PLASA 2010, which runs from the 12-15 September at Earls Court in London, is a major platform for the launch and promotion of innovative new ideas emerging across the event, entertainment and installation industries. The Theatres Trust's Ecovenue feature is a significant new addition to the event, designed to showcase the pioneering environmental efficiency practices being implemented across London venues.
The venues profiled in this uniquely designed 'theatrical' showcase are all participating in the Trust's European-funded Ecovenue project, designed to improve the environmental performance of 48 London theatres. Amongst those featured will be the Albany Theatre (Deptford), the Bush Theatre (Shepherd's Bush) Chisenhale Dance Space (Bow), the Compass Theatre (Ickenham), Drill Hall (Bloomsbury), the Duchess Theatre (Westminster), the Finborough Theatre (West Brompton), the Little Angel Theatre (Islington), the Polka Theatre (Wimbledon) and Southwark Playhouse (Southwark).
In addition to profiling the venues, The Theatres Trust's Ecovenue area in Earls Court 2 will also feature technologies designed to improve the environmental footprint of theatres.
As part of this initiative, The Theatres Trust will launch its first 'People's Choice' award for sustainable theatrical products to complement the existing PLASA Innovation Award for Environmentally-focused products.
All exhibiting manufacturers at PLASA 2010 are invited, as part of an open call for entries, to put forward products to be considered for this Theatres Trust award. The Theatres Trust will then select those that represent either a significant step forward in the resource efficiency of an existing product or a new product intended to contribute to the resource efficiency of a theatre to be featured in the area.
Visitors to PLASA 2010 will be able to vote on the product they feel best represents progression towards sustainability, while also learning about the advice that the Ecovenue participants are receiving and the experiences of the 24 already signed up to the project.
The Theatres Trust will also be a lead contributor to PLASA 2010's programme of seminars being presented as part of 'Sustainability Tuesday'. The day will feature a range of sessions focusing on best practices, technologies and initiatives for the industry, including an update on findings from the implementation of Display Energy Certificates and advice on improving the sustainability of theatres.
The culmination of 'Sustainability Tuesday' will be the presentation of The Theatres Trust People's Choice award to the manufacturer of the most sustainable product being showcased in the Ecovenue feature. This presentation will be given at 6.00pm on Tuesday 14 September at a special event on The Theatres Trust Ecovenue stand in Earls Court 2.
Tim Atkinson of The Theatres Trust, who is leading the delivery of the Ecovenue project, said, "We know that from across the range of theatrical products, companies are identifying the enormous benefits to consumers, suppliers and the environment of placing sustainability at the very heart of good product design. Our Theatres Trust 'People's Choice' award will enable consumers to recognise these achievements, as well as investigate the products they can work with in the future."
Nicola Rowland, Director of Events for PLASA, added, "We are delighted to support The Theatres Trust in profiling the Ecovenue project, and encourage all exhibitors and visitors to engage with the important issues and challenges of sustainability."
The Ecovenue feature is just one of many new initiatives at PLASA 2010, which will also include an 'interactive' Innovation Gallery, a focus on the EN54 Directive and the launch of two major new conferen
