In 2002, the first Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference was held in London, UK. The Conference attracted more than 300 specialists from around the world and the papers and information from the conference were subsequently published in three books (Volumes 1, 2 and 3), providing technical, architectural, and production information about building for the performing arts.
Now, as a follow-up to the second Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference, which was held in June 2006, once again in London, Volumes 4, 5 and 6, are now available and cover the design, planning, and running of all types of theatres. The volumes are based on the 32 sessions and over 100 presentations given at the 2006 Conference*. Fully illustrated, they contain the collective knowledge of many leading national and international theatre managers, consultants, architects, manufacturers, and operational and technical personnel.
“Nearly 55% of the 430 people who attended the Conference last year were from outside the UK and represented some 31 countries. Most visitors were from the United States, a number of whom also spoke, and many of the topics covered are as relevant in the US and Canada as in Holland or Hong Kong,” says UK theatre consultant Richard Brett, the organizer of the conference. “I know from the reaction to these books that they are highly regarded as references and provide essential background to the international business of creating good performing arts spaces.”
Volume 4 deals with Stage Engineering and Technology, Volume 5 with Planning and Architecture, and Volume 6 with General and Management issues. An index in these latest volumes covers the topics in all six books and more information, contents lists, and sample pages are available on www.theatre-event.com, where the books can also be ordered. All of the books are published on behalf of the Association of British Theatre Technicians
(the ABTT). Email: office@abtt.org.uk
*The next Conference—NATEAC, North American
theatre engineering and architecture—is specifically aimed
at North American performing arts and will be held on July 20 & 21, 2008 at
Pace University, New York, NY.