The Theatres Trust is pleased to announced at the ABTT Theatre Show 2012 that entries are open for The Theatres Trust’s third annual People’s Choice Award.

Entertainment industry manufacturers and suppliers are invited to enter one of their products for the People’s Choice Award. Products need to be making a difference to theatres sustainability, either through design, manufacture or operation.

Selection takes place at PLASA 2012 running from 09 – 12 September at Earls Court, London, where shortlisted products are displayed on The Theatres Trust’s stand and visitors to the show cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award.

Visitors to stands at both the ABTT Theatre Show 2012 and PLASA 2012 can also find information on the Trust’s European Regional Development Fund-backed ‘Ecovenue’sustainability project, which has been improving the sustainability of 48 London performing arts venues.

At PLASA 2012, after three days of visitor voting, the award will be presented to the winner on The Theatres Trust’s stand at a reception at 1700 on Tuesday 11 September. The presentation of the Award will mark the culmination of PLASA’s sustainability series of related Education Programme events that day.

In 2011 those shortlisted included Core Lighting, ETC, Martin Professional, Philips, ROBE and Robert Juliat. Last year PLASA visitors voted Global Design Solutions’ArcSystem the overall winner.  Matt Lloyd, of Global Design Solutions, which also took the 2010 prize, said “The People’s Choice Award is so important as it’s voted for by people in the industry – the people who actually use the equipment. It’s great for public relations, and a morale booster for the company.”

PLASA Chief Executive Officer & Director of Events, Matthew Griffiths, said “The Theatres Trust People’s Choice Award provides a chance for people in the industry to support the commitment shown by manufacturers to issues of sustainability in theatre and live entertainment. An award that is voted for by the theatre community carries real value to the companies dedicated to making a sustainable difference.”

Tim Atkinson, leading on delivery of the Ecovenue project, said “It was a closely fought competition last year. The enthusiasm of the visitors that voted demonstrated that improved product sustainability is high in the mind of users, buyers and manufacturers. I look forward to a competition just as close this year, with entries from a range of companies spanning the entertainment industry.”

Manufacturers or suppliers who wish to enter may pick up an entry form from The Theatres Trust stand at the ABTT Theatre Show 2012, or visit www.theatrestrust.org.uk