All delegates are invited to attend the opening plenary session, which asks the question, Do we need any more theatres? The keynote speaker will contrast the values of having a permanent theatre with the benefits of using found spaces and will examine ways in which venues can be designed or modified so as to be fit for purpose in the modern world.
As well as the main Conference sessions, there are presentations by the major sponsors and both an architectural and a technical Pecha Kucha. At these, selected delegates will get a chance to reveal and describe their favourite project, product or technical scheme in a short, rapid presentation.
The main themes of the event are: engineering and technology; architecture, planning and space design; audio, video and acoustics; with some important management, safety and environment topics included for good measure.
The engineering and technology sessions are both informative and educational. In addition to discussing the latest thinking in mechanical design and control system concepts, the sessions are devised to provide delegates with up-to-date details of the latest technologies available around the world. Conference director, Richard Brett, explained, "As the Conference is held every four years, there are many new developments to learn about and consider. We rely on our industry sponsors, all of whom are at the forefront of their technologies, not only to support the conference financially but to inform delegates about their experiences and latest developments."
The technical sessions cover: lighting systems - Can new technology cope with old problems?; stage engineering discussions on European standards, horizontal motion on stage and the latest stage automation and flying techniques; and technical systems including requirements for stage management and backstage control systems.
Sessions are planned to examine what sort of sound systems are appropriate for different types of theatre, AV control system infrastructures, and how to achieve good acoustics in drama spaces.
The final programme is nearing completion now, and a preliminary list of sessions for each day of Conference is available to view at the web address below.
(Jim Evans)
