Fabrics for Stage Drapery

Fabric and color can  be an important choice. Typically, a front setting is a color or even a decorative pattern, masking curtains are usually black. Specialty curtains such as cycloramas and scrim have their own unique fabrics. While many fabrics have been used for stage curtains throughout history, the most common is Velour. Its rich texture and ellegance combines looks, durability, opacity and even acoustical properties making it the 
The one thng that is common to all stage fabrics, in fact it is the law, is that they all are flame retardant. The National Guidelines are outlined in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 701 while some states, such as California, and municipalities like New York City or Boston, have additonal codes.  Flame retardant fabrics have several designations - Flame Retardant (FR), Inherently Flame Retardant (IFR) & Durably Flame Retardant (DFR). Typically FR cutains are cotton or another fabric that has been treated  with a solution. 

Velour has been around for many years. It is the standard for Stage Drapery. It is available in  traditional cotton or in a polyester. 

AVAILABLE COLORS:
            KM Fabrics (All weights, IFR & FR)
            JB Martin (All weights, IFR & FR)
            Encore (22oz & 15oz IFR)

Scrim is fabric with a very unique quality - when lit only from the front, it appears opaque but when lit from the back it appears nearly transparent. It can be used for reveals, dream sequences, memories and other cool effects.

Available in FR Cotton & IFR versions.

IHere are the "standard" colors available for Scrim (other colors may be available):

Muslin is the standard fabric used for cycloramas & drops. In Cotton, it is available in several sizes, colors and in both FR & NFR. In IFR, there are several options for seamed curtains and White Trevira Muslin is available for seamless cycloramas.

Here are the "standard" colors available for FR Cotton Muslin (other colors may be available):

Leno is also a fabric commonly used for cycloramas  It is only available in cotton. There are three standard colors like the cotton muslins. These colors are all flame retardant. Also, there is an untreated, natural colored scrim known as "painter's" leno.

Only available in FR Cotton.

Here are the colors available for FR Cotton Leno:

These are the "typical" stage curtain fabrics but certainly are not the only ones to have been used.  

Fabrics for Stage Drapery

Velour

Scrim

Muslin

Leno (filled scrim)