ABTT Products of the Year 2011 Sponsored by JELF Insurance

	Alex Hitchcock accepts the Technician of the Year award. Photo: Chris Taylor

ABTT Products of the Year 2011 Sponsored by JELF Insurance The awards ceremony is a popular part of the ABTT Theatre Show each year. Held after the show closes on the first day, this year the ABTT Awards were sponsored by Jelf Insurance, who had earlier launched its public liability/PI insurance scheme, tailored to the needs of people who work in the entertainment industry.

The Lighting Product of the Year went to The Arc LED Houselight System from Global Design Solutions Ltd. The judges were impressed by the wireless dimming performance of these custom fittings manufactured to retrofit existing tungsten lighting in auditoriums and front-of-heeouse locations. Honorable mentions went to the LEDKO Reflection LED profile spot and the Robe Robin Wash 600.

The Sound Product of the Year was accepted by Shure Distribution for the Axient Radio Microphone System. The judges noted the clever frequency management, which increases the number of available radio microphone channels from the usual 8 to 19. The equipment is compatible with the BEIRG requirements and so can be used after September 2012. Honorable mentions went to Red Square for its range of innovative products and to d&b audiotechnik for the 4S miniature loudspeaker.

The Engineering Product of the Year was awarded to Stage Technologies CH:i chain hoist intelligence system. The judges commented on the on-board axis controller coupled to a variable-speed drive giving a 1,100 chainhoist capable of up to 65.5' per minute. The system is compatible with existing Stage Technology controllers as well as other manufacturers. Honorable mentions went to the "small but beautiful" unbreakable plastic track runner from Triple E, and the Mayr silent safety brake motor.

Widget of the Year went to Edge Safe from Edge Safe Ltd. The judges felt that this product makes a significant contribution to safety in theatres in that it provides a low-profile barrier to stop wheeled items such as flight cases and Tallescopes from falling from the front edge of the stage. Honorable mentions went to the Supertool Ratchet Handle from Flints Theatrical Supplies; the Vortex and Alvio safety helmets from Pretzl and the kit of parts from Aluminum Access Products to convert Tallescopes into safer Work at Height items of equipment.

The ABTT Theatre Show Stand of the Year went to Hoist UK for their "example of how to make something potentially dull look rather appealing." Honorable mentions went to Sparkes Theatrical and to RB Health and Safety.

There were some products worthy of an award for which no category was available. The judges felt the Conspiracy Theory Award should have gone to Showtex for their extremely black Shakespeare velour drape material, which is used by NASA "to simulate moon landings..." Had a Safety Category existed, the Award would have gone to RB Health and Safety Solutions for their tailor-made theatre safety-training scheme with imaginative use of graphics and an innovative teaching method.

The Technician of the Year was awarded to Alex Hitchcock from Stage Technologies. A very popular choice, the Award was presented by Peter Roberts to a man thoroughly involved in training for automation in theatres both within his company and externally by the writing of National Occupational Skills. Hitchcock's skills are legendary as is his attention to detail and easy going manner.

The awards ceremony concluded with a collection for the First Night Riders, setting off on Saturday the 18th visiting theatres around the UK raising money for the Theatrical Guild.