The ABTT Bronze Award Course is a SCQF Level 7 qualification which is recognised through the Industry. This is a practical Course which intertwines theory to ensure your day-to-day skills are validated with the correct technical knowledge to keep you and your colleagues safe.

What is the Bronze Award for Theatre Technicians?

The Bronze Award is a 5 day programme which gives candidates knowledge and understanding of best practice, whether they are working in regional rep, touring, multi-art form studios, community theatre, the West End or as a freelancer. The Bronze Award delivers the first vocational step for professional development for the theatre technician and also opens opportunities to progress to other ABTT Awards

Who can do the course?

Both members and non-members are eligible, though ABTT members often receive discounts. The ABTT Bronze Award is suitable for anyone with an interest in technical theatre, whether in a professional or amateur capacity. While no formal prior qualifications are required, this award is designed for those with a basic working familiarity with a theatre environment. It provides essential tools and knowledge to help newcomers and early-career team members work safely and effectively backstage.

How is the course structured?

The Bronze Award consists of five 1-day courses, followed by the Bronze Award Assessment. Candidates who achieve a pass, merit, or distinction in the assessment will receive a Bronze Award Certificate and become eligible to apply for ABTT Silver Awards. Candidates who are unsuccessful this time or are unable to complete all 5 days of the programme are encouraged to continue working towards achieving the full Award Certification by completing any outstanding training and the Award Assessment within 2 calendar years. Certificates of completion are available in the meantime, to recognise training days that have already been attended.

What is covered in the course?

1 – An Introduction to Health & Safety and Manual Handling covers manual handling, musculoskeletal injuries, injuries caused by the handler and UK Theatre/BECTU Code of Conduct for Fit-ups & Get-Outs

2 – Safe Use of Temporary Access Equipment introduces step ladders (inc. Zarges), ladders, trestles, Tallescopes, mobile scaffolding, selecting appropriate equipment, planning and managing work at height, inspection and record keeping, manoeuvering and assembly.

3 – Ropes, Knots and Splicing covers the handling of different ropes, tying knots proficiently and safely by practical demonstration – enabling differentiation between natural and man-made fibre ropes, splicing rope ends.

4 – Fundamentals of Flying teaches safe handling of counterweight sets and hemp, covering terminology, parts of a counterweight set, loading and unloading, operating, first line maintenance, single/double purchase systems, knots in practice, tying off at a pin rail, spotting and other methods of hanging.

5 – Electrical Fundamentals includes Basic Electricity; measuring; resistance; power; electrical supply; generation; AC/DC; frequency; three phase and an introduction to IET Regulations

 

How do I progress after this course?

Once a Bronze Award has been achieved, many students decide that they wish to specialise and do a further “Silver Award” course in a specific area, clarifying their area of expertise and direction of their career.

We offer Silver Courses in the following areas:

ABTT Silver Award for Theatre Electricians

ABTT Silver Award for Stage Technicians

ABTT Silver Award for Sound Engineers

For more information about what is covered in each of our Silver courses please click the above links.

ABTT Affiliate Members:

If you would like to arrange for ABTT training to be delivered on your premise please contact us to get information on arranging this and relevant pricing. Please contact us on: training@abtt.org.uk

How do I apply for the course?

To apply for the course, simply take a look on our Training and Events Calendar to see when the next course is running. The application form will be available on that page and you will just need to fill it in and return to the ABTT Office via email or post. Please be aware that your course place will not be secured until full payment or purchase order has been received.

Availability:

This course is run throughout the year at various locations. You can find out when our next course is here.

Our ABTT Bronze Award course can be also scheduled as in-venue training. To enquire about hosting this course please contact us on: training@abtt.org.uk