The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) has revealed Mig Burgess Walsh will sit alongside David Evans as co-chairs.
Walsh and Evans will succeed ARUP Senior Consultant, Richard Bunn, who has worked tirelessly since the start of his tenure in 2019, navigating the ABTT through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commenting on the role, Walsh said: “I am so pleased to begin this prestigious role with the ABTT. A role to which, quite frankly, I never thought I would ever be able to aspire given my mental health diagnosis. With David by my side as co-chair, I shall have tremendous support if and when I should need it. In fact, appointing co-chairs brings many inclusive and wellbeing advantages, we are each able to support one another, dividing the workload and bringing both our unique perspectives.”
Evans added: “The ABTT is an organisation crucial to the backstage industry and I am very proud to have been associated with it both as a member and as a trustee. The decision to have a Co-Chair rather than a single Chair is evidence that the ABTT does not give advice but sets the example. Like Mig I am busy, I am Head of Production at National Theatre Wales, an ambitious national producing company, I am a board member of the Lagos Theatre Festival, I have many commitments including being a parent, and could not do this without Mig’s support, or indeed the support of Robin, Elysia and Stuart and all the Trustees.”
He continued: “Mig brings her lighting and educational skills and I bring years of Production Management, operations and international work as well as a deep commitment to making theatre sustainably. Between us we hope we can help the ABTT continue advising and supporting our membership and to continue its integral role making the industry more collaborative and supportive to all who work in it.”
ABTT CEO, Robin Townley stated: “I am very pleased to welcome Mig and David as the first ever Co-Chairs of the ABTT Council of Management. The ABTT has been celebrating its sixtieth anniversary throughout 2021 and it is very exciting for the Council to have appointed Co-Chairs in our Diamond Jubilee year in order to guide the Association in what will be a crucial period for our industry. To have the combined commitment and perspective of two such experienced industry practitioners is a fantastic resource upon which the ABTT may draw as it continues to support and nurture the technical, production and capital design communities in theatre and live performance.
He added: “I very much look forward to working with both David and Mig to maintain and develop the essential work the ABTT undertakes: in providing standards for safe and compliant practice; training for new generations of practitioners and guidance, support and networks for everyone interested and involved in the production and presentation of live performance.”
At the ABTT’s AGM in early September this year, the results of the election of trustees were announced. Louise Birchall will return for a second term and joining council, as new trustee/directors, are Oliver Brown and Ben Stephen. The continuing trustees are Mig Burgess Walsh, Alexander Cann, Andy Franks, Peter Maccoy, Caroline Rouse, Nikki Scott, Emma Wilson and Anton Woodward.