Training

Our Bronze Award which provides the basic skills required to progress as a Technician. Developed to ensure that there was a relevant and recognized technical qualification for those wanting to either validate their existing skills or to develop their skills further in order to progress within the Industry. This is the first course in a trio courses meant to both develop and solidify your skill set.

Our Silver Awards Course, the second level in a trio courses meant to both develop and solidify your skill set. These can be sat upon completion of Bronze (or equivalent training), where you can specialise your expertise in areas such as Sound, Lighting, Electrical, Automation and Stage roles. Created to ensure that there was a relevant and recognized technical qualification for those wanting to develop their skills in a specialized area after completing the Bronze Award.

ABTT Silver Award for Stage Technicians: FIND OUT MORE!

ABTT Silver Award for Sound Technicians: FIND OUT MORE!

ABTT Silver Award for Theatre Electricians: FIND OUT MORE!

ABTT Silver Award for Theatre Automation Technician: FIND OUT MORE!

Our Gold Course, to be sat upon completion of a Silver Award or equivalent experience, is specifically for those in or moving towards managerial roles in the Industry.

Our CPD Courses (Continuous Professional Development) which are practical one-day courses in a variety of subjects such as Manual Handling, PAT Testing, Flying, Pyrotechnics, Electrical Fundamentals etc. which run during the year but can often be requested “in venue”.

Online training is now available on the following topics; AutoCAD for Theatre Professionals, Vectorworks for Theatre Professionals and ABTT Mental Health First Aid Training (2 day)

Many of our courses are available throughout the year in various locations in the UK, but these can also be run on-demand via peripatetic delivery. Courses may be delivered anywhere within the UK, or abroad and the ABTT would welcome interested theatres or organisations who wish to act as a host venues to get in contact. There may be some specialist requirements depending on which courses you are interested in. For example, for the Bronze Award, we would require the ability to fly scenery using hemp or counterweight.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact us by completing our training enquiry form: Submit an In-Venue Training Enquiry – Association of British Theatre Technicians (abtt.org.uk)

In order to participate in ABTT Training Courses, you may wish to have ABTT Membership as you will be eligible for Membership Discounts, thus saving money. By joining the ABTT first before booking any training you will be able to save money whilst obtaining other membership benefits in the process.

For more information on joining the ABTT please see here:

Should you have any questions about any of the courses or membership then simply contact us on admin@abtt.org.uk

Here at the ABTT, we want to ensure that we can open our courses up to anyone who has an interest in Technical Theatre. As such, we have listed below some possible Funding bodies that may be able to assist with the cost of your course:

The Theatrical Guild
If you would like to develop your career by pursuing an ABTT Training course but are prevented from doing so by financial hardship please contact The Theatrical Guild to discuss eligibility for financial assistance. Tel: 020 7240 6062.

Backup- The Technical Entertainment Charity
Backup – The Technical Entertainment Charity – provides financial support to industry technical professionals who are seriously ill or who have suffered from an accident and need to re-train. If you are working in live events, theatre, TV and film and needs some support and help to get you back on your feet please get in touch: https://www.backuptech.uk

Grants are tailored to an individual’s needs and can include essential living costs, medical related expenses, advice, re-training and travel.They work with potential recipients to fully understand the support needed and ensure that help is targeted effectively.

If you would like to develop your career by pursuing an ABTT Training course but are prevented from doing so by financial hardship due to being seriously ill or suffering from an accident please contact Backup Charity to discuss eligibility for financial assistance. Tel: 01323 524138