Charcoalblue is a dynamic theatre consultancy practice offering specialist advice on spaces intended for the presentation of drama, opera, dance, music, film and art. Charcoalblue uses a holistic and partnering approach in all of its work, and gives special emphasis to collaboration and user consultation. Our work is rooted in a dual commitment to theatricality and innovation, with a strong desire to focus on exciting user-led projects. We believe that every part of an arts building should be informed by the lessons of the past, but must also, by taking advantage of new techniques and materials, be capable of meeting the demands of the future: a future that critically includes minimising the environmental impact of both the construction and operating of our buildings. Charcoalblue understands that all projects, from strategic feasibility level through to construction, present a unique set of challenges that we will constantly strive to meet with imaginative solutions. We ensure that our advice and guidance is precisely matched to the needs of each project.

A global leader in entertainment and architectural lighting, ETC is dedicated to technical innovation, manufacturing some of the most energy efficient theatre lighting equipment in the world. Our lights only use power when they have to. With some 10% of our staff employed in research and development, ETC products include the award-winning Source Four® luminaires and the Eos™ control desk, as well as Congo™, Congo jr, Ion® and SmartFade™ ML control desks; Sensor® and SineWave dimming; Unison® architectural lighting control and Smart Solutions™ compact lighting gear. ETC is now manufacturing Selador™ LED luminaires with x7 technology that gives a range of subtle colours unavailable from most other LED products. With its headquarters in Middleton, Wisconsin, ETC has other offices in the United States, in Europe and in Hong Kong. As well as the 24/7 support ensured by our in-house technical experts, ETC dealers around the world also provide high standards of technical expertise.

The ABTT and the ABTT Theatre Show are pleased to be supporters of Designing School Theatres. The ABTT’s main purpose is to raise technical standards in theatre. We collect and disseminate information concerning design, theatre planning, stage machinery, lighting and sound equipment, acoustic, scenery construction, stage management and all aspects of presentation. We are committed to help improve the energy consumption of all performance spaces and venues. The ABTT provides a forum for discussion among theatre users through the publication of its magazine, Sightline and through regular meetings. Today membership of the ABTT is around 1,920 and rising. We have special interest groups including Health & Safety, Training, Theatre Planning, and Historical Research. We have an active Industry Supporters Group and we arrange specialist visits to theatres across the UK.

Arup is a global firm of designers, planners, engineers and business consultants. With a track record spanning over 60 years, and such landmark projects as the Sydney Opera House and the BSF exemplar John Madejski Academy, Arup has become well-known for exemplar design capability for both performing arts and education projects worldwide. Arup works with clients across all phases of education and performing arts building projects, from needs assessment and master planning to design, project management and refurbishment. Our huge breadth of capabilities offer our clients an integrated service combining traditional design and engineering with specialist services such as business case planning, acoustics and theatre consulting. With extensive experience in designing school theatres, we create sustainable, functional and flexible venues, helping our clients provide better learning environments for students through good design.

As our name suggests, our core business is built around stages. Originally, it was all modular staging systems. Yet, as we celebrate 15 years in the industry, our range has extended far beyond that. We now offer not only fixed and bespoke staging but also mechanised and motorised installations, drapes, track, truss and even front of stage barriers. The performing arts world is still our staple area of operation, with clients including Wexford Opera, the BBC, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Brighton Dome. Yet the current high level of ambition in education means we are working more than ever before with schools, colleges and universities. Whether they are looking to gain a bit of flexibility for their performances, convert a classroom into a studio or build a complete new theatre, Maltbury Staging can help. We offer consultancy services as well as designing, supplying, installing and maintaining the kit.

A.C. Special Projects Ltd. is a leading provider of lighting, audio and AV system installations for the education & drama, performance and architectural sectors. We have extensive experience supplying schools, colleges and universities and will provide a complete system tailored to meet your budget and technical requirements. From small drama studios through to comprehensive theatre style systems, we can supply complete technical facilities, including lighting, sound, AV, video, rigging, track and curtains, intercom and show relay. For a complete turnkey solution, our services include system design, specification, supply, delivery, installation, training, servicing, maintenance and project management. Popular theatre brands carried include Chroma-Q™, ETC, JBL, Martin, Robe, Selecon, Sennheiser, Strand, Tascam, Yamaha and Zero 88, to name a few.

For more examples of our education and drama projects, visit:

Audience Systems is the UK’s largest supplier of multipurpose seating to the education sector – including here at the Leeds College of Music. The company works closely with architects, theatre consultants and school managers to achieve optimum layout and a seamless aesthetic. Audience Systems manufactures in the UK and exports to over 50 countries worldwide. Specialities include retractable seating, removable seating and fixed seating. A wide variety of chairs, from ergonomically sculpted plastic chairs, to upholstered auditorium chairs with writing tablets, can be specified across all applications. Audience Systems’ retractable systems are specifically engineered for rigidity, reliability and low maintenance. The company has the UK’s only dedicated seating servicing division, ensuring continued care for customers after installation. Among their many recent school theatre installations in the UK are St John’s School Marlborough, the Bridge Academy Hackney, Cathedral High School Wakefield and the University of Ulster’s Riverside Theatre.

Black Cat Music is the exclusive UK/Ireland representative of Wenger Corporation, unchallenged as the largest manufacturer of fully-guaranteed music performance equipment in the world. To Wenger’s excellent range we have added some speciality equipment of our own making Black Cat Music a one-stop-shop of high quality goods which are robust enough to stand the rigours of frequent use. Black Cat’s wide range of music equipment includes music stands, music chairs, folders, conductor’s equipment, music instrument and sheet music storage, staging and risers. Added to this is a range of products for theatre use including portable and permanent make-up stations, rack ‘n’ roll costume storage, tiered seating and portable audience chairs. We also have a range of acoustical shells specially designed for use in theatres to provide a stunning visual effect which is audibly magnificent. More information about our acoustic shells is available from our Technical Theatre department.

Carr & Angier have been making a significant contribution to the construction of better performance buildings for thirty five years. We are renowned for careful innovation in both planning and design driven by a considered approach and rigorous attention to detail.

Maximising ‘the experience’ for all the potential users of the theatres and concert halls that we help to create is at the heart of what we do. We believe that partnership and collaboration with clients, end-users and stakeholders is essential to our role as theatre consultants. Carr & Angier are currently engaged on a number of projects with particular emphasis on young performers and educational work such as, the new Performing Arts Centre at Sevenoaks School, the refurbishment of the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham and the Belfast Metropolitan Arts Centre.

Harlequin is the established leader in floorings for the performing arts, with an extensive and well-known range of stage and studio floorings plus sprung floor systems for portable and permanent use. For nearly 30 years Harlequin has supplied customers from small amateur theatres to The Royal Opera House with a comprehensive range from portable, roll-out floors to cushioned and heavy-duty floors, including special effects such as ultra high gloss finishes. A wide range of accessories includes roll storage bags, straps and carts, tapes and cleaning and maintenance products and, for dance studios, a professional collection of wall-mounted and freestanding ballet barres.

As one of the UK’s leading entertainment technology providers, Northern Light provides specialist electrical installation of sound, lighting and stage technologies.

Since 1971, Northern Light has completed in excess of 4,500 technical installations in theatres, concert halls, educational establishments and numerous other venues. A typical installation includes full production lighting, sound and communications – incorporating cabling infrastructure, dimming and control, provision of sound racks and panels, induction loops, ring intercom and emergency lighting.

With completed projects in venues such as Curve in Leicester, London’s Roundho+ use, The Minack Theatre in Penzance, Theatres on the Bay, Singapore and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Northern Light has experience of working within a rich diversity of architecture and auditoria.

Northern Light is proud to support the Theatres Trust Conference – Designing School Theatres.

Nicola Walls from Page \ Park Architects

I am passionate about the arts. Personally I tap dance, love Latin and contemporary dance and at Page \ Park I lead an inspiring team of architects who just love the role we play in thinking about and creating performance and support spaces. Here is my list of what I think we do well: • we think hard about the performers in creating spaces in which they can work comfortably • we recognise the need to make the environments technically adaptable and efficient to use and change • we rise to the challenge of celebrating the audience arriving, lingering and dispersing Above all we have fun doing it, from our work at Eden Court Theatre, Scottish National Portrait Galleries and with some of Scotland’s leading independent schools.

From a single portable stage to a fully functional theatre, Stage Systems provide the products and services to accommodate any performance.

Portable staging is the popular option for many primary and secondary schools, which have the need to utilise the same space for a variety of activities, from dining hall, gym, exam and assembly room. The same space can be utilised for the school production, simply by adding a stage. The portable designs are easily formed into a single or multi-level stage, producing a strong platform for performance and then can be quickly taken down and compactly stored away.

For more enhanced facilities, Stage Systems also offer a Total Drama Solutions service. With completed projects in BSF developments, Secondary and Independent Schools, Community projects and Theatrical venues, Stage Systems creates ideas and designs, then installs and manages the whole project. Total Drama Solutions combines staging with all the extra components to transform a room into a theatre, including seating, performance curtains, perimeter curtains, lights, sound equipment and AV.

The Society is the professional qualifying and training body for Theatre Consultants. Its members work throughout the world on all types of performance space from modest school theatres to opulent opera houses.

Theatre Consultants help the client to assemble a coherent brief for a project, one that not only addresses their present operating patterns and concerns but also future aspirations and technologies. We help the building design team to create an auditorium where the actor-audience relationship will be an active one, appropriate to the performance form. We layout practical backstage and technical spaces and give guidance on structural loads and eco-friendly services. Front of house we help to create a place for the community to assemble, from the number of lavatories and signage, to the importance of ancillary spend, and advertising.

We draw on practical skills and experience (a pre-qualification for membership) Anywhere a person tells a story to a group of people the Theatre Consultant has a valuable contribution to make

Theatre Projects creates extraordinary performance spaces around the world.

With more than 1,200 projects in over 70 countries, our work ranges from studio theatres to performing arts centres. With that kind of experience, we’re ready to help you with any project you can imagine. We realise every theatre is different, so let’s work together to create the right one for you. We’re a talented team of specialists with invaluable backgrounds working directly in the theatre world. We know how to live and work in theatre buildings – because we have. Our theatre designers and planners offer unrivalled capability and a huge range of practical experience to our clients. But most importantly, we love what we do, and it shows. We start each of our projects, whether large or small, by listening carefully to our client’s needs and dreams. Then we combine our creativity, experience, and understanding of the bigger picture to help you bring the arts alive for your audience, artists, and community

Theatreplan consultants are as well known for their work on major venues around the world as they are for their school and college theatres in the UK. With recent projects including the new Michael Croft Theatre at Alleyn’s School in Dulwich, the Barking Broadway Theatre, and theatres at the Benenden School, Kingston College and Frensham Heights School, Theatreplan’s team offers a wealth of knowledge and design experience gained from many other successful projects.

By interpreting your early thoughts into a formulated brief, Theatreplan’s consultants work alongside experienced theatre architects and design teams to add practical detail at every stage of your project. Advice as wide-ranging as auditorium and stage planning, design of technical and engineering systems as well as guidance on safety and disability access, is all part of the Theatreplan service. The Theatreplan approach maximises the value of your investment without compromising on flexibility. Well-designed adaptable theatres are becoming increasingly important resources for schools and colleges, not only for teaching needs, but also to demonstrate a commitment to the arts for current and prospective parents.

In addition to full venue consultancy services, Theatreplan now also offers a fixed-fee consultation report, either on an existing facility or on future plans, through its ‘Theatre Doctor’ service.

Foster Wilson Architects have been designing award-winning buildings for the performing arts for 30 years and have grown steadily to become a practice with a reputation for sensitive and cost effective design. We have experience in both new-build theatres and the redevelopment and refurbishment of existing buildings, including several listed historic theatres. Above all we seek to create effective and exciting spaces which enhance the performance. Our work for schools and colleges is wide ranging, in both the state and independent sectors. Other clients include local community groups, independent theatres and the major commercial theatre owners and operators. Our work is characterised by careful development of the brief to meet the client’s needs and budget, design solutions which are innovative and responsive to their context, and effective delivery of projects to time and budget. We enjoy the process of making good buildings and want our clients to enjoy it too.

When its time to upgrade or install the latest lighting technology, White Light’s sales and installation teams can help, as exclusive UK distributor for nine major international lighting manufacturers and supplier of countless hundreds more, including the latest low-energy LED lighting technology. Based in Wimbledon, south-London, and with extensive experience in West End productions, the company is working with the Mayor’s Greening theatre campaign as well as publishing a guide on environmentally responsible theatre lighting and the company is also working towards BS 8555 accreditation. Full details and a portfolio of recent projects can be found on our website.

Wigwam Acoustics have over 25 years of experience in the audio industry and can provide sales, installation, service and hire solutions for a wide range of needs. The Wigwam installations team excels in managing projects and is prepared to handle all technical aspects of an installation including lighting, video and logistics. Recent projects include Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, Cathedral house for Huddersfield Christian Fellowship church and a recording studio and live room at The Grand in Clitheroe, Lancashire. As audio professionals, Wigwam can provide advice and consultancy for any type of venue and always ensure the work is carried out to the very highest standard. Wigwam’s “Attention to detail ethic” has enabled us to become one of Europe’s leading sound companies.

Burrell Foley Fischer LLP is widely recognised as having specialised expertise in buildings and facilities for the performing arts. The Practice has won many awards for the quality of its work on large- and small-scale theatres, as well as on rehearsal and ancillary spaces, working with clients ranging from the largest national organisations to individual practising artists. Projects include The Crucible, Sheffield, The Almeida Theatre, London and The Menuhin Hall, for the Yehudi Menuhin School.

Mark Foley has an intimate understanding of working with arts clients, stemming from over 25 years experience of looking at everything from cultural strategies, the design of auditoria spaces and the details of how a sprung dance floor is constructed.

In 22 years Hawthorn have grown into one of the largest independent supplier of specialist lighting, sound, video, rigging, staging and drapes to the theatre and events industry.

With offices in Leicestershire and London and over 90 staff, Hawthorn provides effective technical solutions to a broad range of clients, from architects and theatre consultants to event organisers.

Hawthorns specialists are ideally placed to assist with re-fits and upgrades and offer the complete service, from consultation to commissioning, and then annual maintenance and servicing. Our team are all operational so the solutions they propose are practical, well thought out and based on a working knowledge of the equipment specified. We are open 7 days a week and are main dealers for all of the leading manufacturers, so you can buy from us with confidence.

For your safety and peace of mind we have NICEIC accreditation and our staff are CRB checked.

Stage Electrics offers technical solutions to the Entertainment, Communication and Education industries providing customers with a complete service including Lighting, Audio, Video, Staging, Sets, Rigging and Power. With a vast amount of experience gained over 30 years, Stage Electrics regularly works at the highest levels within professional theatre and is at the forefront of technological developments in performing arts.

The company has nationwide coverage with field based staff throughout the UK. Our knowledgeable staff can offer advice and quotes on sales, installation, hire, event management, training, repair and safety testing. Stage Electrics is committed to training and developing its staff and is a specialist NICEIC contractor and has both Entertainment Industry and Health & Safety scheme accreditations.

Stage Electrics has successfully worked with a wide range of customers including Primary & Secondary Schools; Universities; Theatres and Opera Houses; TV & Recording Studios and Corporate & Leisure Industry clients.

Leeds College of Music, with over 1,000 full-time and 1,500 part-time students, is the only specialist music college to offer both Higher and Further Education courses. The College provides a unique opportunity for students to progress from BTEC courses through to Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees. Students are taught in a vibrant and creative atmosphere by academic staff at the forefront of their fields. The College provides the highest quality education and training to help each individual student fulfill their potential and achieve a career as a professional musician.

West Yorkshire Playhouse is a busy theatre complex housing two auditoria, three meeting rooms and a newly refurbished bar and restaurant. Located in Leeds City Centre within walking distance of the railway station, the Playhouse is the ideal location for both small meetings and large events. Our two auditoria offer you the opportunity to be creative and inspire your audience. Impress your delegates with theatrical lighting and sound provided by theatre professionals that have the technical skills and experience to bring your event to life, let the creative environment add an extra dimension to your event. We also offer exclusive and tailored Corporate Hospitality Packages, let us help you to entertain your top clients, reward your staff or impress new business prospects, give them an evening to remember, treat them to the best seats for some of the finest productions in the UK. To find out more about how we can work with you to create the perfect event contact conferences on 0113 2137276 or email entertaining@wyp.org.uk

Created by the organisers of the world famous Plasa Show in London, Plasa Focus: Leeds 2010 is the leading event for entertainment and installation technology in the North of England.

Reinvesting in the Industry

The latest technology behind the world’s most innovative live events, concerts and tours, theatres, nightclubs, corporate events, permanent installations and leisure attractions will be on show at the Royal Armouries, Leeds, on Tuesday 27 April & Wednesday 28 April.

You can find the exact technologies you need for your project, discover the new innovations changing the way we work and meet the people shaping today’s trends. The exhibition showcases hundreds of manufacturers from all over the world & the free Education and Learning Programme brings world class professional knowledge to your doorstep.

And, once again we’re providing everybody with a free lunch on both days of the show!

PLASA Focus: Leeds 2010 is the only place to see, hear, touch and learn about the latest pro audio, lighting, stage engineering, AV and systems integration technology.

Arts Award is a national qualification which supports young people aged 11-25 to develop as artists and arts leaders. The award fosters creative, communication and leadership skills and helps to prepare young people for further education and employment.Arts Award is offered at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels and is recognised on the National Qualifications Framework at Levels 1, 2, and 3.

School theatres provide exciting opportunities for young people doing Arts Award. In these spaces they can showcase their talents, share their skills with others and enjoy the arts as audience members.

‘I directed one of the choirs at college and then conducted them in three music concerts which was a fantastic experience. These new challenges made me consider alternative life paths and have secured my artistic knowledge in new areas.’ Bec, Latimer Arts College, Kettering

Download the Arts Award 2010 guide here and the Schools pamphlet here

www.artsaward.org.uk/

The power of performance has a life enriching impact on the lives of all those it touches. Each consultant at AMPC has an empathy with this, resulting in the studio being a great stimulus for creative design for the Performing Arts. The team of highly talented and experienced practitioners of opera, ballet, music and theatre use their fluency and inventiveness to design spaces and equipment that will serve the performance to the highest degree.

All the consultants have theatrical related interests which fuel their work, ranging from jazz performance to choral work, choreography to scenic history and they have worked together for 10 years. Anne has a vocal performing background, giving her an innate sense of the acoustical performance space.

Performance allows for exploration and experimentation to go beyond the conventional: that is what distinguishes us. We instinctively design and emulate a passionate commitment to each scheme undertaken.

AMPC provides advice on all aspects of gathering spaces

www.ampcstudio.com

Building For education is the market-leading publication in its sector, covering all aspects of construction in schools, colleges and universities in the UK. A respected and established title with a monthly readership of over 8000, it offers a unique blend of incisive editorial news and informative features. Building For Education’s audience includes the sectors key decision makers, including Borough Councils, LEA Directors, educational architects and main contractors, education departments and governments authorities. It is also distributed to the key named personnel such as estate directors, heads of facilities and business development directors – in every grammar school, university and college in the UK. Building For Education boasts a pool of expert industry contributors including innovators from such fields as project management, insurance, fiancé/funding, ICT and the environment. Together they offer readers key insights into the fundamental issues that can often mean the difference between success and failure.

Independent Education Today is the only monthly publication to reach every independent school in the UK. We have a readership in excess of 8000 key decision makers including Principles, Bursars and Heads of Departments. IE Today has been reporting and analysing the key events, issues and developments affecting independent schools for the past 13 years. IE Today boasts a pool of highly regarded contributors from such professions as Law, Marketing, Finance, ICT and many more – who are able to provide expert opinion and advice on their specific market sectors. Also, key figures within the HMC (Headmasters committee), BSA (Boarding schools Association), ISBA (Independent schools Bursars association) and the ISA (Independent Schools Association) all provide regular, topical editorial contributions.

Since 1985, Lighting&Sound International (L&SI) has been the leading publication for those involved with professional lighting, audio, staging, effects and related technologies. L&SI covers the broad range of the world’s entertainment and leisure environments, special events and presentations, plus architectural and commercial installations – anywhere that professional equipment and technologies are employed. L&SI continues to offer the best coverage of entertainment technology in all its diverse forms, as well as in-depth profiles of the people and companies who put it all together. Read by thousands of sound and lighting professionals worldwide – manufacturers, suppliers, designers, consultants, specifiers and end users – L&SI is now also available in an online digital edition, making it freely and immediately available to professionals across the globe. Since L&SI Digital was introduced in September 2007, the magazine has enjoyed a 40% increase in circulation, reaching new individuals worldwide on a daily basis.