Memberships for Individuals

Anyone who has an interest in technical theatre, whether in a professional or amateur capacity, can join the Association of British Theatre Technicians. The type of membership depends on the applicant’s knowledge and experience.

Join the ABTT

We are the membership organisation, setting and upholding standards in technical excellence, safety and compliance for live performance.

We provide:
- Educational and networking opportunties.
- Resources and guidance for career progression.
- Ongoing training for your professional development.
- A helpline for your technical queries.
- Guidance on the operation and design of venues.
- The Code of Practice for the Industry.

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Types of Membership:

We offer a range of different types of memberships which are listed below:

£80.00 Associate Membership – available to anyone who has an interest in technical theatre whether professionally or in an amateur capacity.

£50.00 Early Career Associate – available to those aged 26 to 30 who have an interest in technical theatre whether professionally or in an amateur capacity. (ID will be required)

£25.00 Young Associate – available to those under the age of 26 who have an interest in technical theatre whether professionally or in an amateur capacity. (ID will be required)

£35.00 Retired Associate – available to those who have now retired but who have retained an interest in technical theatre.

Full Member – available to those who are currently an Associate or Retired Associate Member.

You can apply to become a Full Member if you can demonstrate relevant industry experience and it is FREE for you to do.

As a Full Member you gain the right to vote at the Annual General Meeting and also to apply to be on the ABTT Council. Applications for Full Membership require industry references and the approval of the ABTT Council and therefore FullMembership of the ABTT recognises your expertise and commitment to the Industry

Membership Benefits:

If you are thinking of joining the ABTT with any of the above memberships, see below a list of the Membership benefits you will receive:

Access to discounted ABTT Training

We run training courses throughout the year for technical and managerial skills; these include the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards and specialist courses including Pyrotechnics, PAT Testing and Risk Management.

ABTT Members are eligible to a discount if they attend one of these courses!

Access to ABTT Resources and Guidance

As an ABTT Member you can get access to a vast selection of resources including commonly asked technical questions, industry resources, relevant links and more.

Access to our Safety Helpline via phone or email

Our Safety Helpline provides you with access to technical advice over the phone or via email. We can help to solve safety and technical problems and answer difficult questions. If you are unable to find something in your Yellow Book, or simply don’t know where to look regarding your health and safety query – simply get in touch.

Discounts on publications, including Technical Standards and Codes of Practice

Those with ABTT Memberships are eligible for discounts on all Books in the ABTT Store.

We produce many publications including the theatre industry’s Codes of Practice specific to the industry’s needs.

We produce the Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment in association with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the District Surveyors Association and the Institute of Licensing. We also produce Guidance Notes on specific subjects when needed.

Access to ABTT Membership Discounts

As an ABTT Member you can get access to up to 10% off your Stage Subscription.

Discounts on events and training in with other organisations are also available throughout the year!

ABTT’s quarterly industry magazine Sightline

As an ABTT Member you will receive copies every quarter of the ABTT Sightline Magazine.

Sightline will keep you up to date on what is happening within the Technical World through news, features and Safety Matters, providing you with current Safety Codes of Practice and Legislation to keep you safe.

ABTT Monthly newsletters

The ABTT provide online monthly e-newsletters to ensure its members are up to date with upcoming events, training and topics of interest related to the Industry.

Networking Opportunities

The ABTT offer numerous events throughout the year which the ABTT Members can attend.

We arrange visits, conferences, forums, lectures and meetings for our members. Trips to interesting theatres and productions are arranged.

We also run the annual Theatre Show of backstage and front-of house equipment and supplies, as well as the International Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference.

Ability to join ABTT Committees

We have a number of highly influential committees, including Safety, Training, Theatre Planning and Historical Research.

We also collaborate in the organisation of specialist interest groups such as the Production Managers Forum, which is a joint venture with the Stage Management Association.

Anybody with ABTT Full Membership may apply to be a Chairperson or committee member on any of our Committees if you have the interest.

Allied with National and International Organisations

The ABTT is the UK centre of OISTAT (International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians), APAC (Association of Performing Arts Collections) and SIBMAS (Société Internationale des Bibliothèques et des Musées des Arts du Spectacle aka International Association of Libraries, Museums, Archives and Documentation Centres of the Performing Arts).

As such, anyone who is a member for ABTT can also participate in OISTAT, APAC or SIBMAS activities, exhibitions, and seminars. See their website for further information.

We also are partnered with the STSG (School Theatre Support Group) which is a fantastic resource for anyone working in schools, colleges or universities in a technician based role.

Recognition with peers

An ABTT Membership is often looked on by Theatres and Organisations as a positive addition to your CV as it demonstrates an active participation in the Industry and desire to keep up to date.

“When first entering the industry I trained as an ABTT Theatre Electrician and I would not be where I am today without their help, guidance and contacts. The organisation remains as it was then: the best place for theatre related training, advice and safety information. Join the ABTT and get informed and get connected.”

Tom Mannings, Head of Technical, English National Opera.