Head of Automation - The Hunger Games: On Stage

Job Title: Head of Automation - The Hunger Games: On Stage

Location: London – Canary Wharf

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract, performances are 6 days per week, evening and weekend work will be required.

Start Date: ASAP - October 2027

Salary: Competitive

Application Deadline: 27th July 2026

About Runaway Entertainment

Runaway Entertainment is an exciting and dynamic production company dedicated to crafting captivating theatrical experiences. Our passionate team is dedicated to providing unforgettable entertainment experiences and being at the forefront of theatre innovation.

We particularly welcome applications from people from backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in the theatre industry. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity and access, and to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to discuss access needs ahead of applying, please contact us at recruitment@runawayentertainment.com. We are committed to supporting accessible recruitment processes and inclusive working environments where everyone can thrive.

The Production

The first-ever theatre adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ internationally acclaimed book and Lionsgate’s motion-picture, The Hunger Games: On Stage opened at Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre in Autumn 2025, adapted by multi award-winning playwright Conor McPherson and directed by Matthew Dunster.

Job Description

As Head of Automation, you will take overall responsibility for the operation of all automated elements of the show, including moving seating banks, stage lifts and performer flying. You will lead the Automation Department, collaborating closely with the wider technical team to ensure the seamless integration of all elements with the production's technical requirements. You will be supported by two Deputy Heads of Automation, and are expected to provide strong leadership, training and oversight across all areas of the department.

Key Responsibilities

● Taking overall responsibility for the safe running and maintenance of all automated and mechanical elements of a technically complex production.

● Collaborating with Stage Management, Wardrobe, Performers and Technical teams to safely deliver all automation and flying elements, with particular attention to understudies, swings and costume integration.

● Overseeing and teaching all automation plots, and undertaking plots directly where necessary.

● Ensuring sufficient cross-training across the team so that all plots and tracks are covered during holiday or sickness absence.

● Attending all rehearsals, show calls, maintenance calls, get-ins, fit-ups and get-outs as required, including emergency calls in the event of equipment failure or other incident.

Automation

● Programming, maintaining and operating motorised stage machinery, including lifts and moving seating banks.

● Executing complex scene changes safely during live performances, ensuring all moving elements sync with creative designs while adhering to compliance standards.

● Taking overall responsibility for the inspection, maintenance and safe operation of all automated equipment and associated hardware, across rehearsals and performances.

● Leading the planning and execution of all automation requirements, ensuring compliance with inspection schedules, manufacturer guidance and approved safe systems of work.

Performer Flying

● Taking overall responsibility for harness selection, fitting, suitability assessment and ongoing inspection, ensuring safe integration with performers and costume requirements across the run, including for understudies and swings.

● Leading performer inductions and flying rehearsals, building confident and consistent working relationships with performers to ensure they feel safe and well-supported.

● Taking direct responsibility for the safe execution of all performer flying sequences during rehearsals and performances, and overseeing safe handover to trained team members as appropriate.

● Maintaining a comprehensive understanding of all performer flying rescue procedures, ensuring rescue equipment is operational, emergency response systems are rehearsed at appropriate intervals, and leading the department's response to any incident involving a suspended performer, equipment failure or system incident.

● Working within and maintaining approved risk assessments, rescue plans and safe systems of work, and escalating any concerns promptly.

Training and Development

● Supervising, mentoring and developing all members of the Automation Department.

● Leading training and competency assessment in performer flying, harness systems and rigging, ensuring team members are appropriately assessed before independently operating flying systems.

● Maintaining robust inspection processes, pre-show check regimes and maintenance reporting, and ensuring escalation of any safety concerns or equipment defects.

Essential Criteria

● Proven track record of managing the automation requirements of a technically complex, long-running show.

● Proven experience of managing a department, including line management, scheduling and training.

● Extensive experience of performer flying in a leading role, including harness fitting, rigging systems and rescue procedures.

● Experience of Absolute Motion Control and XMOVE.

● Calm under pressure with excellent problem-solving skills.

● Strong team leadership and interpersonal communication skills.

● A committed and proactive approach to health and safety best practice across all areas of the role, including working at height, harness systems and rigging operations.

How to Apply

The deadline for applying is midday on 27th July 2026

Please send upload your CV and cover letter as PDFs to the form below:

https://forms.gle/4MyDNuDvVQVSR7wv6

If you have any problems submitting your application, please email recruitment@runawayentertainment.com

We wish you all the best with your application.