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ABTT special bursaries for their Bronze Award

These bursaries are the kind gift of Heather, widow of Nick van Wijk. Nick spent nearly all his working life in West End Theatres covering all genres: Opera, Ballet, Musicals, Repertory and straight plays. His final position, which he much enjoyed, was that of Master Carpenter at the Aldwych Theatre in London from 1994 - 2003. Nick always took great pleasure in passing on his stage technical knowledge to the next generation as well as keeping everyone laughing at his theatrical stories.

Applications are invited for the ABTT Bronze Award* Technical Training Bursary from freelancetechnicians who have not undertaken any recognised theatre technical course and can meet the following criteria:

1. Over eighteen years of age.

2. Resident within the United Kingdom

3. Currently working professionally back-stage as a freelance

4. Able to attend the course dates:

 The application form and details of the bursary and how to apply can be downloaded from this page - at the top of this page's right hand column!

Saturday & Sunday 9 & 10 January; Saturday & Sunday 16 & 17 January and Sunday 24 January 2009, to be held at

The Eastwood Theatre,

Rayleigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 5UU

5. Complete the full award, which includes a multi-choice test

6. Prepared to meet all other expenses such as travel and accommodation.

Apply in writing giving your name, address and your date of birth together with, in no more than

200 words, reasons why you should be considered for this award. You should be in a good state

of health and any disabilities should be declared.

Please supply the name, address and telephone number of a theatre practitioner willing to give a reference.

There are two bursaries available under the scheme, which is designed to support the professional

development of practitioners in technical theatre. Each bursary for £580 is intended to cover the

cost of taking the ABTT Bronze Certificated Award*, associated qualification and certificate.

The award is made up of five elements. Each element takes one day:

• Electrical Fundamentals – introduction to stage electrics: first line maintenance

• Portable Appliance Testing – specific to theatre

• Knots & Splicing – essential every technician has an understanding of knots and ropes

• Fundamentals of Flying – formal training on how to handle and operate such equipment

• Manual Handling – an essential element in all stage activities

• Multi-choice question paper

The final decision rests with the ABTT Training and Education Committee.

Applications should be received no later than Monday 21 December 2009

and should be addressed to:

Nicholas F van Wijk Bursary, ABTT, 55 Farringdon Road, London EC1M 3JB