An experienced jury of working practitioners and industry peers considered entries for the ABTT Awards. Both previously submitted nominations and items brought to their attention on the day, which satisfied the entry criteria were reviewed.
Commenting on the event, ABTT CEO Robin Townley said, "The Awards ceremony, held in the Petrus Bertschinger Studio (PBS), was again a great opportunity for exhibitors and visitors to gather and celebrate good technology and excellent technical practice. It was also very good to be able to welcome the Association of Lighting Designers' for the presentation of their Bursaries.
"There was a great atmosphere in the PBS which clearly conveyed the congratulations of those gathered to all of those commended and the very deserving winners. It was a very fitting way to conclude the busy first day of the ABTT Theatre Show at Alexandra Palace for the second time."
In front of exhibitors, guests and ABTT members, the coveted individually engraved hook-clamp trophies were presented by the ABTT's chairman Louise Jeffreys, the Barbican's Director of Arts, and were awarded as follows.
ABTT 2016 Sound Product of the Year
Clear-Com FreeSpeak II Wireless Comms Base Station, presented by Autograph
Judges' comments: This base station brings high quality, multichannel wireless communications to more users, in an easy to use package.
Special mention:
EM Acoustics, DQ20 DSP Dante enabled amplifier
An integrated multi-channel amplifier, that reinforces EM Acoustics' standing in the industry for providing powerful, easy to use equipment.
ABTT 2016 Lighting Product of the Year
GLP Impression X4 Bar 20 LED Batten
Judges' comments: German Light Products' new Batten, with its innovative zoom feature and impressive light output, reinvents the light curtain.
Special mention:
PRG Ground Control Follow Spot System
Made for the theatre industry, it removes follow-spotters from elevated positions, whilst still achieving the optimum rigging position for the light.
ABTT 2016 Engineering Product of the Year
Live Pipe, manufactured by Hoffend & Sons, presented by Hall Stage
Judges' comments: The Live Pipe, which only relies on vertical loads, making for simple installation and maintenance, obviates the need for work at height. Furthermore, wide ranges of sizes are available including the ever-popular 6m bar and up to 30m.
Special mention:
Tiger Head Chain Block for its innovative double break system, presented by Rope Assemblies.
ABTT 2016 Widget of the Year
Hatoscreen Projection Paint, presented by Flints Hire and Supply
Hatoscreen's Projection Paint, which can turn a seemingly black surface into an excellent, affordable projection screen, opens up endless fascinating opportunities for venues and designers.
Special mention:
Dirty Rigger Grid Mat, reinforced with clear markings to ensure that everyone is aware that people are working in the grid, provides an excellent system to protect a rigger's knees while managing essential equipment safely. This is the first iteration of the product and we look forward to watching its evolution, its application and customisation.
ABTT Theatre Show 2016 Stand of the Year
ETC Ltd
Judges' comments: Looking for a well-designed uncluttered stand showing the products at their best, ETC Ltd's well-coordinated stand, using its own products to subtly light the pictorial panels, whilst keeping the beams out of visitors' eyes, was deemed to be the leading example.
Special mentions:
Peter Evans Studios, for its well-presented scenic elements.
SIPA, for its complete absence of a carbon footprint.
ABTT Technician of the Year 2016
Steve Huttly, Head of Theatre Technology, Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Citation: A true man of the theatre. Starting as a Dayman at the King's Southsea in 1978, Steve has worked primarily in lighting in various industry roles. He joined the Guildhall School in 1994 as Chief Electrician & Lecturer, prior to promotion to his current role in 2010. On the cusp of taking early retirement to pursue freelance interests, the ABTT is delighted to bestow this honour on such a well-deserving recipient.
(Jim Evans)
