Buhnentechnische Rundschau

The Bühnentechnische Rundschau (BTR) is the world's first and so far only specialist journal that reports in-depth on all areas of theatre construction and technology as well as scenography

Current reports and features offer vivid insights into a multifaceted and modern industry – theater and event technology. BTR reports on all the latest technological developments in stage machinery, lighting, sound, and media technology, and also documents all major theater construction projects in Germany and around the world. BTR provides glimpses into the professional lives of people on and behind the stage and informs readers about the wide range of training and professional development opportunities available. The six regular issues of BTR are supplemented by an annual special issue focusing on a specific theme and by the product guide " Technology on Stage ." A digital edition is available as an e-paper.

The journal was founded in 1907 by the Association of German Stage Engineers. The technological revolution had also reached the theater around the turn of the century; first with electric stage lighting, then with the invention of the revolving stage and the cross stage – the stage became a three-dimensional space. The complex, machine-operated systems required new, qualified personnel and high safety standards.

"Raising the reputation of stage technicians, protecting intellectual property rights, and providing conscientious training for young professionals" were key objectives of the association, which also applied to BTR. The founders aimed to use BTR to publicize the tasks and achievements of stage technicians and to foster exchange among these still-emerging professions. Technical directors and engineers such as Max Hasait and Fritz Brandt, among others, contributed to making BTR the most important reference work in the industry – among other things, they documented the numerous new theater constructions of that era.

After the Second World War, in 1948, the BTR was re-established. Its "editor," as it was then called, was Professor Walter Unruh, who, as Technical Director and planner, significantly shaped the reconstruction of German theaters. As a co-founder of OISTAT (International Federation of Scenographers, Stage Technicians and Architects, founded in 1968) and its first president, he ensured an increasingly international focus for the Bühnentechnische Rundschau (Stage Technology Review). It simultaneously became the official publication of the professional association DTHG (German Theater Technology Society).

Helmut Großer, also Technical Director and later President of OISTAT, was editor of BTR from 1971 to 1998. Besides its international scope, he was particularly interested in conveying practical knowledge. The editors and authors have been Iris Abel, a graduate engineer in theatre and event technology, since 2001, and Julia Röseler since 2019.

BTR , as a current and expert publication, is indispensable for research and daily work – whether on stage, in theatre workshops or in the planning office.