Stage Curtain Installation
Types of Stage Curtains
There are typically three primary curtain types for most stages:
Main Drape
There is usually a front curtain or main drape. It’s typically made of two panels that are attached to a track and separate from the center moving toward each side of the stage. This is called a Bi-parting traveler. Often there is a border or valence curtain of the same color just in front of the Main Drape.
Masking Curtains
Depending on the size of the stage, there may be a series of Legs and Borders. The Legs are narrow vertical panels on each side, masking the backstage area, while the Borders are horizontal panels above the stage, masking lighting, tracks, and pipes.
Backdrop Curtains
Usually there is some type of curtain at the rear of the stage. This might be a Cyclorama (“Cyc”) that is used as a backdrop for reflecting colored light or special effects. Additionally (or alternately), there is often a black curtain that is made up of one or two sections (a bi-parting curtain similar to the Main Drape).
Stage Curtain Flammability – Are your Curtains properly certified?
Stage Drapes and Curtains are required to pass NFPA 705, a fire resistance regulation. All curtains that Parlights supplies arrive with this certification from their manufacturer. Look for one of these terms on your curtains:
- IFR (Inherently Flame Resistant) — This means the fabric is made of fibers that will not burn under normal circumstances. A curtain that has been drenched with gasoline, for example, is no longer considered IFR. Examples of IFR fabrics are typically the poly fibers like Encore, Poly Scrim, Poly muslin, and Trevira Muslin.
- FR (Flame Resistant) — This means the fabric has been treated with a chemical immersion process to prevent combustion. These include the cotton fabrics used onstage like velour, cotton muslin and scrim, Leno, Commando and Duvetyn, and some manufactured fabrics as well. Because the solution is applied to the surface of the fabric, it will wear off in time. Most flame proofing chemicals are water based, and will be dissipated by high humidity, repeated cleaning, or other contact with water.
It’s important to note that FR certification is good for one year. Environmental challenges, high humidity, or a heavy coat of dust will reduce the flame retardancy of Stage Curtains.
Clean and repair or replace?
Eventually you need to make a tough choice regarding your curtains: whether to clean, repair and retreat, or replace them.
Frequently a drape that has hung for 10 years is worn to the point of no return.
Often, replacement cost vs. cleaning and/or treatment is the first consideration. Some fabrics, poly in particular, can (technically) be cleaned…though the cost to do so is often prohibitive. Others, including cotton velvet or velour, cannot be cleaned. You should also consider the time involved: the turn around time for new curtains is about a month, which is about the same amount of time required to clean, retreat, and dry your existing curtains.
We find the vast majority of customers opt for new curtains.
What type of fabric should I use?
Typically, the Main Drape and Valance are made of Velour – which is made of either Cotton or Synthetic material. Velours are available in many different weights with several factors determining which weight may be appropriate. These factors can include light blockage, sound absorption, environmental conditions, and budget. One of our salespeople will be happy to help you determine which weight will satisfy the needs of your stage at a reasonable cost.
Masking Drapes, the Legs and Borders, are often made of velours as well, though there are other less expensive options available.
A Backdrop or Cyc is typically made of seamless muslin.
What is Fullness?
Fullness is the amount of fabric sewn into a linear foot of the drape.
- If a curtain is sewn with 0% fullness it is referred to as “flat”.
- Curtains with added fullness (or a pleated look) will have 50%, 75%, or 100% fullness pleated into the drape.
- For a curtain with 50% fullness, 18” of fabric will be pleated down to 12”
- For a curtain with 75% fullness, 21” of fabric will be pleated down to 12”
- For a curtain with 100% fullness, 24” of fabric will be pleated down to 12”
Normally stage curtains will have some fullness added, though masking drapes (legs and borders) can be sewn flat. Cycs, Scrims, and Drops are almost always sewn flat.
Should the drape be lined?
Lining is used primarily for three reasons:
- To provide light blockage
- To provide a level of protection to the drape
- To have the rear of the drape look finished
Lining does add cost to the drape but discussion with one of our salespeople can determine whether lining is a necessity.
What type of top, side, and bottom finish is needed?
Top Finish
The top finish is usually determined by how the drape is suspended. If the drape is capable of moving (or “traveling”), that means it is suspended from a traveler track. This will require a finish of s-hooks or snaps to connect the drape to the track. If the drape hangs without being capable of moving, ties are typically the appropriate choice.
Side Finish
Side finishes are typically a 2” side hem, though there are situations when a wider side hem or turnback is called for. Your salesperson can help determine your requirements.
Bottom Finish
The bottom finish is a lined hem with a chain for curtains with fullness. Curtains sewn flat with no fullness, drops, and scrims typically have a pocket built in the hem to hold weight and stretch the curtain. This may be a pipe pocket (a pocket sewn on the back of the drop or scrim with a skirt in front that creates a light seal between the drop and the stage), or a pocket with sewn in weight or chain. Masking drapes that are sewn flat often will have a lined pipe hem which will give the bottom of the drape a flat line.
If you need assistance measuring your curtains for a cost estimate, click here.
Questions? Contact Parlights! We are here to help.
From measurements to estimates, repairs to replacement – our team of professionals is your resource for Stage Curtains and Draperies!