UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) has revealed additions to its annual awards. The ABTT Award for Costume and ABTT Award for WHAM Design aim to honour the expertise and significant contributions of industry professionals, as well as the creative collaborations they foster within the production process.
Presented at the annual ABTT Theatre Show on the 5 June, the Award for Costume has been designed to honour individuals from different disciplines of the costume sector who have achieved a command of their chosen discipline. For 2024 this award will be celebrating costume managers who demonstrate excellence in the work they have undertaken.
The new ‘ABTT Award for WHAM Design’ has been developed by the ABTT’s Wigs, Hair and Makeup (WHAM) Committee that aims to promote the interests of the wigs, hair and make-up community within the theatre industry and live events sector. This award is open to nominations for seasoned professionals who have made significant strides in their respective fields, be it design, innovation, or artistry.
These newly-introduced awards will complement the established awards which include: ‘ABTT Technician of the Year Award’ which recognises the contributions of seasoned individuals in backstage roles who consistently demonstrate technical excellence; the ‘ABTT Award for Emerging Excellence’ which celebrates the achievements of newcomers in any backstage role or discipline; and the ‘ABTT Award for Environmental Sustainability’ which acknowledges a significant contribution by an individual to furthering environmental sustainability within the theatre industry.
This year's award ceremony will be held at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday 5 June at 6pm, following a full day at the ABTT Theatre Show.
After the ceremony, attendees will also have an opportunity to network with industry colleagues on the Alexandra Palace Terrace overlooking the iconic London landscape. “There will be an enhanced range of food and drinks available this year to ensure nothing interrupts the conviviality of the evening,” says the ABTT.
ABTT CITEA committee chair Caroline Townsend notes: “We are very excited and proud to be launching a pioneering award category in costume. Over the past two decades great strides have been made in education and the profession to recognise this area of practice and CITEA with the support of the ABTT feel this is the time to celebrate with a national award.”
ABTT WHAM committee chair Anette Ollerearnshaw adds: “I am proud to be able to launch this pioneering awards category celebrating craft and design expertise on behalf of the ABTT and my peers. It signifies an unprecedented recognition for the advances we have made in education, technology and creativity on and behind the stage over the last two decades.”
Nominations should be sent to admin@abtt.org.uk before midnight on Sunday 12 May 2024.
