Things To Know About Curtains

Theatre curtains come in a wide variety of styles

, sizes, fabrics and colours. They are used in venues like theatres, concert halls, and opera houses, performing art centres, school halls and churches. The most important stage drape is the front-of-house curtain, which is the visual barrier between the audience and the stage. In smaller theatres this often consists of two curtains that part horizontally, while in large theatres they can raise vertically. There are other types of opening including Venetian curtains that have lift lines across the rear that raise the curtain by gathering it up from the bottom, Austrian curtains that have the fabric hanging in swags between the lift lines, and contour curtains which have lift lines that can be independently raised and lowered to give the curtain opening different shapes.

Front-of-house curtains are often made of velvet or velour, which provides a plush appearance and is good at blocking sound and light. Occasionally satin is used where sheen is desired, and metallic weaves can be added for a glittering appearance. These fabrics are lighter than velvet and will require lining. Heavy weight wool is another option as it is good at sound deadening and is durable. From a safety viewpoint it is also a good idea to consider flame retardant material.

Other types of stage curtains include valance curtains, teasers, backdrop curtains, cycloramas, masking curtains, stage gauze and scrims. A valance is a short horizontal masking curtain which is traditionally made from the same material as the front-of-house curtain. It frames the stage and adds a touch of elegance. Teasers and tormentors are placed upstage of the proscenium arch to reduce the opening, or to reshape it. They can be fixed or movable.

Backdrop curtains are hung at the back of the stage and are typically made of seamless cotton fabric. These are painted to provide scenery. Cycloramas are large curtains positioned at the back of the stage area that are used for projection and lighting effects. They are often concave in shape and are a way to add artistic expression to the stage. Masking curtains are drapes that conceal objects and can be used to create moods and allow sets to be changed quickly. They include borders, tabs and legs. Legs are wing curtains used to conceal the side of the stage from the audience where performers can enter and exit. Borders hide lighting and equipment such as pulleys that are above the stage. Tab curtains are intermediate curtains to divide the stage into sections and can also be used to conceal backdrops and equipment at the rear of the stage. Stage gauze and scrims are made from open weave fabric and can be used to create theatrical effects. When the gauze is lit from the front it appears opaque.

There is no such thing as a standard set of theatre curtains as size, fabric and finishes all vary. Things to consider include height, width, fullness, pleating type, fabric options and lining. Next time you go to a theatre think about all the decisions that need to be made just to get the curtains!

by: Mit

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