ABTT appoints two new fellows

21 December 2012

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians took the opportunity of its annual Christmas Party last Friday, hosted by Gold Industry Supporter Group member ETC, to bestow its top honour, the ABTT Fellowship, on Jason Barnes and Bill Dudley.

The ABTT Fellowships, given only to individuals who "have rendered signal service to the technical aspects of the art of the theatre", were unanimously endorsed by the ABTT Council at its last meeting.

Jason Barnes is for many synonymous with the National Theatre's Cottesloe, having staged over 350 productions, during his time as the venue's production manager. He has acted, toured and worked in theatres throughout Britain and overseas, as well as lecturing regularly and contributing to many publications. He is a member of the ABTT Historical Research Committee, a contributor to the organisation's Theatre Planning Committee and in September 2004, was a appointed a Trustee of The Theatres Trust, serving two three-year terms.

William Dudley is one of Britain's most prolific and revered theatre designers, having won seven of 14 Olivier Award nominations. Having studied Fine Art at Central St Martin's, he specialised in Stage Design at the Slade School, from where he went onto design productions for the Royal Court and National Theatre. His work has been pioneering in the use of technological developments, putting him in demand around the world, not only designing for theatre, but also for opera and television.

The list of ABTT Fellows now reads as follows: David Adams, Jason Barnes, Fred Bentham (deceased), Richard Brett, William Dudley, Tim Foster, Roger Fox, Roderick Ham, Chris Higgs, Ethel Langstreth (deceased), Iain Mackintosh, Maurice Marshall (deceased), Richard Pilbrow, Francis Reid, Peter Roberts, John Simpson and Ken Smalley (deceased).

(Jim Evans)