The ABTT Silver Award Courses are SCQF Level 8 qualifications which are recognised throughout the Industry. This is a practical course which intertwines theory and practice to ensure your day-to-day skills are validated while helping you specialise and refine your skill set for certain roles.

What is the Silver Award for Theatre Stage Construction?

The Silver Award is a five day course which is designed to enable candidates to develop their skills in the specialist area of Theatre Stage Carpenter. The Silver Award is the second step in the ABTT professional development awards for the theatre stage carpenters.

Who can do the course?

Candidates wanting to pursue a Silver Award for Theatre Stage Construction should have gained equivalent knowledge and skills covered by the Bronze Award prior to considering undertaking this course.

How is the course structured?

The course is split in to five sections:

1. Introduction to Theatre Stage Construction

2. Preparation and Planning

3. Construction Practical – Part 1

4.Construction Practical – Part 2

5. Stage Structures

The training is followed by the Silver Award Test.

What is covered in the course?

Course 1: Introduction to Theatre Stage Construction: This Course covers Backgrounds the techniques and factors that influence scenic construction. This element aims to contextualise and build on previous knowledge. Discussion includes the design process, the role of the Designer and Production Manager and information exchange between the creative team, Production Manager and Constructor; the process from initial concept through feasibility, white card and model meetings; methods of scenic construction from mortise and tenon to on edge construction and contextualises developments in methods and materials. This element will also look at typical materials and selection of materials, licensing, self- regulation, risk assessment and use of guidance referencing the Technical Standards for Places of Public Entertainment.

Courses 2: Preparation and Planning: This element covers the need to plan construction work and types of construction drawings with the focus on orthographic / multiview drawings, interpretation of, scale, layout and standards. Candidates will produce a construction drawing for the flat that they will build. This section includes discussion of hardware, bracing and support and structure required to allow joining of scenic elements and for features such as windows, doors or details such as moldings.

Course 3 & 4: Construction Practical: Covers inductions to hand, power and machine tools. The construction process for a standard 8’ x 4’ flat will be demonstrated using a range of typical hand, power and machine tools. Candidates will cut and build their own flat from their construction drawings receiving inductions and tuition on tools and techniques as required and dependent on candidate’s choices. Candidates will then have the opportunity to draw and construct a set of treads applying techniques learned and allowing use of alternative tools and techniques.

Courses  5: Stage Structures This course provides an introduction to temporary staging structures. The aim is to impart an awareness of mechanical and structural principles; and to give the stage technician an appreciation of safe erection of temporary stage structures and staging. Topics include: handling and positioning, support and bracing, edges, handrails, treads, joints and supports.

How do I progress after this course?

Once a Silver Award has been achieved, many students decide that they wish to broaden their skill set and do a further “Silver Award” course in a different area. Alternatively – some decide they want to progress on the final Gold Award Course once they have moved in to managerial roles.

We offer the Gold Award Course to support the candidate in managerial roles within the Industry. Candidates should have responsibility for the management of the working environment and the practices therein.