ABTT 2015 Annual Theatre AwardsThe Association of British Theatre Technicians 2015 Theatre Awards took place on Wednesday evening, June 24, alongside the Stage Management Association's National Awards, after the first day of the ABTT Theatre Show in its new London home, Alexandra Palace. The experienced jury for the ABTT Awards, comprising of working practitioners and industry peers, judged nominations meeting the entry criteria that had been previously submitted or which were brought to their attention on the day. Commenting on the event, ABTT CEO Robin Townley said, "The Awards ceremony held in the Londesborough Room was a great event to round off the first day of the ABTT Theatre Show." "Held at Alexandra Palace for the first time, the ABTT Theatre Show was very pleased to host the presentation of both the ABTT Theatre Awards and the SMA National Stage Management Awards." "A great atmosphere in the Londesborough Room helped to convey the congratulations of all gathered, to all the nominees and very deserving winners. It was a great event to conclude a very successful first day of the ABTT Theatre Show in its splendid new venue." In front of exhibitors, guests, and ABTT members, the coveted individually engraved hook-clamp trophies were presented by the ABTT's chairman Louise Jeffreys, the Barbican's director of arts, and were awarded as follows. ABTT 2015 Engineering Product of the Year: ModTruss manufactured by Triple E Judges' comments: The manufacturers liken ModTruss to Meccano, and this is an extremely accurate description. The judges saw numerous applications for building with ModTruss, and can instantly see where it could be used. With impressive load bearing characteristics the system allows great flexibility using standard stock to create all types of stage construction. The ModTruss can be utilized again and again in different configurations depending on the production demands, making it a sustainable resource for theatres, hire companies, and set builders. Special mentions: Total Solutions OV Truss
A brilliant approach for construction of a familiar product. Hoist UK OBLIK
A truss easy to use, set up and transport. ABTT 2015 Sound Product of the Year: S21 manufactured by DiGiCo, presented by Autograph Judges' comments: The S21 sound desk has the sound quality DiGiCo is renowned for, but at a price that makes it achievable for small and medium scale theatres and tours. The intuitive user interface makes the desk easy to use, and the built in MADI USB interface makes connection to recording and complex show playback systems exceptionally easy to set up. The desk works well by itself, but easily bolts on to existing DiGiCo systems. Special mentions: d&b audtiotechnik Y series
Tonally matched point source and array speakers for multipurpose applications. Roland M5000
Well-featured desk with easy integration to other Roland Pro Products. ABTT 2015 Lighting Product of the Year: ColorSource PAR manufactured by ETC Judges' comments: The judges felt this was an extremely useable product for the price tag. Providing a solution for situations where quality color changing LED optical fixtures might have previously been out of budget, this unit is now an option where increased sustainability and reduced running costs are desired. The judges were particularly impressed with the smooth dimming and high light output. Special mentions: Robert Juliat Roxie LED profile
Robert Juliat quality and brightness from an efficient source. ETC Fresnel Adapter for LED range
Completing the tool kit of LED fixtures from ETC. ABTT 2015 Widget of the Year: Duke DCH 250/500 presented by Safety Lifting Gear Judges' comments: The judges were very impressed with this product, and expect to see them in numerous applications, and in the hands of many technicians soon, especially considering the budget conscious price tag. The benefits of a lightweight battery powered motor capable of lifting 250kg or 500kg are huge. This is exactly the type of tool that will help solve many of the problems that working technicians have to deal with daily: Offering a safe way to haul without needing large power and control infrastructure. Special mention: RB Health And Safety Solutions' Rescue Kit ABTT Theatre Show 2015 Stand of the Year: Drapemakers Judges' comments: Taking orders on site and showing the craft of drape making to all visitors; this stand shows exactly what Drapemakers do to all that pass by. For those that pause for a while, the stand showcases the talents and skills involved in making something we all frequently use on stage. ABTT Technician of the Year 2015: Gavin Pell Citation: After years of being a considerably more than competent chippy and flyman, working both for Northampton Derngate and freelance for, among others, Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake, Gavin Pell co-founded Pirate Crew and has created the first successful theatre specific crewing company. He has stayed on the tools and leads from the front, still working fit-up and get-outs. On top of this, Pirate Crew is setting standards across the industry and is an excellent training ground for the crew and technical managers of the future. 
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