TheatreStage provides a focus on the show floor for visitors and the theatre industry to network and learn about projects, initiatives, campaigns and organisations connected to the theatre sector.
New initiatives launched from TheatreStage this year include The Backstage Heritage Collection, and the ALD / Lightmongers' Award for Lighting Design 2014. The Theatres Trust will also launch its new Workshop Programme to support theatres developing capital projects and other key issues, and announce plans for next year's Theatres Trust Conference 15: Valuing Theatres on 23 June 2015.
Award highlights include the Technical Theatre Awards, held for the second year running, and the Association of Lighting Designers annual Michael Northen Bursary.
The TheatreStage programme includes new contributions from: USITT - showcasing the work of its Young Scenic Designer of the year, Patrick Rizzoti; PLASA's newly launched 'Trainee Rigger Scheme'; the PSA (Production Services Association) looking at the value of trade organisations in business; Entertainment Workshops profiling its unique alternative education facility for young people; and the University of South Wales introducing opportunities for the industry to make links with its BSc Honours courses.
BECTU will be profiling its new accredited 'Train the Trainer' course - ideal for those people responsible for training new staff and passing on valuable industry knowledge to colleagues, and the Stage Management Association will be offering advice on Company Management and presenting sessions on the use of paper props in the theatre.
"There is an exciting and diverse line-up on our TheatreStage this year," observes Mhora Samuel, director of The Theatres Trust. "We're really looking forward to welcoming visitors and exhibitors throughout the four days at PLASA London. With the support of our industry sponsors, we've been able to provide a unique platform for the theatre sector to network and showcase their achievements."
The TheatreStage is made possible thanks to the generous support of: Production & Technology Sponsor - Stage Electrics; Programme Sponsor - ETC; and PLASA Events, ABTT, Chauvet Professional, Clay Paky, Hawthorns, GDS, Charcoalblue, Doughty, EM Acoustics, Robe, ShowTex, Stage Technologies, the Technical Theatre Awards and Unusual.
TheatreStage is located on stand R40, directly adjacent to The Theatres Trust stand S40. All visitors are welcome to come along to the TheatreStage.
For further details about The Theatres Trust and the timings of the programme on the TheatreStage at PLASA London visit Theatres Trust theatrestrust.org.uk/events/plasa-14.
(Jim Evans)