Stage Drapery Types
Different curtains have different functions for the stage. They may be deocorative, they may mask areas that the audience is not supposed to see, they may absorb sound to reduce echo, or they may perform a combination of these. They can also be used in studios for these and otehr uses.
Below you will find a brief discussion of various types, their typical uses and some of the variety of names they are referred to as.
NAMES:
Front Valance, Main Teaser, Grand Border, any combination of these.
LOCATION:
Usually the furthest downstage curtain. Oftentimes, directly upstage of the proscenium.
Can be affixed directly to the building or can be hung from a pipe or truss.
PURPOSE:
To act in concert with the Front Curtain to "frame" the stage and add to the aethstetics of the space. Also often used to mask the overhead structure or electric directly upstage of the Front Setting.
Can also be highly decorative - PLEASE SEE DECORATIVE CURTAINS
NAMES:
Front Curtain, Main Traveler, Grand, Main Rag
LOCATION:
If a valance is used (see previous entry) it is typically just upstage of it. If no valance is used, usually can be found directly upstage of the proscenium.
Typically utilizes track - either on a pipe or "dead-hung" or can Guillotine.
PURPOSE:
This curtain is typically, but not always, a biparting traveler. When closed, it mask the stage from the audience. It is often drawn before the show, after the show and during act breaks or scene changes.
Can also be highly decorative -
PLEASE SEE DECORATIVE CURTAINS
NAMES:
Border, Overhead Masking, Teaser
LOCATION:
Usually there are more than one and they are placed as needed.
Typically hung from a pipe.
PURPOSE:
It is a short, wide curtain that is used to mask overhead structure, rigging (electrics) and flown scenery.
NAMES:
Leg, Side Masking, Tormentor, Tab
LOCATION:
It is a short, wide curtain that is used to mask overhead structure, rigging (electrics) and flown scenery. Usually there are more than one and they are placed as needed.
Typically hung from a pipe, track or a rotodraper.
PURPOSE:
A tall, narrow curtain usually used to mask the offstage wings and hide scenery.
- If it is parallel with thte front of the stage it is a leg.
- If it is perpendicular it is usually referred to as Tab or Side Masking.
- If it extends or forms the front setting and/or proscenium, it typically is called a Tormentor.
NAMES:
Traveler, Black Out
LOCATION:
One or more are used to section the stage into upstage/downstage areas.
Typically hung from a track. A Black Out may be hung directly to a pipe.
PURPOSE:
This curtain is typically, but not always, a biparting traveler. When closed, it masks the stage behind it from the audience. It is sometime used to hide scene changes.
When open, it is sometimes used as a Leg
NAMES:
Cyclorama, Cyc, Backdrop
LOCATION:
Usually made from muslin or a leno, it is is found, not always, towards the back of the stage.
Hung from a pipe, sometimes on a track.
PURPOSE:
A full heigh, full stage width curtain used for lighting, projection or is painted. It is at the back of the action.
NAMES:
Scrim
LOCATION:
Various
Typically hung from a pipe, rarely on track.
PURPOSE:
This curtain has very special properties. When lit from the front only, it appears opaque. When object behind it are lit, it almost becomes transparent.
Used for dreams, memories or other effects.
NAMES:
Acoustic, Variable Acoustic
LOCATION:
Usually in the seating area or overhead in the catwalks.
PURPOSE:
These curtains are used to absorb sound, to mitigate echoing and provide a "warm" atmospher for sound. Also, can be used to enhance the visual aspects of the seating area.
Of course, these aren't all the uses that stage curtains have. If your need isn't addressed above, please feel free to call us to discuss.
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