Application Deadline:
ABTT Virtual Ideas Platform
Sunday 1 November 2026 at 23:59
Theatre runs on ingenuity. Every day, people working behind the scenes find clever fixes, better tools and new ways of doing things, and too often those ideas go unrecognised. The ABTT Virtual Ideas Platform exists to change that!
This opportunity is for anyone studying or working in theatre production roles, including stage management, automation, sound, lighting, design, scenery, costume, hair & makeup, and props.
Key Info
- There are two award categories: Industry / Students & Recent Graduates.
- Each winner receives £1,500 seed funding, ABTT membership, and development support.
- Winners will be invited to showcase their idea at the ABTT Theatre Show.
- Application deadline: Sunday 1 November 2026 at 23:59.
- Late entries will not be accepted.
Industry Award
2+ years in the industry
Student & Recent Graduate Award
Under 2 years in the industry
Details
We welcome submissions from anyone with an idea and the ambition to develop it, regardless of background, age or career stage.
Whether technical, conceptual or practical, early stage or fully formed, if your idea could positively impact the future of theatre production, we want to hear from you.
Fill in the short online form with a title and brief description of your idea, and add any supporting material, e.g. a pencil sketch, a voice note, a 3D drawing, or a video.
Industry Award: For professionals currently working in theatre or live events, at any stage of their career. If you are actively working in the industry and have more than two years of experience, this is the category for you.
Student & Recent Graduate Award: For those at the beginning of their careers, including current students, apprentices, recent graduates, or anyone with less than two years of industry experience. If you are just entering the industry, you should apply in this category.
The Virtual Idea Platform is being developed by the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) in partnership with the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.
Apply
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If you’d like to find out more about Innovation Studio, our work and how to get involved, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you.
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