ABTT TECHNICAL TRAINING PROSPECTUS for theatres and other places of entertainment

1. ABTT Members and Associates are invited to complete the registration form (PDF version)


2. On receipt of your registration, your details will be entered on the training database and matched against course availability and venue.


3. Theatre and Theatre Companies who are Associated organisations of ABTT may register up to three members of staff for training.

ABTT AWARD CERTIFICATES

A modern approach to training for theatre technicians

The "pick and mix" Award scheme - with record log book - for career development choose the Bronze and Silver Award schemes or just pick the individual courses you wish to take.

The courses are streamed into 3 strands, suitable for work in 3 major technical areas. See the PDF file for details of each stream.

BRONZE AWARD for THEATRE TECHNICIAN (PART 1)

1. Health & Safety / Manual Handling

An introduction to Health and Safety: The Manual Handling course has been designed for mixed ability groups and includes team lifting and dual handling. The student will be able to demonstrate an awareness of potential injuries and how they are caused. Course Content includes basic spinal anatomy and physiology, principles of Kinetic lifting, handling and development of lifting skills.

2. Knots & Splicing

Rope lines have traditionally been used in the theatre as the main means of suspending scenery. Handling different ropes and tying knots must be done proficiently and safely in the theatre.

3. Portable Appliance Testing

This course aims to set out systems to organise the Portable Appliance testing of Theatre Electrical Equipment and for theatre electricians to comply with the Electricity at Work Act Regulations for Inspecting & Testing of Portable Appliances. Course Content: Visual inspection and electrical testing: Testing Periods; Record keeping; Managing the system of inspection and testing; selection of suitable testing instrument. Also includes participation in the visual aspects of Portable Appliance Testing. The course is also provides stage technicians and flymen with an appreciation of electrical safety.

4. Fundamentals of Electrical Installation

Introduction: Initial considerations for circuit design in relation to theatre and studio. Objectives: To indicate the problems with cabling installation and how to choose and install the correct cable run. Course Content: Cable types, Current capacities, Voltage drop, Length of run, Trunking, Cable tables, IEE REGULATIONS, Use of drawings of theatre.

5. Flying

Counterweight sets involve large masses and can be inherently dangerous. Good custom and practice is essential if accidents are to be avoided. Objectives: To teach the safe handling of counterweight sets. Course Content: Terminology, Parts of a counterweight set, Loading and unloading, Operating, Maintenance, Single and double purchase systems this course is also designed for the electrician to rig and de-rig safely short electrical bars using hemp. Good custom and practice is essential if accidents are to be avoided.

SILVER AWARD for STAGE ELECTRICS (PART 2)

1. Electronic Fundamentals Elements 1

The course covers the basic electrical/electronic theory and soldering skills, culminating in the analysis and assembly of a battery powered impedance continuity tester. Course Contents: Voltage, current, power, resistors. OHMS Law, sine wave, square waves, alternating current, direct current, capacitors, inductors, fuses, MCBs, ECB, ELCB. diodes and transistors.

2. Electrical Inspection and Testing Part 1

This course teaches how to interpret the legislation and codes of practice when testing electrical installations. The objective is the understanding of the requirements of IEE Regulations and Electricity at Work Act 1989. Contents include continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance, residual current device operation, repetitive testing, test and completion certificates, portable appliance tester, and modified-wiring practice. Candidates should have a good understanding of electrical fundamentals. Candidates should have completed, the Fundamentals of Electrical Installation BEFORE undertaking this course or have a good grounding in electrical knowledge.

3. Electrical Inspection and Testing Part 2 (Silver - Electrician)

This course builds on the Electrical Inspection from Part one above. Considerations for circuit design in relation to theatre and studio. The objectives are to highlight potential problems with cabling installations and how to choose and install the correct cable run. The course content includes cable types, current capacities, voltage drop, length of run, trunking, cable tables, IEE Regulations and use of drawings in theatre.

4. Access and Support Towers

This module is designed to enable theatre staff to inspect correctly the kind of scaffold, towers and ladders used in theatres. It includes the dismantling, safe erection and safe use of aluminium towers. It reviews current regulations and the importance of record keeping. There is a strong practical bias to this course.

5. Fall Arrest Safety Training

Introduction: A one-day course intended as an introduction for those working at height in the entertainment industry. Objectives: The course will cover basic theory and best practice for using personal protective equipment for working at heights. The course includes legal responsibilities as well as an understanding of the techniques and equipment to enable technicians to work safely at height.

SILVER AWARD for STAGE TECHNICIANS

1. In-Service Inspections for Lifting Gear & Safe Use of Slings 1 of 2:

Part 1, which covers theory, can be held at any location and Part Two, which has a practical element. The course brings theatre technicians up-to-date with regulations such as Machinery Directive / Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations; Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) and is designed to equip theatre technicians with a good understanding of their responsibilities and knowledge about how to perform their tasks efficiently and safely.

2. In-Service Inspections for Lifting Gear & Safe Use of Slings part 2 (Silver - Stage)

Part two builds on part one (above) and introduces the practical element of inspecting lifting gear. Candidates must have completed part one

3. Practical Rigging Part 1

This module has a strong practical bias and includes putting into practice, in a manner to ensure maximum safety, rigging and loading with a chain hoists, motor down, and motor up. The procedures of handling electronic chain hoists, with safe operational methods are fully explained.

This Award includes Courses 4 & 5 above; Access & Support Towers and Fall Arrest Safety Training.

SILVER AWARD for SOUND TECHNICIANS

1. Electronics Fundamentals 1

The course covers basic electrical/electronic theory and soldering skills, culminating in the analysis and assembly of a battery powered impedance continuity tester. The course covers Voltage, current, power, resistors. OHMS Law, sine wave, square waves, alternating current, direct current, capacitors, inductors, fuses, MCBs, ECB, ELCB, diodes and transistors

2. Sound Essentials

The first of a series of courses dealing with sound engineering techniques. Setting out a sound rig, understanding loudspeaker technology, fold back. Sound (noise/dbA) Acoustics, theatre buildings / stage / reverberation. Speakers phasing, ohms, range, cabinets, construction, rigging. Microphones - ohms, powered, chorded response. Cables type -connection. Sounds best practice.

3. Sound Communications

Builds on the previous sound course above. The good sound engineer need to be proficient in sound communication. The module looks at the different types of communication systems used in theatre to keep the show running reliably. Equipment - rigging layout Sound Playback, setting up & testing. Contact with actors, technical rehearsal, problems.

This Award includes Courses 4 & 5 above; Access & Support Towers and Fall Arrest Safety Training.

To complete each of the Awards candidates will sit a multi-choice question paper of up to forty questions based on Tutor notes and the relevant ABTT Code of Practice. ABTT Courses are open to all Members and Associates.

GOLD AWARD for STAGE & FLYING TECHNICIANS

1. Principles of Mechanics
2. Practical Hydraulics
3. Production Safety Risk Assessment
4. Written Risk Assessment

GOLD AWARD for STAGE ELECTRICIANS

1. Electric Motors
2. Practical Pyrotechnics
3. Production Safety Risk Assessment
4. Written Risk Assessment

GOLD AWARD for SOUND ENGINEERING

1. Electronics 2
2. Sound Engineering operation
3. Practical Pyrotechnics
4. Production Risk Assessment 2 days
5. Written Risk Assessment

Bronze and Silver Awards are accredited by the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama, making the ABTT awards the first accredited vocational courses for technical and production practitioners in the theatre.

The ABTT is also a participant in SKILLSCENE, the organisation developing industry standards for the live arts.