BACKGROUND In 2002, the first Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference was held in London. The Conference attracted  more than 300 specialists from around the world and the papers and information from the conference were subsequently published in three books (TEAC1, 2 and 3), providing technical, architectural and production information about building for the performing arts. Enthusiasm and interest in a further Conference was considerable, and after a 4-year period to allow the development of a number of new buildings and installations, this was organised in June 2006. This time  more than 430 people attended, of which nearly 55% were from outside the UK and represented 31 countries, demonstrating the interest which is apparent in the UK's approach to the performing arts.     Volumes 1, 2 and 3 of Theatre Engineering and Architecture books are published by Theatrical Events Ltd and Volumes 4, 5 and 6 are published by Richard Brett; all the books are published on behalf of the Association of British Theatre Technicians (the ABTT), Fourth Floor, 55 Farringdon Road, London, EC1M 3JB Tel: +44 20 7242 9200  Email: office@abtt.org.uk The next Conference is specifically aimed at North American performing arts - North American NATEAC theatre engineering architecture July 20 & 21, 2008 Pace University, New York, NY

TEAC 4, 5 and 6, the three new books from Theatre Engineering and Architecture on the design, planning and running of all types of theatres, are out now. They are based on the 32 sessions and over 100 presentations given at the 2006 Conference. Fully illustrated, they contain the collective knowledge of many leading national and international theatre managers, consultants, architects, manufacturers and operational and technical personnel. WHO SHOULD BUY THEM? The information in TEAC 4, 5 and 6 provides a rich resource to anyone involved in planning, designing, equipping, building, managing or operating a theatre, opera house, concert or music venue, drama or dance house or a community or school venue. The three books cover a large amount of what you need to know about the business of planning, designing and operating performance spaces and their equipment. THE THREE NEW BOOKS ARE Volume 4 - Stage Engineering and Technology Volume 5 - Planning and Architecture Volume 6 - General and Management These three books have already been described as “the bible for performing arts projects for the next decade.” Another observation was “The accumulated knowledge and experience of the 100+ speakers in these books is amazing, awesome and humbling.” ALSO AVAILABLE TEAC 1, 2 and 3 have similar titles, again covering technology, planning and many of the myriad of issues that need to be understood before one can make properly-informed planning or operational decisions. TEAC 1, 2 and 3 complement the new books and offer many additional insights and useful information. Volume 1 - Engineering and Technology Volume 2 - Architecture and Planning Volume 3 - Operations, Safety, Cost and Risk CLICK ON INDIVIDUAL VOLUMES TO SEE CHAPTER HEADINGS AND EXAMPLES OF THE CONTENTS Note: text and pictures are copyright of ABTT and contributors