School Theatre Support Group

STSG once again exhibited at the ABTT Theatre Show (6th-7th June, Alexandra Palace).

Last year, we formally launched Version 3 of our Performance Support Award at the show, as well as meeting many existing and prospective members.

Registration is free in advance: - click here.

ABTT Theatre Show Mentoring Scheme for Teachers

When students study Drama at GSCE level, there will always be some who identify with the technical side more than the performance elements of the course. Most people working in the industry can trace their initial interest to their time at school.
The ABTT Theatre Show offers to help teachers in their quest to support their students. One to one sessions will be set up where teachers can meet mentors with the information that they require.

More info »

Our most recent conference took place over a full weekend from Friday 16th - Sunday 18th February 2018.

As well as the main Saturday conference, which included workshops, seminars, lunch, dinner and accommodation in the full package, we were pleased to offer two extra events for members:

Friday 16th February - Performance Award Support Symposium.

Sunday 18th February - Rigging training / Hawthorn visit.

You can follow the event via our Twitter feed, using the hashtag #STSG2018.

In response to several member requests, in March 2017 we conducted a survey of all STSG members, asking about salary and job role.

These are the results for average salary (full-time), although the figures should be viewed lightly as there are wide variations in salaries, job titles and responsibilities:

Technician outside of London = £20,800

Technician in London = £23,600

Manager outside of London = £29,000

Manager in London = £32,400

It should be noted that the London sample was comparatively small, therefore it is likely that the average is not as accurate as for the rest of the country. The management average is also difficult to assess, because there was no differentiation between venue type or number of staff, etc.

Other questions asked about job title, employment status, experience, extra responsibilities and benefits, and salary satisfaction.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, over 88% of respondents reported that they regularly work over contracted hours, although most receive recompense for this (e.g. over-time or time off in lieu).

STSG members can download the full report from the documents section of the Members' Website

Tweets by @SchoolTheatreUK

ABTT's Bronze, Silver and Gold professional development awards for technicians are available every summer in Coventry and elsewhere in the country at other times.

Please visit the ABTT website for details of the next available courses.

We have used RB Health & Safety Solutions to provide essential Health & Safety courses to members, including a Fire Marshal course (October 2017) and IOSH 'Working Safely for Theatres' (March 2017), as well as helping another member run 'CDM in the Entertainment Industry' (April 2017).

If you would like to host a training course, or have specific training needs, please contact us.

RB also offers a discount to STSG members for auditing services.

Since June 2014 the STSG is affiliated as a sub-committee of the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT), giving us wider recognition as an organisation and also raising awareness of theatre work within schools.

We are continuing to operate independently with our own Constitution and Committee, but we will be adhering to the principles and objectives of the ABTT.

STSG membership is separate to ABTT membership, although joining both organisations is encouraged.