Prepare and set up automation and stage machinery for theatre and live productions

URN: SKSTTL17
Business Sectors (Suites): Theatre and Live Productions – Technical
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on: 2025

Overview

This standard is about preparing and setting up specialist automation equipment and stage machinery, including electrical and hydraulic drives, winches, hoists, stage elevators, traps, revolves and associated controls.

This will involve ensuring the automation systems including control and mechanical, are integrated effectively with the overall system, and testing these are operating in line with production requirements and organisational procedures.

This will also involve working in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice and industry standards at all times.

This standard is for Automation technicians and Scenic automation technicians.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. interpret technical drawings to plan set up requirements
  2. collate system axis lists and understand operational limits
  3. check the automated systems and components to make sure everything is available for use
  4. assemble automated equipment for moving scenery, sets or performers in line with industry standards and production requirements
  5. use safe handling, lifting and lowering techniques in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice
  6. identify and deal with issues whilst setting up automated systems, components and machinery in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice
  7. test automated equipment for moving scenery, sets or performers in line with industry standards
  8. undertake and record agreed validation tests following safety protocols
  9. identify and address any discrepancies during validation test
  10. confirm that stage or set machinery is safe and compliant

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. principles of automation systems, including control and mechanical components
  2. how to read and interpret technical drawings to set up the automation system(s)
  3. how to check that all the components are available as planned
  4. the procedures and techniques for safe manual handling, lifting and lowering
  5. who the person responsible for the automation and stage machinery operation and giving instructions is
  6. why it is important to take instructions from that person only
  7. the agreed procedures for system testing and validation
  8. safety protocols to be used during operational testing
  9. failure analysis techniques and contingency planning
  10. the organisation’s safety and communications protocol for automation operation
  11. the issues that may occur when working with automated systems, components and machinery and how to deal with these
  12. how to make sure that the system works without excessive wear
  13. the importance of leaving the work area safe and tidy and how to do so
  14. legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice and industry standards concerning the setting up and installation of automated systems, components and machinery

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

2028

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

ScreenSkills

Original URN

SKSTTL17

Relevant Occupations

Technical Supervisor , Technical Manager, Head Technician, Automation technician

SOC Code


Keywords

prepare; set up; automation; stage machinery, theatre and live productions;