Central hosts the 2024 MAKE A DiFFERENCE conference  

On Friday 12 April, Central was pleased to host the second edition of the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) MAKE A DiFFERENCE conference, a full day committed to finding proactive solutions to current industry issues. 

Centred on the theme of bridging the gap between education and industry, the conference was designed to be more than simply talking. Attendees were encouraged to take part and to share their thoughts, views, and ideas. By asking attendees to commit to taking action and developing strategies, it encouraged them to help come up with collective solutions to the issues discussed. 

This was the second MAKE A DiFFERENCE conference, following the inaugural event at the Albany Theatre. One of the key themes to come out of the last conference was solving our industry’s recruitment and retention crisis – through training and education. In response, this year’s theme focused on reviewing current training provisions within the industry and included support from academic theatre and production staff at Guildford School of Acting and Central. This provided the chance to facilitate continuing discussions and to encourage a more focused, proactive platform which encouraged actions and practical solutions. 

Training and education nurture the next generation of technicians who go out into the industry. The conference was a chance for those studying and working in education to share their knowledge of current trends, as well as the wants and needs of trainee backstage workers, whilst also giving the industry the opportunity to share what they need from teaching establishments. It was a day dedicated to communication, nurturing joined-up thinking and maintaining the vital link between how we train our future backstage workers and how they transition into industry.  

Learn more about the MAKE A DiFFERENCE conference by visiting the dedicated website. You can also find out more about the Association of British Theatre Technicians, including the ABTT Theatre Show and ABTT Seminars.