Leading theatre figures have been eager to endorse the first Performing Arts Technical Training Handbook, published by Entertainment Technology Press working in conjunction with the Association of British Theatre Technicians.As an Association, the ABTT is whole-heartedly supporting current national initiatives for training and participating in the consultative process with Creative & Cultural Skills, the Sector Skills Council for Advertising, Crafts, Cultural Heritage, Design, Music, Performing, Literary and Visual Arts.
With recent stories in the press of a predicted shortfall of trained technicians in the future, the ABTT sees this book as the perfect tool to encourage and inspire a new generation to enter the profession. It will also help those already working in the industry to identify how they will continue their professional development.
The Performing Arts Technical Training Handbook is a useful and practical resource for people today, who are interested in pursuing a career backstage or who are, as yet, unaware of the huge range of vocational opportunities the entertainment industry has to offer.
The Handbook gives comprehensive details of various courses at over 100 universities and colleges across the UK and acknowledges every major contributor working in the training arena:
Society of British Theatre Designers
Stage Management Association
Association of Lighting Designers
Skillscene
Creative & Cultural Skills
Conference of Drama Schools
National Council for Drama Training
Arts & Entertainment Technical Training Initiative
Professional Lighting and Sound Association
Institute of Sound and Communications Engineers
Association of Stage Pyrotechnicians
Endorsements received to date include:
Rosemary Squire, Co-Founder and Joint CEO Ambassador Theatre Group
& President of the Society of London Theatre (SOLT)
“The Performing Arts Technical Training Handbook is an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to work in the theatre industry. Ambassador Theatre Group fully supports any initiative to drive forward recruitment into this sector and the Association of British Theatre Technicians should be applauded for encouraging development of essential skills and promoting the training opportunities and advances that exist within the theatre world”.
Nicholas Hytner, Artistic Director, National Theatre
“An invaluable and very welcome guide to a world on which we all depend. Technicians are rarely in the spotlight, but their skills and commitment are the backbone of the theatre. This book opens the door on professions that require talent and dedication, and can offer in return great satisfaction to those who embrace them”.
André Ptaszynski, Really Useful Group
“We at The Really Useful Group are pleased to endorse the ABTT’s new Performing Arts Technical Training Handbook. This helpful volume is in step with our goal of achieving a skills-based Collective Agreement in the West End”.
David Ian, Chairman, Live Nation
"I am very pleased to support the publication of the ABTT Handbook. This will undoubtedly be a valuable information source on the crucial area of behind the scenes work in the theatrical industry".
Nica Burns, Nimax Theatres
“This book opens the door into the backstage theatre family which is so central to the success of any production. A fantastic opportunity to understand how you can be part of the theatre world without being on stage. A must for anyone with technical and organisational abilities”.
Delfont Mackintosh Theatres
“Delfont Mackintosh Theatres Ltd believes this book will be a useful asset for people wanting to become technicians in theatre”.
Bill Taylor, CEO Stage Entertainment UK Ltd
“I am delighted to offer Stage Entertainment's full support to the publication of the ABTT handbook. In an industry that strives to offer audiences the very best in live entertainment, it’s great to see such detailed and accessible information available to those considering a career within it. The skill and commitment that technicians bring to the production process are both essential and invaluable. The clarity that this publication brings is very welcome to British theatre and will doubtless play an important role in maintaining its reputation both here and on the world stage”.
Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall
“Live performance of all kinds depends critically on the artistry, skill and dedication of all those who work behind the scenes. This book guides us through the wide range of opportunities available, providing both a comprehensive directory of training courses and personal reflections from professionals. It should be required reading for anyone thinking about making a non-performing career in theatre”.
Ian Brown, Artistic Director & Chief Executive, West Yorkshire Playhouse
“I’m delighted that ABTT have produced this book. I hope it will open many eyes to all the exciting and fulfilling opportunities that make up life ‘backstage’. Theatres are the most rewarding and stimulating places in which to have a career. The problem for all of us running theatres is how to let people in on the secret. This publication is going to unlock the door. We are ready to welcome you in!”.
Richard Pulford, Chief Executive, Society of London Theatre & Theatrical Management Association
“Being involved with the Creative Apprenticeships Task Force and the Creative and Cultural Sector Skills Council, many initiatives are emerging to encourage and develop careers in the theatre. This handbook is an excellent step in the right direction. It is particularly gratifying that it has been developed in full consultation with the sector itself”.
Ric Green, Operations & Technical Director, Opera North
& Board Member, Skillscene and Member of The Creative & Cultural Skills Performing Arts Advisory Panel
“At last, a comprehensive and user friendly guide to our industry – invaluable to both the new entrant and old hand”.
Jason Barnes, National Theatre
“For the first time, here is an up-to-date panorama of training opportunities, reflecting the major expansion in the 35 years since the early days of the NCDT accreditation of Stage Management Courses, through which the groundbreaking ABTT technicians’ courses started at Paddington. Since then, the ABTT has played a major role in developing technical courses alongside technical colleges and universities, all of which has imaginatively stimulated interest in both the young and those already in the industry embracing leisure, performing arts and entertainment. An industry which extends way beyond the theatre into music, dance, opera, theme and museum installations, together with film and television. A very welcome – if not essential volume – for careers teachers, those wanting to start a career, and those aspiring to continue their learning”.
The book is available to buy via the Entertainment Technology Press website: http://www.etbooks.co.uk