In 1961, the ABTT was started by a small enthusiastic group including Richard Pilbrow, whose main purpose was to raise technical standards in theatre. They collected and shared information with members, which we continue to this day. Such information includes theatre planning, stage machinery, lighting and sound equipment, acoustics, scenery construction, stage management and all aspects of live presentation.
Richard was a truly legendary icon of our industry and a founder of the concept of modern stage lighting. He blazed a trail of innovation, invention, and proactivity in the world of light and lighting which brought recognition and understanding of the discipline as well as of the power and importance of light in storytelling. He was passionate about everything he did, be it lighting a show, designing a new performance space, or writing a book. His legacy and influence will be inspirational to generations of future lighting professionals all over the world.
The Robe Family is honoured and humbled to be involved in A Sense of Theatre, and the story it tells of a groundbreaking theatrical phenomenon that continues to produce some of the finest, most relevant and significant performance works for all audiences.
For decades Autograph Sound have been privileged to work with the National Theatre, at their London homes and on many of their touring productions - in a coincidental synchronicity, both organisations celebrated their 50th anniversaries in 2023. Autograph are honoured to support this unique historical record of our National Theatre.
Richard Pilbrow was a brilliant lighting practitioner and author whose books provide an important lighting education to those across our industry, both experienced professionals and students alike. Continuing education was important to our founder, Fred Foster and has been a core foundation of ETC’s corporate culture since the beginning. We’re proud to help enable the publication of this seminal work by an industry giant.
Steeldeck® platforms were invented in the UK back in 1985 at a scenery company. They were born from a need to have a stage system which could be durable and strong, but easy to set up. Previously, stages had been built from wood frames with plywood tops, which did not have a long life, and so were not suitable for a rental market.
Richard’s inexhaustible curiosity and people-first approach to design are evidenced in every project he touched, every new initiative launched, and every individual he championed. The National is an indelible example of that spirit. We’re moved to celebrate his legacy in this wonderful story and to cherish his influence on our community now and into the future.