Who we are:
We are a support and networking group for theatre technicians working in school theatres and classrooms, founded as the ‘School Theatre Support Group’ in 2005. We first became affiliated with the ABTT in June 2014. At a special meeting on 1 June 2024, it was proposed that STSG will become the ABTT School Theatre Support Committee (STSC). This was ratified by the ABTT Council on 11 July 2024.
What we do:
We provide a network to theatre practitioners in a teaching environment – along with meetings, venue visits, training courses and a popular annual conference – focused on technical production, venue management and backstage education. This includes our ‘Performance Support Award’ – an extra-curricular backstage/technical activity scheme for young people – which was launched in 2015 and has been extremely successful within the STSG (see below).
We have built a strong membership base with technicians and managers from a wide range of independent schools, maintained schools and other institutions around the country, with all manner of facilities from professional theatres to drama classrooms. We are at the coalface of the next generation of theatre practitioners; encouraging our students’ interest in theatre careers and facilitating the full range of performing arts within schools. We have also seen an increasing awareness and acceptance of the professionalism of school theatres from our industry contacts and peers.
Why we do it:
As theatre practitioners in a teaching environment, school technicians occupy a unique and isolated situation; outside of regular theatre but with the same products, rules and problems. It is also an important time for the ABTT to promote theatre careers to young people.
Our purpose:
- for the benefit of theatre technicians and other production practitioners working in education; and
- for the promotion of backstage/technical careers to school-aged young people.
You can view our Terms of Reference here.
Who can join:
Any person who works in a recognised educational establishment or is keen to represent school theatres (where there shall be no conflict of interest) shall be able to participate in the ABTT STSC and the activities it undertakes. (Pupils/students shall not be eligible due to safeguarding/conflict of interest.)
As a member of the ABTT, you are eligible to join the STSC if you meet the criteria above – you simply need to let us know that you wish to join. We are currently working on ways that non-ABTT members can be incorporated into the new committee, although joining the ABTT is encouraged!
Performance Support Award
Launched in 2015 by the School Theatre Support Group (STSG), the Performance Support Award has been created in order to recognise and encourage the achievements of young people who want to be involved backstage outside the classroom.
It has been developed in response to demands for a non-academic course which can be tailored to suit the needs of technicians/tutors responsible for pupils undertaking extra-curricular activities in the school theatre.
The Award provides a reference framework for busy technicians/tutors to use as the basis for a regular activity programme, in a similar way to a teacher using a scheme-of-work or lesson plan. This is not an academic course, although it can be incorporated into a curriculum if required. It is intended to be delivered outside of classroom hours in whatever format works best for your learners. There are no time limits or exam dates.
The scheme is divided into Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. The modular nature of each level will allow tutors to adapt the content to suit the time available, the facilities and equipment available, and the specific interests and skills of the participants. The final portfolio may be used by the pupil as evidence of skills and experience during a university or college interview process, for example.
The Award is mainly for secondary school pupils (age 13-18) at an extra-curricular level, such as those participating in a ‘Tech Club’ or helping backstage on school productions. It is designed to support and encourage development outside of the classroom, and to offer a standardised method of recording skills and achievements. Progress through the scheme is intended to encourage a potential future career path in the backstage industry, but can equally be used by those seeking a hobby activity. Bronze is aimed to start at Year 9 (13+), but the Award can be used with any students or young people.
The Award is free as a PDF download to all interested parties.
