The new awards – the ABTT Apprentice of the Year Award and the ABTT Sustainable Product of the Year Award – will join the existing ABTT Awards programme and will be presented as part of the ABTT Awards ceremony at the ABTT Theatre Show 2026.

ABTT Apprentice of the Year Award

Introduced in 2026 as part of the relaunch of the ABTT Apprenticeship Network, the ABTT Apprentice of the Year Award recognises the achievements and exceptional contribution of individual apprentices working within the industry. The award celebrates the vital role apprenticeships play in developing future talent and maintaining high standards across theatre and live events.

Nominees may be working within any apprenticeship scheme involved in any Theatremaking discipline.

The award is presented to an apprentice who has demonstrated consistently high standards across all areas of their work.

The recipient will normally meet the following criteria:
• They will be at least 12 months into a current active Apprenticeship scheme in one or more of the backstage, technical and/or production management crafts and disciplines by the time the ABTT show comes around that year.
• OR they will have successfully graduated from such a scheme in the 12 months since the last ABTT Show.
• They will be predominantly working in the presentation of theatre or live events.
• They will have consistently demonstrated excellence in the work they have undertaken.

ABTT Sustainable Product of the Year Award

Reflecting the industry’s increasing focus on environmental responsibility, the ABTT Sustainable Product of the Year Award recognises a company or individual whose product demonstrates outstanding sustainability credentials within the technical theatre and live events sector.

Entries should provide clear evidence of positive environmental impact, which may include reduced carbon footprint, energy efficiency, responsible material sourcing, waste reduction, circular or modular design, recyclability, reusability, or extended product lifespan. Meaningful innovation in design, manufacture or application that improves environmental performance will be a key consideration for the judges.

Eligible products must be:
• Substantially new to the market within the last twelve months
• Available now for purchase, immediate delivery and real-world use
• Available for adjudication on the first day of the ABTT Theatre Show, either on the entrant’s own exhibition stand or hosted by a pre-registered exhibitor

By introducing these two new awards, ABTT continues to support excellence across both people and products, recognising emerging talent and encouraging sustainable innovation that will shape the future of theatre and live events.

Commenting on the announcement, Elysia Moore, ABTT Theatre Show Director, said:
“These new awards reflect two areas that are vital to the future of our industry — supporting and celebrating emerging talent, and encouraging genuine innovation in sustainable practice. We’re proud to recognise the individuals and products that are helping to shape a more skilled, inclusive and sustainable future for theatre and live events.”

Both awards will be presented at the ABTT Awards ceremony during the ABTT Theatre Show on the 3rd June at Alexandra Palace, London.

Full details including award specifications, nomination process and entry information for both awards can be found on the ABTT website.