The ABTT Theatre Show is Packed with Innovation

The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. This year's ABTT Theatre Show is set to build on the success of last year, with major UK product launches in all technology sectors, including lighting, sound and staging.

Many leaders in lighting will be introducing significant products at the 2011 event. The new Aledin wash light from Robert Juliat will be shown on the White Light stand. This 85W, variable-angle beam LED unit uses the same technology at the Aledin 630 Profile spot; it has a variable beam range of 20 to 98 degrees and is aimed at architectural and exhibition applications as well as theatre, studio work and events.

Martin Professional has a number of new products on display, including the Stagebar 2 LED pixel bar and wash luminaire and the MAC 101 LED wash light. The MAC 101 is designed for dramatic effects in big wall matrices and can be used as an alternative to static PAR cans.

LED lighting will be a feature at this year's ABTT Theatre Show and major manufacturers like Clay Paky, ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls), and Artistic Licence will also be showing products in this fast-growing technology area.

Artistic Licence is launching the Pixi-Flex, a chain of tiny self-contained LED color pixels that are designed for concerts, outdoor events, and architectural work. The company will also show the Flexed-Up controller for LED systems, together with a range of control units and buffers that includes the Two-Play XT recorder and play-back unit and the DMX Buffer.

The rental company Point Source Productions will be talking about its full range of services, while gobo and film slide specialist Goboland is introducing a new website and catalogue, both of which give full details of the company's products.

The sound side of the theatre business is equally well represented. Duran Audio is targeting theatre installations with the AXYS Flex G2 Series, which can be used as front in-fills, surround loudspeakers and under balcony delays. Comprising the Flex U-12G2, U-14G2, and UFM-265, the range has been designed for flexibility and can also be used for corporate work. The AXYS Scope G2 will also be on show.

Console manufacture Allen & Heath is focusing on its established iLive digital mixing system, with the big news being the Dante networking option. Developed by Audinate, Dante can deliver uncompressed multi-channel audio over Ethernet connections and this technology now allows iLive to connect to other equipment on a network. Also on display will be the iPad app for iLive MixPad, allowing operators to have live mix tools on their iPhone.

For the first time anywhere, Canford will be showing the MkII interface for the Tecpro Series II communications systems. This connects wired units to wireless belt-packs within the range. Also new are eight and four-way Ethernet stage boxes that use rugged Neutrik etherCON connectors.

The changes in frequency spectrum allocation will affect theatre production and wireless microphone manufacturers are bringing out new systems to operate in the newly designated bands. Sennheiser is showing its 2000 Series GBw range, which works between 606 and 678MHz on channel 38, which has been selected for radio mic operations. The company will also display the 3000 and 5000 Series, plus the K-array KR200 and KR400 portable loudspeaker packages.

Audio rental company Orbital Sound is dividing its focus between products and services. Among the lines it handles are the new HME DX210 two-channel digital intercom, the Clear-Com HelixNet digital communications platform, and the Zaxcom TRX900LT digital wireless transmitter (now in its third-generation version), the Da-Cappo Mirco mic range and version 3.5 of the CSC show control software.

German loudspeaker manufacturer d&b audiotechnik is exhibiting in its own right but Orbital will also show its T-Series line array and products in the White Range. All Orbital's rental stock is now accessible through the easiHire online ordering service, which allows users to put together a quote on what they need for a specific job.

Dance has always been an integral part of theatre and performance, and, at this year's ABTT Theatre Show, British Harlequin is launching a new range of floor products for this art. The company has worked with researchers to perfect new surfaces that give the characteristics performers like and also combine quality with safety.

"The 2011 ABTT Theatre Show has something for everyone and gives an excellent overview of all the technologies [that] are available for staging great shows," comments ABTT Theatre Show director Roger Fox. "We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to what promises to be a superb showcase for UK theatre."

The 2011 ABTT Theatre Show takes place from June 15-16 at the Royal Horticultural Halls, Vincent Square London SW1P 2PE.