Hot on the heels of several other announcements, show organisers have revealed details of another new feature at PLASA 2010. As previously reported on the IE newsletter, PLASA has already announced a new format for the Innovation Gallery and expanded ISCE and Springboard Pavilions, among other developments, ahead of this year’s PLASA Show, which will take place at London’s Earls Court from 12-15 September.
Now, in a further development, PLASA Events and The Theatres Trust have announced the first Ecovenue exhibition at this year’s Show, with a focus on sustainable practices and technologies for theatres and performing arts venues. Designed to showcase environmental efficiency practices being implemented across London theatres, this area of the show will profile developments at such esteemed venues as the Albany Theatre (Deptford), the Bush Theatre (Shepherd’s Bush), Chisenhale Dance Space (Bow), the Compass Theatre (Ickenham), Drill Hall (Bloomsbury), the Duchess Theatre (Westminster), the Finborough Theatre (West Brompton), the Little Angel Theatre (Islington), the Polka Theatre (Wimbledon) and Southwark Playhouse (Southwark).
In addition to profiling the venues, The Theatres Trust’s Ecovenue exhibition in Earls Court 2 will also feature technologies designed to improve the environmental footprint of theatres. The Theatres Trust will also contribute to Sustainability Tuesday and launch its first People’s Choice award for sustainable theatrical products to complement the existing PLASA Innovation Award for environmentally focused products. All exhibiting manufacturers at PLASA 2010 are invited, as part of an open call for entries, to put forward products to be considered for this Theatres Trust award. A vote will take place during the show, with the ensuing presentation to take place in the Ecovenue area at 6pm on 14 September.
Tim Atkinson of The Theatres Trust commented: “We know that from across the range of theatrical products, companies are identifying the enormous benefits to consumers, suppliers and the environment of placing sustainability at the very heart of good product design. Our Theatres Trust People’s Choice award will enable consumers to recognise these achievements, as well as investigate the products they can work with in the future.”
Nicola Rowland, director of events for PLASA, added: “We are delighted to support The Theatres Trust in profiling the Ecovenue project, and encourage all exhibitors and visitors to engage with the important issues and challenges of sustainability.”
For a Theatres Trust People’s Choice award application form, visit www.ecovenue.org.uk or e-mail [email protected].
Image credit: Chris Toulmin
