Stage automation in action: How STOBER powers “The Hunger Games: On Stage”

When audiences attend a live performance, they expect to be immersed in the story, not distracted by the technology behind it. For the production team behind The Hunger Games: On Stage, creating that seamless experience required an innovative stage automation solution capable of moving entire audience seating sections quietly, smoothly, and reliably.

To make it happen, Smart Axis Stage Engineering partnered with STOBER to develop a motion control system that allows massive seating platforms to move almost silently while carrying loads of up to 26 tons. The result is an immersive theater experience where advanced drive technology enhances the storytelling without drawing attention to itself.

Engineering an unforgettable audience experience

Adapted from Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novels and the blockbuster film franchise, The Hunger Games: On Stage transforms the world of Panem into a fully immersive, arena-style theatrical experience.

The production takes place in London’s Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, a £26 million venue purpose-built in just six months to host the groundbreaking show. Featuring aerial performances, live fire effects, LED walls, and a unique arena configuration, the production places audiences directly in the middle of the action.

Unlike a traditional theater, audience members aren’t simply spectators. Seating sections representing the districts of Panem become part of the performance itself, repositioning throughout the show to create new sightlines and perspectives. The effect is a more immersive and engaging experience that makes audiences feel like they’re part of the story.

Behind the scenes, making these massive seating sections move safely, smoothly, and silently required an advanced stage automation system capable of meeting some extraordinary performance demands.

The challenge: Move 26 tons without anyone noticing

Each movable seating block accommodates up to 112 audience members and handles dynamic loads of approximately 26 tons. While moving heavy loads is challenging on its own, the production team had another requirement: the audience shouldn’t notice the motion. The seating systems needed to glide quietly and seamlessly throughout the performance. Any excessive noise, vibration, or abrupt movement could break the illusion and distract from the immersive atmosphere the production was designed to create.

The challenge became even more complex when modifications to the theater design during construction reduced the available installation space. Smart Axis needed a compact, high-performance motion control solution that could deliver the required power, speed, and reliability within a significantly smaller footprint than originally planned.

The solution: Quiet, compact, and reliable motion control

Having successfully collaborated on previous entertainment industry projects, Smart Axis turned to STOBER for support.

Working together, the teams evaluated gearbox technologies and installation requirements to identify the optimal solution. The final design utilized STOBER K-Series helical bevel gearboxes, selected for their ability to deliver high torque capacity, precision motion control, and exceptionally quiet operation.

Three key features made the gearboxes particularly well-suited for the application:

• Helical gearing for smooth, low-noise operation
• A one-piece cast housing for exceptional torsional rigidity and durability
• Compact dimensions that fit within the project’s stringent space constraints (think underneath theater seats!)

The right-angle bevel gearbox design worked alongside multiple drive systems to move audience seating sections in a smooth, gliding motion that remained virtually undetectable to theatergoers. Smart Axis also utilized the STOBER Configurator throughout the design process, allowing engineers to quickly generate technical documentation, product data, and drawings as project requirements evolved.

Reliability when the show must go on

In live entertainment, reliability isn’t optional.

Every performance depends on equipment functioning flawlessly, night after night, in front of a live audience. The moving seating sections are central to the production experience, meaning there is little room for error and no tolerance for unexpected downtime.

To support these demands, STOBER supplied helical bevel gearboxes for multiple motion systems throughout the theater, including seating bank drive systems, drop-and-slide mechanisms, and perimeter lift applications. Together, these systems help create the immersive environment that distinguishes the production.

Just as important as performance was compliance. Smart Axis designs must meet rigorous safety requirements and European standards, making dependable, proven drive technology essential to every project. Throughout the design and installation process, STOBER provided engineering support, product expertise, and responsive service as Smart Axis navigated design changes and evolving project requirements. The ability to adapt quickly while maintaining performance, reliability, and safety helped contribute to the successful launch of the production.

Motion solutions beyond the factory floor

When people think of motion control solutions, they often picture manufacturing equipment, robotics, packaging machinery, or machine tools. Yet the same engineering principles that power industrial automation can also create unforgettable experiences.

At The Hunger Games: On Stage, STOBER helical bevel gearboxes help move audience seating sections weighing up to 26 tons with the quiet precision required for world-class entertainment. The project demonstrates how precision drive systems can solve complex motion challenges in applications far beyond the factory floor.

Whether powering production equipment, automated machinery, robotics systems, or immersive entertainment venues, STOBER delivers the motion control solutions engineers rely on when performance matters most.

Bringing innovative ideas to life

For The Hunger Games: On Stage, the audience experiences a thrilling, immersive production where the technology remains almost invisible. Spectators notice is the story unfolding around them, but they don’t notice the engineering required to move massive seating platforms safely, smoothly, and silently throughout the performance.

By combining innovative stage engineering with STOBER’s precision motion control technology, Smart Axis transformed an ambitious creative vision into reality. It’s a powerful reminder that great motion control doesn’t just move machinery. It creates experiences.

In an industry where maintenance teams spend their days responding to equipment problems, there may be no higher compliment.

Ready to solve your toughest motion challenge?

Whether you’re designing industrial machinery, packaging equipment, robotic systems, automated production lines, or a one-of-a-kind application, STOBER delivers precision gearboxes, motors, and motion control solutions engineered for performance, reliability, and flexibility.

Contact our team to discuss your application and discover how STOBER can help bring your next project to life.