10 ways stage automation can revolutionise entertainment

Stage automation underpins the largest, most complex productions in the world, ensuring challenging scene changes can happen seamlessly at the touch of a button - bringing the drama to life without any ‘obvious’ stage management.

Stage automation helps theatres and entertainment venues meet the very different needs of productions – from lavish musicals to Shakespearean dramas - meaning they don’t need to hire-in expensive new gear for each show.

Automation significantly reduces the risk of injury from heavy lifting and repetitive activity and therefore makes processes safer and much more efficient. In the Netherlands, all manual rigging has been outlawed due to the safety risk.

Despite dressing in black, stage-hands can be a distraction to audiences as they move props between scenes – essentially disturbing the atmosphere and interrupting the audience’s perception of the performance. Automation makes this a thing of the past.

Scenery can become part of the action – programmed to move and interact with the performers, becoming part of the storytelling and creating more immersive experiences for the audience. This brings the process of creative direction and stage management much closer together.

Software presents an endless array of simultaneous programming possibilities; from rigging to orchestra lifts and wagon systems – doing more with fewer people involved, and frequently at the same time.

Stage automation helps maximise the capacity of venues because with less manual lifting and shifting, production changeovers speed up, allowing for more stage performances and the opportunity to generate increased revenues.

In many venues, space is at a premium, especially in old theatres with legacy structures. Stage automation systems are generally very compact and take up relatively little space – benefitting retro-fit and improving safety.

The portability of many stage automation control systems means more can be done for touring shows and for productions where fixed infrastructure is not available – for festivals or for entertainment on cruise ships or at theme parks for example.

Advances in motor design and high switching frequencies mean scenes can be hoisted completely silently throughout the theatrical performance, providing little or no interruption or change in atmosphere for the audience.