ABTT Awards at the Theatre Show

The ABTT (Association of British Theatre Technicians) Awards recognizes new technologies and equipment that take theatrical staging and engineering to higher levels of creativity and sophistication. The 2011 Awards will be no exception, but, for the first time in their history, they are being sponsored.

The ABTT has teamed up with leading insurance broker Jelf Insurance Brokers to present the 2011 Awards.

Jelf Insurance Brokers is part of Jelf an independent consultancy that supports both businesses and individuals, giving expert advice on insurance, health care, employee benefits, and financial planning. Jelf is launching a custom insurance package for ABTT members at the Theatre Show and it represents their first move into the theatre and entertainment sector.

"We're delighted to be able to show our support of the ABTT by sponsoring the 2011 Awards," comments Andy Tedstone, partnerships director (Insurance) at Jelf. "It is the ideal showcase for us to launch our insurance package to ABTT members, which is specially tailored to meet the needs of professionals working in the theatre business. We are also honored to be part of an awards scheme that celebrates technical success and innovation."

This year's awards will highlight the best new products in lighting, sound and engineering, the Widget of the Year, and the Jelf award for the best stand at the show.

"Having Jelf Insurance Brokers sponsor our Awards is a significant move for the ABTT Theatre Show, especially as the company comes from outside our industry," comments ABTT show director, Roger Fox. "We also welcome Jelf's insurance package aimed at our members' needs, which we see as a positive development for the welfare of the theatre sector."

Visitors will also find a dedicated free seminar program running alongside the event, complementing the activities in the exhibition halls.

To showcase its 50th year, the ABTT is presenting four special sessions under the banner Fifty50 Vision, covering: lighting, sound, stage rigging and automation and buildings and theatre lanning.

In each session, speakers have been asked to reflect on the extraordinary changes that have taken place in the years since 1961 -- the year the ABTT was founded - and to look at the current situation and to consider what might happen in the coming 50 years.

Chairing the sessions are Richard Pilbrow (lighting), David Collison (sound), Richard Brett (stage rigging and automation) and David Wilmore (buildings and theatre planning).

In addition, the ABTT is presenting this year's John Watts Memorial Forum -- entitled "Safety is Not Negotiable," which will be chaired by AK Bennett-Hunter. Also featured will be informative sessions on liability and professional indemnity insurance, "50 Years of Working at Height and CAD in Performance."

Completing the program is The Stage Management Association Award ceremony and a number of specialist interest sessions, being promoted by d&b audiotechnik, ATG & Gallowglass, the National Skills Academy for Creative & Culture and The Theatres Trust.