The TTAs debuted at PLASA 2013 at London's ExCel to credit the often unsung heroes working backstage to make theatre magic happen.
With the guidance of TTA co-creators Ian Taylor and Olivia Dermot Walsh the event attracted immediate support from some of the biggest names and companies in the industry, including Philips Entertainment, PRG, and Triple E, all of which are sponsoring awards again in 2014.
"The idea of the TTA awards is to highlight the work and effort of the people behind the scenes who are so often overlooked," says Ian Taylor. "I think it's important to recognise and acknowledge the diverse talents of backstage workers in all their guises, and this is an ideal opportunity for everyone in the industry to do just that."
This year's event is scheduled to take place during PLASA London at ExCel, 5-8 October. The Technical Theatre Awards ceremony will be on Monday 6 October.
"The TTA's have been an overwhelming success to date, with over 11,000 visitors to our website in the past 10 months and a very positive response to nominations this year so far," continues Taylor. "Nominations are now open, and voting will begin on 11th June. Major industry organisations are again showing amazing support for the TTAs this year in the run up to our PLASA London event, including Total Solutions Group, Rosco, and GDS, but more awards are available for sponsorship. This is a fantastic time for your company to get involved!"
Available Awards to be sponsored this year are: Outstanding Achievement in Prop Making; Outstanding Achievement in Wardrobe; Outstanding Achievement in Wigs & Makeup; Hire Company of the Year; and The Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sound. A host of benefits are available to sponsors, and Ian is inviting interested parties to contact him on support@technicaltheatreawards.com to find out more.
Sponsored Awards this year are: The Douglas Turnbull Award for Outstanding Achievement in Stage Management (Supported by Opera Holland Park), The Philips Entertainment Award for Outstanding Achievement in Lighting, The PRG Award for Outstanding Achievement in Production Management, The Triple E Award for Outstanding Achievement in Flys and Rigging, The Rigging Team Award for Outstanding Achievement in Automation, The Total Solutions Group Award for Outstanding Achievement in Building and Set Construction, The Training for Design Award for Outstanding Achievement in Education, The Rosco Award for Outstanding Achievement in Scenic Artistry, The GDS Award for Venue Sustainability, The Pearce Hire Award for Outstanding Achievement in Stage Crew, and The Hawthorn Receiving Venue of the Year Award.
(Jim Evans)