Key information:

• Date: 2 - 6 February 2027
• Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm
• Location: Glasgow, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, G2 3DB
• Member's price: £799+VAT
• Non-member's price: £920+VAT

What is the Bronze Award for Theatre Technicians?

The Bronze Award is a 5 day programme which gives candidates knowledge and understanding of best practice, whether they are working in regional  rep, touring, multiart form studios, community theatre, the West End or as a freelancer. The Bronze Award delivers the first vocational step for professional development for the theatre technician and also opens opportunities to progress to other ABTT Awards.

Who can do the Award?

Both members and non-members are eligible, though ABTT members receive a discount. The ABTT Bronze Award is suitable for anyone with an interest in technical theatre, whether in a professional or amateur capacity. While no formal prior qualifications are required, this award is designed for those with a basic working familiarity with a theatre environment. It provides essential tools and knowledge to help newcomers and early-career team members safely and effectively work backstage.

How is the Award structured?

The Bronze Award consists of five 1-day courses, followed by the Bronze Award Assessment. Candidates who achieve a pass, merit, or distinction in the assessment will receive a Bronze Award Certificate and become eligible to apply for ABTT Silver Awards. Candidates who are unsuccessful this time or are unable to complete all 5 days of the programme are encouraged to continue working towards achieving the full Award certification by completing any outstanding training and the Award Assessment within 2 calendar years. Certificates of completion are available in the meantime, to recognise training days that have already been attended.

You can also book each 1-day course individually – click the Opportunity Info link for availability.

What do the Courses cover?

• An Introduction to Health & Safety and Manual Handling: Covers manual handling, musculoskeletal injuries, injuries caused by the handler and UK Theatre/BECTU Code of Conduct for Fit-ups & Get-Outs
• Safe Use of Temporary Access Equipment: Introduces step ladders (inc. Zarges), ladders, trestles, Tallescopes, mobile scaffolding, selecting appropriate equipment, planning and managing work at height, inspection and record keeping, maneuvering and assembly.
• Ropes, Knots & Splicing: Covers the handling of different ropes, tying knots proficiently and safely by practical demonstration – enabling differentiation between natural and man made fibre ropes, splicing rope ends.
• Fundamentals of Flying: Teaches safe handling of counterweight sets and hemp, covering terminology, parts of a counterweight set, loading and unloading, operating, first line maintenance, single/double purchase systems, knots in practice, tying off at a pin rail, spotting and other methods of hanging.
• Electrical Fundamentals: Includes Basic Electricity; measuring; resistance; power; electrical supply; generation; AC/DC; frequency; three phase and an introduction to IEE Regulations

For more information and to book, click the Opportunity Info link below!

START is Lyric Hammersmith Theatre's accredited six-week performance programme for NEET (not in education, employment or training) young people aged 16-25 from West London.

START provides a space for young people to creatively explore the world of performance. Over six weeks, each cohort works with a team of professional theatre artists to create an original piece of theatre in response to the themes of a Lyric Main House production. Through engaging with drama activities, skill sharing, and watching live performances, the START cohort will build on their self-confidence, collaboration skills, emotional resilience, and self-esteem. Through this, the cohort will cultivate a group ethic of inclusivity, accessibility, encouragement, respect, and affirmation. This project is underpinned by a Bronze Arts Award accreditation.

DETAILS:

• A free drama training programme culminating in a performance on the Lyric Hammersmith’s MAIN STAGE
• All lunches, refreshments, and travel costs will be provided
• Free group theatre trip included!
• Monday to Thursday, 11am to 3.30pm, for 6 weeks, beginning on Monday 26^th October
• An accredited course- young people will receive a Bronze Arts Award accreditation
• An opportunity to be taught by theatre professionals on self-confidence, emotional resilience, performance, collaboration, and employability skills
• Professionally photographed for any portfolios/certificates needed

ELIGIBILITY:

• 16-25 year olds in West London* who are NEET (not in employment, education or training)

* Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Richmond upon Thames, Wandsworth and Westminster

• Those who are interested in the creative arts and performing (this could be acting, creative writing, music, poetry, dance)
• Those looking for a supportive space to build routine, socialise, and benefit from a friendly yet ambitious environment

As of 2026, START has been running for 20 years, engaging hundreds of young people and supporting them further on remarkable journeys.

Of those who participated in the programme between April 2022 – March 2024, 74% were referred onto employment, education or training, 78% cited improved soft skills and renewed motivation to achieve future goals and 67% took part in further Young Lyric activity, and 75% of participants reported a sustained or increased ability to maintain their emotions and wellbeing after completing START.

For more information and to refer, click the Opportunity Info link below!