Booking is now open for The Theatres Trust’s sixth annual conference Delivering Sustainable Theatres taking place at Stratford Circus, London on Tuesday 12 June 2012.
Conference 12 looks at the sustainable design, development and operation of theatre buildings in relation to environmental, economic and social disciplines, and the challenges of delivering sustainable theatres for future generations.
Conference Chair is Samira Ahmed and Session Chairs are: Dorothy Wilson MBE, chief executive and artistic director, mac, Birmingham; Mark Robinson, director, Thinking Practice; Nick Starr, chief executive, National Theatre, London.
Keynote Speakers are Griff Rhys Jones, chairman of Civic Voice and Baroness Hanham CBE, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government.
The event will explore how theatre buildings have addressed the sustainability agenda and introduced new technologies, adapted to meet rising energy costs, tougher environmental building standards, economic constraints and the expectations of audiences - and see what lessons have been learnt.
In addition to showcasing the experiences of the 48 London theatres on The Theatres Trust ERDF funded Ecovenue project, particular focus will be paid to just what sustainable development means for theatres now, what opportunities exist for theatre buildings in the new National Planning Policy Framework, how funding programmes are now promoting more sustainable capital development of theatre buildings, and what is needed to ensure theatres can meet the triple bottom line head on and continue to thrive.
Conference 12 will be of critical interest to those trying to maximise economic, social and environmental returns from their theatre buildings through redesign, adaptation or new builds. It provides the opportunity to discuss these issues with other theatres, government and arts policy makers, theatre consultants and architects and take part in the debate.
Delegates will have the opportunity to hear from many engaging speakers and leaders including: Dame Elizabeth Forgan, chair, Arts Council England; Rosemary Squire, Ambassador Theatre Group; John Holden, DEMOS associate and visiting professor, City University, London; Rab Bennetts OBE, Bennetts Associates Architects
Coinciding with the 34th ABTT Theatre Show, the Conference’s timing and location aims to maximise opportunities for the theatre sector, visitors and exhibitors to engage with both events in the dynamically evolving Olympic Borough of Newham.
Industry support is key to producing Delivering Sustainable Theatres and in 2012 The Theatres Trust is delighted to announce the support of the following organisations: Charcoalblue Ltd, Clay Paky, ETC Ltd, ShowTex, ABTT, Audio Light Systems, Martin Professional, State Automation, Northern Light, Arup, Harlequin Floors, Stage Systems, Theatre Project Consultants, White Light, Wigwam, Global Design Systems, Stage Electrics, Stratford Circus and The Society of Theatre Consultants. Media Partners are Lighting & Sound International and The Stage.