diff --git a/src/as/com/threerings/flash/MediaContainer.as b/src/as/com/threerings/flash/MediaContainer.as
index 5ebb1bf5..20da7d91 100644
--- a/src/as/com/threerings/flash/MediaContainer.as
+++ b/src/as/com/threerings/flash/MediaContainer.as
@@ -179,6 +179,16 @@ public class MediaContainer extends Sprite
         didShowNewMedia();
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Sets whether this MediaContainer automatically shuts down when removed
+     * from the stage. By default this is not enabled.
+     */
+    public function setShutdownOnRemove (enable :Boolean = true) :void
+    {
+        var fn :Function = enable ? addEventListener : removeEventListener;
+        fn(Event.REMOVED_FROM_STAGE, handleShutdownOnRemove);
+    }
+
     /**
      * A place where subclasses can initialize things prior to showing new media.
      */
@@ -590,6 +600,15 @@ public class MediaContainer extends Sprite
         stoppedLoading();
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Handle shutting us down when we're removed. Only called if
+     * setShutdownOnRemove() was enabled.
+     */
+    protected function handleShutdownOnRemove (event :Event) :void
+    {
+        shutdown();
+    }
+
     /**
      * Configure the mask for this object.
      */