PLACE REMAINING.

Boris Johnson calls for continued arts investment

15th Nov 2010

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has called for continued investment in the arts in London and the rest of the UK.

Exclusive: Westminster rebuild hopes dashed again

11th Nov 2010

Plans to resurrect the Westminster Theatre have been dealt yet another blow, after it emerged the operator behind ambitious plans to relaunch the venue and rename it after 19th century actor Edmund Kean has been removed from the project.

RSAMD plans name change

11th Nov 2010

The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama is entering a two-month period of consultation over a proposal to change its name to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

'Old Theatres' Magazine

10th Nov 2010

Here's your opportunity to join all the enthusiasts who cherish our country's halls of entertainment.

"SAVE Britain's Theatres"

10th Nov 2010

A new independent trust dedicated to the preservation and protection of theatres is being created by members of the former Curtains Committee.

Somerset County Council cuts funding to cultural organisations

10th Nov 2010

Somerset County Council has decided to cut its £160,000 funding pot for arts organisations in the area following the government’s recent spending review.

National Theatre Wales wins £483,000 to launch WalesLab project

2nd Nov 2010

National Theatre Wales has won £483,000 of funding to launch a five-year project aimed at supporting up-and-coming theatre companies and artists “explore new ideas”.

Somerset council threatens to axe arts funding

26th Oct 2010

Somerset County Council has become the first local authority to announce that it is considering axing all of its arts funding following the Comprehensive Spending Review, as councils across the country prepare for their budgets to be slashed.

Cuts to Derby arts projects not as deep as feared

26th Oct 2010

ARTS organisations in Derby are to lose out on thousands of pounds in funding – but are still relieved.

ACE to cut RFOs by 8.7% in 2011/12

25th Oct 2010

Comprehensive Spending Review: Arts Council England has announced that the majority of its regularly funded organisations will be hit with an almost 9% real terms funding cut in 2011/12, with further, more severe cuts to come from 2012/13.

Theatre Awards longlist unveiled

25th Oct 2010

The longlist for the 2010 London Evening Standard Theatre Awards has been unveiled in what the newspaper described as an 'outstanding' year for the sector.

Irish government spends €400k on hunt for new Abbey home

24th Oct 2010

Almost €400,000 has been spent in the search for a new home for Ireland’s national theatre, the Abbey - but so far without success.

Phantom celebrates 10,000 performances!

24th Oct 2010

Andrew Lloyd Webber and original Phantom Michael Crawford join current London cast to celebrate important milestone.

Creative Partnerships cut

20th Oct 2010

Comprehensive Spending Review: Flagship cultural education initiative Creative Partnerships has had its £38.1 million government funding cut as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review, as revealed by The Stage last month.

Leeds cuts: Arts organisations face difficult times - updated

20th Oct 2010

Arts organisations in Leeds are bracing themselves for difficult times following a 30% reduction in government arts funding.

Kings Theatre revamp, plans for McEwan's brewery in Fountainbridge and Cala flats in Trinity

20th Oct 2010

A round up of this week's new planning applications.

Restored Liverpool theatre to be renamed in honour of Epstein

19th Oct 2010

Liverpool’s Neptune Theatre is to be renamed the Epstein Theatre in honour of the late Beatles manager, who started his music career at the venue.

DCMS budget cut by £300 million

19th Oct 2010

Comprehensive Spending Review: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s budget will be slashed from £1.4 billion to £1.1 billion over the next four years, George Osborne has announced.

ACE budget cut by almost a third

19th Oct 2010

Comprehensive Spending Review: Arts Council England’s budget will be cut by 29.6% over the next four years by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Cultural leaders hit out at “short-sighted” funding decisions

19th Oct 2010

Comprehensive Spending Review: Arts leaders have hit out at the government’s decision to cut Arts Council England by almost 30% over the next four years, saying it is “short-sighted”, “demoralising” and that it “borders on idiocy”.

A small investment in the arts goes a long way

18th Oct 2010

Moira Sinclair, our London Executive Director, writes for London think tank LondonSays about the importance of the arts in the capital, and why public funding is the bedrock of our cultural success.

Teachers experience EducationLive

18th Oct 2010

Some 60 secondary and further education teachers met representatives from theatres all over London yesterday at EducationLive.

John Roffey

13th Oct 2010

It is with great sadness that the ABTT must announce the death of a long standing member John Roffey who died on 13 October 2010.

John had a long career in the theatre having worked at Sadler's Well and GSMD.

Nominations for Stage Award for Special Achievement in Regional Theatre revealed

13th Oct 2010

A drama school, a lighting designer, two national theatres, an east London venue and a new writing company make up the list of nominations for this year’s The Stage Award for Special Achievement in Regional Theatre.

Work starts on new look for Eagle Centre's Theatre Walk

13th Oct 2010

TRADERS and shoppers have welcomed the start of work to refurbish Theatre Walk inside the Eagle Centre Market.

Lloyd Webber announces refurb plans as Palladium celebrates centenary

11th Oct 2010

Andrew Lloyd Webber has joined with Bruce Forsyth, Ken Dodd and Michael Ball to celebrate the 100th birthday of the London Palladium.

RSC re-opens on time and on budget

11th Oct 2010

The Royal Shakespeare Company will re-open the Royal Shakespeare and Swan Theatres on time and on budget in November following a four-year redevelopment as part of the £112.8 million Transformation project designed to bring actors and audiences closer together.

Graeae Theatre Company

8th Oct 2010

Congratulations to Graeae a disabled-led theatre company whose new building on the Kingsland Road, London, won the BCO National Award for office projects of under 2000 square metres

Ivan Lewis appointed shadow culture secretary

7th Oct 2010

Ivan Lewis, MP for Bury South since 1997 and a former minister for foreign and commonwealth affairs, has been chosen to replace Ben Bradshaw as shadow culture secretary.

Theatre renovation plans presented

7th Oct 2010

More than 60 people turned up to hear about a £216,000 project to restore a Derby theatre.

HQ Theatres to run £26m Guildford venue

5th Oct 2010

HQ Theatres, the UK’s second largest regional theatre operator, has been chosen to run the new £26 million entertainment venue in Guildford.

National Theatre granted permission for £70 million redevelopment

29th Sep 2010

Lambeth Council has awarded planning permission to the National Theatre for a major overhaul of its South Bank home.

Exclusive: Duckie to hold summer sleepover in Barbican Pit

29th Sep 2010

Olivier-award winning theatre company Duckie is to stage an all-night sleepover show next summer, during which audiences will be lulled to sleep in the Barbican Pit.

Arts cuts mean theatres must learn to share the stage

29th Sep 2010

A 21st-century venue is measured on its relationships as well as its output. Now is our chance to encourage collaboration

The Theatres Trust continues as an independent body

23rd Sep 2010

The document outlining Cabinet Office plans for arms length bodies reported in The Daily Telegraph on the 24 September 2010 makes reference to The Theatres Trust as one of the bodies to be abolished. We would like to assure everyone that there are no plans to abolish The Theatres Trust.

Theatre tourism helps generate £2.8bn - Visit Britain

22nd Sep 2010

One in ten foreign tourists who came to the UK last year visited the theatre, helping to generate £2.8 billion for the British economy.

London’s Arts Theatre to face another overhaul

21st Sep 2010

The owner of London’s Arts Theatre has served notice on the current tenant to leave before the end of the year, utilising a break clause in the contract which was not due to expire until late 2011.

Irish arts community protests against cuts

19th Sep 2010

The Irish arts community have staged a two-day campaign to highlight the impact of funding cuts on members’ incomes and to lobby against further spending reductions in the next budget.

Philanthropy

13th Sep 2010

The shortlists for Arts and Business Annual Awards are out this week, more and vote for the winners HERE.

Knights of Illumination

13th Sep 2010

The third Knights of Illumination ceromony was held on Sunday 12 September at the IBIS Hotel Earls Court

DCMS enters funding negotiations with Treasury

8th Sep 2010

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has begun negotiations with the Treasury over its spending allocation for the next four years.

BBC and ACE to offer digital media training to arts organisations

8th Sep 2010

Arts Council England has announced plans for a joint initiative with the BBC to help cultural organisations develop digital media production skills.

British Council report links culture and class

7th Sep 2010

Government arts policy should shift its focus away from institutions and towards artists and audiences in an attempt to break down class barriers, according to former Demos head of culture John Holden.

John Wyckham dies aged 84

6th Sep 2010

The ABTT is saddened to hear of the passing of John Wyckham.

John, aged 84, of John Wyckham Associates, peacefully died on sunday 29th August at Talbot View, Bournemouth after a long illness.

Two-thirds of people 'agree with arts funding change'

2nd Sep 2010

Two-thirds of people agree with the government's stance on cutting arts funding and increasing reliance on private cash, a survey has suggested.

More4 to go behind the scenes of The Habit of Art as part of autumn line-up

1st Sep 2010

More4 is to reveal the creative processes behind four theatre productions, including The Habit of Art at the National Theatre, in a new series to be broadcast later this year.

Doncaster’s new venue gets planning approval

1st Sep 2010

Plans for Doncaster’s new £22.3 million performance space have been approved by the local council.

NOS Consultation

30th Aug 2010

At the AGM one of the items presented to the membership was the National Occupational Standards (NOS). Maggie Saxon asked that the membership of the ABTT engaged with the process so that as an industry we can be at the forefront of the scheme.It is important that as many people as possible participate so that we can ensure that the standards being developed are necessary and relevant to our industry.

Please follow the 'read more' button to see how you can get involved.

John Fisher to step down as chief exec of WNO

26th Aug 2010

John Fisher, chief executive and artistic director of Welsh National Opera, has announced he is to step down from the helm of the Cardiff-based company next summer.

London arts threat as £26m scheme faces axe

25th Aug 2010

Theatres across the capital are bracing themselves for further funding cuts, after it emerged that London Councils is considering scrapping a £26.4 million scheme that supports arts and voluntary organisations across the city.

Richard R Greenough 1922 - 2010

23rd Aug 2010

The ABTT is saddened to hear of the passing of Richard R Greenough who died peacefully on Thursday the 12th of August aged 88 after a short illness.

Richard was a Designer at the BBC in the early days of Live TV of "Quatermass Experiment" and moved on to be Head of Design for ATV for many shows including the "Sunday Night at London Palladium". He was pleased to work with Liberace and proud to be asked by Lew Grade to take Bob Hope to Casablanca.

Read further for the funeral details taking place on Tuesday 24th August.

Liverpool Everyman gets green light for £28m revamp

23rd Aug 2010

Liverpool Everyman’s proposed £28 million redevelopment has been given the go-ahead by the city council, after planning permission was granted for the Haworth Tompkins-designed scheme.

Exclusive: Producing venues unite for London 2012 world theatre festival

18th Aug 2010

Eight of London’s leading producing venues - including the Royal Court, Battersea Arts Centre and the Young Vic - have united for the first time to create a £3 million city-wide theatre festival for 2012, celebrating the multicultural nature of the capital in its Olympic year.

Musical Departure Lounge flies into Waterloo East

17th Aug 2010

Departure Lounge, a new musical by Dougal Irvine that premiered at the 2008 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, will receive its first London staging next month.

The Media Festival launches digital conference for the arts

17th Aug 2010

The first ever Media Festival Arts debuts on 8 September at the Camden Roundhouse, London. The conference brings together the arts, media and broadcast, and technology sectors to explore opportunities for collaboration and funding, and discuss the benefits and impact of digital media on the creative industries.

Ken Livingstone launches live music proposals for London

10th Aug 2010

Mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone has announced plans to create a London-wide music festival and protect live music venues through the Mayor’s planning strategy, if he is elected.

Broadway Spider-Man announces opening after year of delays

10th Aug 2010

After more than a year of delays, the much-maligned musical Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark is getting ready for its Broadway opening, Michael Cohl, the show’s lead producer, announced this week.

No encore for Mermaid Theatre

9th Aug 2010

London’s Mermaid Theatre, which recently hosted BBC Radio 2’s celebration of Les Miserables’ 25th anniversary, is set to be demolished to make way for a new hotel in the City with no hope of the £6 million compensation previously discussed.

BBC announces funding for amateur musical theatre

9th Aug 2010

Amateur performance groups will have the chance to apply for a slice of £200,000 funding under a new scheme to be launched by the BBC, aimed at encouraging young people to take part in musical theatre.

Two places left for the Bronze Award Training Course, Leeds

8th Aug 2010

The Bronze Award for Theatre Technicians training course taking place at the Carriageworks, LEEDS, (31st August - 5th September) has two places left.

Arts funding inquiry will not report until after spending review

4th Aug 2010

House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Chair John Whittingdale has warned that its inquiry into arts funding will not be complete until after the government’s comprehensive spending review, which will set the main culture budget for the next four years.

Liverpool Neptune to open its doors again

2nd Aug 2010

Liverpool’s Neptune Theatre is to re-open five years after it closed.

The theatre is to be refurbished to the tune of £700,000 and the council is looking for an operator to manage the venue from next summer.

Theatre Building A Design Guide

30th Jul 2010

The ABTT launched its eagerly awaited new guide to designing theatres Follow this link to purchase your very own copy!

ABTT Statement with regards to the withdrawal of the Code of Practice for the selection and use of temporary access equipment for working at height in theatres

30th Jul 2010

The ABTT has temporarily withdrawn the Guide to Access for Work at Heights in Theatre Code of Practice. (COP011)

Save Our Sound Campaign

30th Jul 2010

Act now to put pressure on the government to compensate the sound industry when analouge radio frequencies are withdrawn

The Theatre’s Trust welcomes the DCMS Ministerial Statement

29th Jul 2010

TheTheatres Trust remains the Statutory body for theatres but becomes independent of the DCMS taking responsibility for appointing its own trustees

Arts & Business should be stripped of subsidy - Starr

29th Jul 2010

National Theatre executive director Nick Starr has called for Arts & Business to have its £4 million of public funding removed to help mitigate cuts to front-line cultural organisations in the autumn spending round.

Scottish government asks national companies to prepare for cuts

29th Jul 2010

Scottish arts organisations are bracing themselves for significant budget cuts over the next three years, although they are unlikely to be as deep as those inflicted in England.

Arts funding: A time to cull?

29th Jul 2010

A thoughtful piece on the arts, funding, and how the sector might prepare and respond in the The Stage

Wireless microphone users attack government compensation plans

28th Jul 2010

Campaigners have warned that a government compensation package designed to compensate entertainment organisations whose wireless microphones will be rendered useless by the forthcoming sale of analogue radio spectrum will not cover the majority of those working on large-scale productions, such as West End shows.

First glimpse of Doncaster’s new performance venue

27th Jul 2010

Details of Doncaster’s much-awaited new £22.5million performance venue have today been revealed.

The computer generated image shows the latest design of this unique venue that will become the cultural anchor of Doncaster’s £300million Civic and Cultural Quarter (CCQ).

Theatres Trust calls on school venues to improve

26th Jul 2010

Heritage body Theatres Trust has said that theatres in schools need to be better designed and institutions should consult more with the industry before embarking on building projects.

Review of Arm's Length Bodies

25th Jul 2010

A number of our public bodies are set to be merged, abolished or streamlined.

This is part of the Government's drive to cut costs and increase transparency, accountability and efficiency.

Ed Vaizey denies arts funding decision is imminent

21st Jul 2010

Culture minister Ed Vaizey has quashed rumours that a decision on arts sector funding is imminent, insisting that the Treasury will not decide the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s budget until the government spending review in October.

Election to Council of the ABTT

20th Jul 2010

At the ABTT AGM held on Tuesday 20th July 2010 the following members were elected to the Council;

- Stephen Hocking (Elected)

- Brod Mason (Elected)

- Ted Moore (Elected)

- Jeff Phillips (Re-Elected)

- Anton Woodward (Re-Elected)

Maurice Marshal MBE 1934 - 2010

19th Jul 2010

The ABTT is saddened to hear of the passing of one of its most esteemed members, Maurice Marshal MBE.

Maurice died on Saturday the 10th of July after a long illness and will be sadly missed not only by his work colleagues at Stage Electrics and the Northcott Theatre but also by the theatre industry as a whole.

Derry/ Londonderry wins City of Culture

15th Jul 2010

Londonderry has been chosen as the UK's inaugural City of Culture.

The announcement was broadcast live from Liverpool on the BBC's The One Show on Thursday night.

Derry, which was short-listed alongside Birmingham, Sheffield and Norwich, will take the mantle in 2013.

Gwent Theatre challenges ACW cuts

14th Jul 2010

Gwent Theatre is challenging Arts Council Wales over the reasons behind its decision to withdraw funding, saying the cut would “almost certainly spell the end” for the venue.

You can cut us but don’t kill us say the UK’s cultural leaders

14th Jul 2010

Today, many of the leaders of Britain's most prominent cultural institutions - speaking on behalf of organisations across the whole country - appealed directly to the Prime Minister not to cause irreparable damage to our most economically successful sector in the imminent Spending Review.

Theatre Buildings at Risk register adds 14 entries

13th Jul 2010

London’s Hackney Empire, the Acorn Arts Centre in Cornwall and Glasgow Coliseum are all new additions to this year’s Theatre Buildings at Risk register published by heritage body the Theatres Trust.

Noises off: The hidden cost of recession in the theatre

13th Jul 2010

The culture secretary wants the arts to be funded by private donations and corporate sponsors. But even free money comes at a price

ACE warns funded organisations to plan for 10% cuts in 2011

12th Jul 2010

Arts Council England chief executive Alan Davey has written to all regularly funded organisations telling them to prepare for at least a 10% reduction in their subsidy next year.

Cheers from gallery as plan to turn theatre into a car park is voted out

8th Jul 2010

Cheers and shouts of “thank-you” echoed around the Council House last night after plans to demolish part of the former Hippodrome Theatre in Derby were thrown out. Every member of Derby City Council’s planning control committee spoke out against a proposal to demolish the building, which dates from 1914, and replace it with a multi-storey car park.

Turning point for Derby Hippodrome

7th Jul 2010

Campaigners fighting a two-year battle to save Derby Hippodrome have won a key victory after council officers recommended the local authority reject developer Christopher Anthony’s application to demolish part of the venue.

Aberdeen theatre on track for restoration grant

5th Jul 2010

A listed theatre in Aberdeen that has fallen into disrepair and has not been used as a performance venue since the sixties could be restored, after being identified as a “priority project” for lottery and other funding.

Shrek musical to open in West End

1st Jul 2010

Award-winning Broadway stage show Shrek The Musical is to make its London debut next year, the Theatre Royal has announced.

SM Awards announced

22nd Jun 2010

Sarah Lynch, company stage manager for the Druid Theatre in Galway, Ireland, has been named the winner of the individual award at this year’s National Awards for Stage Management, sponsored by The Stage.

Mayor launches London 2012 online arts diary

1st Jun 2010

London 2012 planners launched online calendar the Culture Diary today and are inviting people to register arts events taking place during the Olympic year.

Bronze Award Training Course, Manchester is Now FULL

13th May 2010

The Bronze Award for Theatre Technicians training course taking place at the Royal Northern College Of Music (23rd - 27th August) is now FULL.

100 years of the London Palladium

15th Apr 2010

The London Palladium celebrates its 100th Birthday on Boxing Day 2010.

A Man of the Theatre Takes the Helm at ABTT

16th Dec 2009

At its annual Christmas Party, the ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH THEATRE TECHNICIANS’ (ABTT) revealed to its members, industry leaders and invited guests, its new CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ANDREW DE ROSA.

Save Our Sound UK Campaign

9th Dec 2009

Please support the Save Our Sound UK Campaign

Save our Sound

14th Nov 2009

BRITISH ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY LAUNCHES ‘SAVE OUR SOUND UK' CAMPAIGN

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