Association of British Theatre Technicians
Bournemouth Opera House
The Association of British Theatre Technicians is a charity and a company limited by the guarantee of its members. We campaign on behalf of the theatre industry to ensure legislation is appropriate to the industry’s needs, and that regulations are suitably drafted and enforced. We are governed by our Memorandum & Articles of Association.
The ABTT 2012 Annual Report is available to read here.
Safety Helpline
We provide a telephone and email enquiry service to help solve safety and technical problems for industry chat and difficult questions.
Training
We run training courses for technical and managerial skills; these include the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards and specialist courses including Pyrotechnics and Risk Management.
Publications
We produce Sightline, the quarterly industry magazine for technical theatre, with news, reviews, features and Safety Matters. Other publications include the theatre industry's Codes of Practice specific to the industry�s needs.� We produce the Technical Standards for�Places of Entertainment�in association with the District Surveyors Association and the Institute of Licensing. We also produced the Model National Conditions. Guidance Notes on specific subjects are published when needed.
ABTT Theatre Show & Members� Events
We organise the annual Theatre Show of backstage and front-of house equipment and supplies. We arrange visits, conferences, forums, lectures and meetings for our members. Trips to interesting theatres and productions are arranged, frequently organised by ABTT NorthNet, the get-together of our members especially those north of Watford.
Committees
We have a number of highly influential committees, including Safety, Training, Theatre Planning and Historical Research. We also organise specialist interest groups such as the Production Managers Forum, which is a joint venture with the Stage Management Association.
OISTAT
The ABTT is the UK centre of OISTAT (International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians)
Principles
- To advise on safety, planning, good practice and enforcement.
- To provide the best information and advice on safe working practices within the theatre industry.
- To provide publications: Codes of Practice: Data Sheets: Journals.
- To encourage pride at all times by enjoying and implementing good working practices.
- To encourage technical education at all levels: provide in-service training and seminars.
- To support the industry by networking information to members.
- To provide a comprehensive building advice service.
- Provide a comprehensive collection and dissemination of up to date information on technical matters.
- Encourage exchange of information
