The Association of British Theatre Technicians will be presenting its annual trade show in London in June, with over 100 exhibitors displaying their products and services.
Now in its 27th year and recognised for its friendly and unintimidating atmosphere, the ABTT Theatre Show welcomes a broad base of visitors seeking to find out how the latest in technology can add value to a venue, and make it capable of meeting the demands of contemporary productions and statutory government guidelines.
Health and safety, and access requirements remain high on the agenda of most theatre managers, and the Show extends a warm welcome to theatre managers and administrators with responsibility for the development and maintenance of their buildings and facilities, as well as their technical staff. This is an ideal opportunity for managers, technicians, architects, consultants and facility managers alike to learn, appreciate and evaluate the potential of a future refurbishment, to find out the costs involved in upgrading critical aspects, or to start planning a new-build project. The understanding of new solutions by senior managers is vital if they are to be able to make informed decisions about purchases.
In the fast-moving digital world, advancements within theatre technology have reached a point where solutions are now not only affordable but also designed for non-technical users. And this technology can be adapted to augment any performance space, whether it be any scale of theatre, a concert hall or a multi-purpose venue. No longer is there a divide between large and small theatres, professional and academic drama the same technology embraces all facets of performance.
At the ABTT Theatre Show, visitors can experience the latest economic solutions in powered hoisting and flying design, now affordable by venues of any scale. They can see sophisticated operational track and drape systems that augment the multi-functionality of any space; look at integrated video solutions that can add an extra dimension to set design; consider a wide range of fixed and movable seating systems from across Europe; and see the latest in lighting and lighting control systems. Complex and simple staging requirements are answered by a host of flexible, modular systems that are designed specifically to ensure multi-functionality.
The international aspects of theatre architecture and engineering are highlighted through a dedicated three-day Theatre 2006 Engineering and Architecture conference (TEA 06), which precedes the Show. TEA 06 offers sessions and seminars that address a wide range of topics affecting the satisfactory development, equipping and operations of all performance venues.
For further information on the Theatre 2006 Engineering and Architecture Conference, contact Catherine Cooper:
t: 020 7224 1410;
e: organiser@theatre-event.com;
w: http://www.theatre-event.com