The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland has joined a UK-wide initiative to drive innovation in the live performance industry, partnering with the Association of British Theatre Technicians and Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

The ABTT Virtual Ideas Platform (VIP) exists to spotlight and support boundary-pushing ideas that challenge how theatre is made, experienced and sustained.

Developed by the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) in partnership with the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and joined this year by RCS, the platform is open to all who study or work in theatre and live events industries.

It invites submissions from anyone with an idea and the ambition to develop it, regardless of background, age or career stage.

Deborah Keogh, Head of Engagement at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, said: “This new partnership underscores RCS’s continued commitment to championing emerging voices in the live performance sector.

“There is so much innovation bubbling within this community of theatre technicians, and the Virtual Ideas Platform is a terrific bridge to transformative opportunities.”

Sian Brittain, Director of Enterprise (Interim) at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, said: “The ABTT Virtual Ideas Platform is an inspiring initiative that champions the creative and technical innovation at the heart of our industry.

“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with ABTT and to welcome the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland into the collaboration as we strive to help emerging voices and inventive ideas find their place and influence in the future of live performance.”

The Virtual Ideas Platform is open to anyone studying or working in theatre and live events to share their ideas, no matter how early or speculative.

A new award category specifically for students, apprentices and recent graduates has been introduced this year, recognising the value of emerging voices and fresh thinking in shaping the future of the sector.

The new award runs alongside the existing ‘Idea of the Year’ award and offers a dedicated opportunity for early-career creatives to share ideas and gain industry recognition.

RCS Sound Lecturer Clare Hibberd and Lighting Lecturer Christoph Wagner are joining this year’s judging panel of industry professionals, technologists, and educators to select the most promising submissions. Selected finalists will receive support in the form of:

• 1-year membership to the ABTT
• Mentorship and introductions to potential collaborators
• Showcase opportunities at the annual ABTT Trade Show and on the ABTT website
• Access to expert advice in Intellectual Property, Patents, and Business Models

In addition, category winners will receive seed funding and development support

Last year, the ‘Idea of the Year’ Award was presented to Steve Macluskie, who teaches on the Production Technology and Management degree at RCS, and Toby Cass, who graduated from the programme in 2024, for their Beam Strap invention.

A lightweight alternative to traditional beam clamps, it is designed to make rigging lighter loads safer and more efficient. Read the full story here.

If you have an idea, big or small, that could change how live performance is made, we want to hear from you!

To find out more or submit your idea, visit: https://abttvip.com

The deadline for submission is Friday 5th December 2025, 11.59pm.