Definition of stage automation: the use of electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic power to move stage machinery, staging, performer flyers or scenery, which would have been traditionally operated by stagehands and flymen.
Automation, a modern engineering solution, is controlled via a system of sophisticated hardware and software that is programmed to perform specific tasks. The advantages of stage automation far outweigh any disadvantages.
Stage automation may be referred to as theatre automation, stage engineering, theatre engineering, live performance automation, entertainment automation, technical theatre, whole house automation, stage effects or a whole variety of other generic terminologies that have sprung up organically in the entertainment industry.
Power flying and performer flying are also commonly used to describe two widespread types of automation installation, involving the movement of stage elements or performers respectively.