ABTT Committees
ABTT Council
The ABTT Council is the governing body of the Association. The council is elected by the membership every two years.
Historical Research Committee
The Committee has two main objectives; To document and record the onset of technology being used in the field of entertainment, and to evaluate the importance of technical installations and artefacts, especially where they are threatened with either demolition or destruction.
The Committee is just as keen to write down what is going on now, In order to save someone, in 30 or 40 years time, having to delve about in creaky old files, to find out what is common knowledge to all of us.
The Committee has been able to provide policy advice for the Theatres Trust, working closely with them to monitor installations in theatre buildings. It is not a question of trying to stand in the way of progress, but rather making sure that what has been successful, useful and relevant is properly recorded.
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NorthNet
The committee was formed in 1970 to provide a forum for technicians in the north of England. It is very active and has arranged visits and meetings covering a wide range of subjects.
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Safety Committee
The Safety Committee is one of the busiest in the Association. It is responsible for the compilation and publication of the ABTT Codes of Practice and plays a vital role in the group publishing the Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment, known as the 'Yellow Book'. As well as working on projects for the ABTT, members represent the industry on other bodies including the British Standards Institution and maintain contact with the Home Office, the Department of the Environment and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Health & Safety Executive.
Theatre Planning committee
The ABTT Theatre aims to provide impartial advice at planning stage to improve the design and technical standards to new or refurbished performing arts buildings of any size. It reviews plans for new and remodelled theatres, opera houses, performing arts centres and concert halls which are brought to it by clients, consultants and architects.
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Training & Education Committee
The Training & Education Committee aims to work towards the best provision for pre-entry training for Technicians and Designers by engaging in all relevant debates affecting technical training and qualification of the Association members and thereby raise the profile of the ABTT in technical training.
Society of British Theatre Designers
The SBTD was a sister organisation of the ABTT and in the last year has become independent. It aims to enhance the standing of British theatre design at home and abroad. One example is the organisations have jointly every four years exhibited a work of theatre design which in part also represents Britain at the International Quadrennial in Prague. When the SBTD was administered by the ABTT members obtained membership of both organisations. If those people who were members wish to remain members of both the ABTT and SBTD they must make separate application and undertake renewals with the respective association.
Contact details for the SBTD are subscriptions@theatredesign.org.uk, 07539 088 6333
ABTT office@abtt.org.uk 020 7242 9200
Production Managers Forum
The Production Managers' Forum is a joint venture between the ABTT and the SMA (Stage Management Association) in recognition of the fact that there was no organisation dedicated to the needs of the Production Manager specifically. There aren't vast numbers of Production Managers out there, and most of them are either members of the ABTT or the SMA...hence the collaboration. Production Management is a lonely job - you're probably the only one within 60 miles, unless you work in London, so the PMF offers an opportunity to meet up with peers and form networks.
