Automated fly bar operator

Automated fly bar operators control the movements of sets and other elements in a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Automated fly bar operators prepare and supervise the setup, program the equipment and operate automated fly bar systems, rigging systems or systems for horizontal movement. Their work is based on plans, instructions and calculations. The manipulation of heavy loads close to or above performers and audience makes this a high risk occupation.

Includes rigging operators.
Includes people working in event and rental activities.

Automated fly bar operators typically perform the following duties:

• Collaborate with the stage manager, production team, and technical staff to understand the specific requirements and cues for each production.
• Inspect and maintain the fly system, checking ropes, pulleys, rigging equipment, and safety mechanisms for proper functionality and safety compliance.
• Assist with the installation and setup of the fly system, including rigging and securing scenery, props, and lighting fixtures.
• Attend technical rehearsals and performances, operating the fly system to lift, lower, and fly in/out various scenic elements as required by the production.
• Operate the automated fly system console, following cues from the stage manager and executing precise movements and timing for each scene change.
• Communicate with the stage manager and other crew members via headset or communication system to ensure coordinated and synchronized fly system operations.
• Coordinate with other departments, such as lighting and audio, to ensure the smooth integration of flying scenery and equipment with other technical elements.
• Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of the fly system, identifying and addressing any issues or malfunctions promptly.
• Assist with the training and supervision of crew members or fly operators during load-in, load-out, and performances.
• Adhere to safety protocols and guidelines, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment inspections, and safe operating procedures.
• Assist with the load-in and load-out process, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of scenery and equipment in and out of the performance space.
• Collaborate with the stage crew and technical departments to maintain a clean and organized backstage area, ensuring smooth transitions and scene changes.
• Participate in production meetings and rehearsals to provide input and insight regarding the fly system’s capabilities, limitations, and any special requirements.

The following job titles also refer to automated fly bar operator:

automation operator & programmer
lead automation operator
automated fly bar technician
automation programmer & operator
theatre automated rigging operator
automation programmer and operator
stage automation operator
automation operator and programmer

Automated fly bar operators primarily work in theaters, concert venues, or other performance spaces. They often work long hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to accommodate rehearsal and performance schedules. The work environment can be physically demanding, involving climbing ladders, working at heights, and operating heavy rigging equipment. Automated fly bar operators must have good spatial awareness and coordination to ensure safe and precise movements of scenery and equipment. They must be able to work well as part of a team and communicate effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

There are no specific educational requirements to become an automated fly bar operator, but practical experience in theater production or fly system operation is highly valued. Knowledge of rigging techniques, safety procedures, and working at heights is essential. Automated fly bar operators should have a solid understanding of theater terminology, cueing systems, and stagecraft. Familiarity with automated fly systems, computerized consoles, and related control software is necessary. They should possess strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work calmly under pressure. Ongoing training and staying updated on industry standards and safety practices are important in this role.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Automated fly bar operator is a Skill level 3 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to automated fly bar operator.

stage machinist
followspot operator
video operator
scenery technician
video technician

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of automated fly bar operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of automated fly bar operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

mask maker
video designer
puppet designer
technical director
programme funding manager

These skills are necessary for the role of automated fly bar operator.

• Draw up artistic production: File and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.
• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
• Understand artistic concepts: Interpret an artist’s explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.
• Set up technical stage equipment: Install mechanical and technical stage equipment. Test the installation to make sure everything is in working order.
• Safeguard artistic quality of performance: Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.
• Maintain moving constructions on stage: Check, maintain and repair electrical and mechanical elements of stage elevators and stage traps.
• Write risk assessment on performing arts production: Assess risks, propose improvements and describe measures to be taken on a production level in performing arts.
• Perform quality control of design during a run: Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run.
• Communicate during show: Efficient communication during live performance, anticipate any possible malfunctioning.
• Adapt artistic plan to location: Adjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.
• Prevent technical problems with stage equipment: Anticipate possible problems with mechanical and electromechanical stage equipment.
• Operate stage movement control system: Operate control systems for stage movement, e.g. flying mechanisms. Use manual or electric systems.
• Use personal protection equipment: Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
• Adapt to artists’ creative demands: Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.
• Maintain stage equipment for horizontal movement: Execute maintenance activities on electro-mechanical equipment for horizontal movement on stage level.
• Prepare personal work environment: Correct settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.
• Interact with actions on stage: Take cues from actions on the stage and interact with them. Decide on the exact timing and procedure in a live environment, in order to produce a fluid and consistent performance.
• Operate automated stage movement control system: Operate an automated controlling system for stage movement and flying systems. Prepare and program the system including multiple synchronised movements.
• Draw up stage layouts digitally: Draw and design stage settings and layouts using software like CAD.
• Use communication equipment: Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.
• Translate artistic concepts to technical designs: Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.
• Support a designer in the developing process: Support designers in the course of the developing process.
• Organise resources for artistic production: Coordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.
• Manage personal professional development: Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders.
• Work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision: Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.
• Work with respect for own safety: Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.
• Interpret artistic intentions: Interpret the artistic intentions of the author.
• Consult with stakeholders on implementation of a production: Consult with different people and groups who hold a stake in the production. Be on the same page on the practical side of the production, and keep them up to date.
• Mark the information from the ground plans on the stage area: Interpret the designs and other scenic drawings to clearly mark the information from the ground plans to the stage area.
• Use technical documentation: Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
• Prevent technical problems with flying equipment: Anticipate technical issues with flying equipment and prevent them where possible.
• Keep up with trends: Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.
• Set up equipment in a timely manner: Make sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of automated fly bar operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Monitor developments in technology used for design: Identify and explore recent developments in technology and materials used in the live performance industry, in order to create an up-to-date technical background for one’s personal design work.
• Manage technical resources stock: Manage and monitor technical resources stock to ensure that production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.
• Lead a team: Lead, supervise and motivate a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and with the foreseen resources in mind.
• Provide documentation: Prepare and distribute documentation to ensure all people involved in the production receive relevant and up-to-date information.
• Perform first fire intervention: Intervene in the case of a fire in order to extinguish the fire or limit the effects pending the arrival of emergency services according to training and procedures.
• Update design results during rehearsals: Updating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated.
• Plan teamwork: Plan the working schedule of a group of people in order to meet all time and quality requirements.
• Assemble performance equipment: Set up sound, light and video equipment on stage before performance event according to specifications.
• Advise client on technical possibilities: Recommend technical solutions, including systems, to the client within the framework of a project.
• Assemble the rehearsal set: Put together all prepared scenic elements to prepare the rehearsal set.
• Coach staff for running the performance: Give instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance.
• Keep personal administration: File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
• Promote yourself: Market one’s own strengths in terms of skills and knowledge.
• Assemble scenic elements on stage: Assemble scenic elements, dance and stage floors and stage cloths, based on written documents
• Dismantle the rehearsal set: Take apart all prepared scenic elements after the rehearsal.
• Handle scenic elements during rehearsal: Handle and assemble equipment and scenery material during rehearsal or on stage.
• Develop professional network: Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.
• Adapt existing designs to changed circumstances: Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.
• Document your own practice: Documenting your own work practice for different purposes like assessment, time management, job application etc.
• Maintain system layout for a production: Establish a workable layout for the system you manage and maintain it for the duration of a production.
• Maintain control systems for automated equipment: Check, maintain and repair electrical and electronic elements. Check and update software of automated equipment.
• Store performance equipment: Safely dismantle sound, light and video equipment after a performance event. Make sure the equipment is correctly stored away.
• Follow safety procedures when working at heights: Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.

3435 – Other artistic and cultural associate professionals

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References

1. Automated fly bar operator – ESCO