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THE SOCIETY OF BRITISH
THEATRE DESIGNERS
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Designers are easily isolated by their work. Our Society puts us in touch with one another
and with those working in theatre in other countries.
The Society was founded in 1975. The joint Chairmen were John Bury and Richard Pilbrow, its Vice-Chairman was Francis Reid. Members of its first Committee included David Hersey, Ralph Koltai, John Napier, Timothy
O'Brien and Patrick Roberston. It had its origins in the earlier Society of British Theatre Lighting Designers, formed in 1963. It started life with the object of deciding on the most appropriate union to negotiate for designers. Since
then it has developed and diversified. It aims to enhance the standing of British theatre design at home and abroad. One example of this is the organisation every four years of an exhibition of theatre design which, in part, also represents Britain
at the International Quadrennial in Prague; but as a professional and social organisation it is best placed to support us in our working lives.
SBTD & EQUITY
The SBTD provides a valuable and complimentary service to that of Equity * but our remits and capabilities are nevertheless distinct. As the
union representing set, costume, lighting and sound designers Equity has put in place a series of contracts of employment dedicated to the concerns of
designers working in theatre - with the ITC (Independent Theatre Council), the TMA (Theatrical Management Association
- regional, national and commercial theatre, opera and dance companies) and SOLT (Society of London Theatres - West End and
London). Equity provides protection of designers' basic rights in these circumstances, as well as numerous welfare benefits and legal support.
You may join as a student or graduate from a recognised course, or as a practising designer. Early membership ensures protection of your
professional name plus advice and support at a critical point in your career. Stage designers are recommended to join both organisations.
* Equity: http://www.equity.org.uk (UK theatre workers' trade union.)
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CONTACTS & INFORMATION
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BLUE PAGES
The Society's quarterly newsletter Blue Pages keeps in touch with members regularly and directly. It covers news, guidance notes and
advice on contracts and working practice, as well as details of events, exhibitions and recent publications.
INFORMATION & GUIDES
- You and Your Agent
- Copyright Clauses
- Credits for the Designer
- Drawing Sheets
- Expenses Claimable Against Tax
- Finding Work
- Guide Contracts and Fees
- Professional Practice
- Tax, NI and Social Security
- United Scenic Artists - working in America
THIS WEB SITE
Now established as a national database for the profession containing:
- DESIGNERS' REGISTER with contact details for designers including details of AGENTS, and designers' biographies - all members may also include visual images of their work. This information is regualarly used by casting agents and directors.
- ASSISTANT DESIGNERS REGISTER with details of designers available for work as assistants.
- GALLERY of production images - set, costume and lighting designs - a 24 hour portfolio.
- EDUCATION AND TRAINING opportunities in the profession.
- NEWS of SBTD exhibitions, programmes and other events.
- LINKS to relevant web sites, picture libraries, galleries, museums etc.
THE REGISTER OF ASSISTANT DESIGNERS
Designee members who work regularly as assistants can add their details to the Register of Assistant Designers. This is distributed to all members with each copy of Blue Pages, and is available online.
PUBLICATIONS
The SBTD has published or collaborated on the following publications - members' work is included in each:
- Collaborators, UK Design for performance 2003-2007
- 2D>3D Design for theatre and performance (2002)
- Time + Space, design for performance 1995-1999 (1999) out of print
- Make SPACE! (1994 + 1996) out of print
- British Theatre Design: the modern age (1991)
- British Theatre Design '83-'87 (1987) - out of print
- British Theatre Design '79-'83 (1983) - out of print
These are some of the few books to consider and record contemporary British Theatre Design.
DIRECTORY OF SCENIC CONTRACTORS
The SBTD publishes a directory of scenic, prop and costume contractors, suppliers and services. A section of the directory is researched and
distributed to members as it is updated. Sections are designed to be filed in an A4 ring-binder for quick reference.
MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS
The SBTD organises occasional meetings and discussions on subjects affecting the industry. Topics have included:
- Designers - Directors Forum
- Teaching Stage Design - the next generation
- CAD for performance design
- 'In Conversation' series with eminent designers
OISTAT AND OVERSEAS
The SBTD contributes to OISTAT*, the international body which links designers, technicians and theatre architects in all member countries.
National centres host the annual meetings of each of the specialist commissions. SBTD members can therefore participate in Scenography, Education, History & Theory, Architecture, Technology and Publications
Commissions meetings held in diverse parts of the world.
*OISTAT:
Organisation Internationale de Scénografes, Techniciens et Architectes de Théâtre
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EXHIBITIONS
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The Prague Quadrennial
The Prague Quadrennial exhibition of theatre and stage design takes place every four years with entries from around 40 countries. The SBTD co-ordinates both the British national and design courses entries. In 1979, 1991 and 2003 Britain was awarded the coveted Golden Triga; and in 1995 we won the Gold Medal -
a firm endorsement of the continuing quality of our members' work. The selection of designs is usually made at an open exhibition in Britain a few months in advance. The last open exhibition was Collaborators: UK Design for Performance held in Nottingham in January 2007. Work from this exhibition was shown at PQ'07
and was re-curated into a larger Collaborators exhibition on display in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, until November 2008. The next PQ is in 2011.
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MEMBERSHIP
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The Society was created to benefit designers and their profession - to explore and further the role of the designer within the arts today. It offers:
- A professional organisation run by designers for the benefit of designers
- Access to an international network of designers
- Access to information: registers of agents, production personnel and theatre suppliers
- Participation in SBTD exhibitions
- Publication of designers' work in catalogues
- Access to training and seminars
The Society is incorporated within the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) but retains its identity and membership.
Subscribers receive both SBTD and ABTT mailings and assume Associate Membership of the ABTT.
Membership is open to any theatre designer - set, costume lighting or sound designer - working professionally. 'Student' membership is also available at a concessionary rate for those on design courses and for a further five full years after graduation.
Annual membership runs from 1st January.
All members may exhibit up to three pictures of their work and a short biography on this web site. There is no additional charge for this service.
Click HERE for notes on making submissions to the website.
Click HERE for a Submissions Form to print out and mail.
Please send your application for membership to the ABTT administrator, Helena Easton.
CLICK HERE FOR A MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM IN .pdf FORMAT TO PRINT OUT AND MAIL.
PLEASE NOTE 
Both the ABTT and the SBTD are Registered Charities and, as such, can reclaim the income
tax you have already paid on the value of your subscription, which is considered as a donation. It will cost you nothing, but will provide both organisations with valuable extra funds to carry out the work they do on behalf of the theatre industry.
Click HERE for a 'Gift Aid' form in .pdf format to print out and enclose with your Membership Application.
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SBTD COMMITTEE
| Christopher Baugh* | Terry Brown* |
| Steven Brown | Kate Burnett |
| Greer Crawley | Ada Gadomsky |
| Sophie Jump | Iona McLeish* |
| Fred Meller | Roma Patel |
| John Risebero | Peter Ruthven Hall |
| Ian Teague | |
| | |
| Hon. Secretary: | Kate Burnett |
| Company Secretary: | Peter Ruthven Hall |
| OISTAT Scenography Commissioner: | Richard Hudson |
| OISTAT Education Commissioner: | Sean Crowley |
| ABTT Administrator: | Helena Easton |
| Webmaster: | Colin Winslow |
| * COMPANY DIRECTORS | |
The Society of British Theatre Designers
Fourth Floor, 55 Farringdon Road, London EC1M 3JB
Telephone: 020 7242 9200 - Fax: 020 4242 9303
Membership & subscription enquiries: office@abtt.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 800638