Stage Curtains and Drapes: A Complete Guide
Putting onanimpressive andwell-rounded performancenecessitates extensive planning, research, and execution. Theapparent magic onstage istheresult ofa complex interplay ofmanymoving partsand elements.
This pagewill provideyou withtheinformation you require, whetheryou want tolearnmoreabout theatrecurtains, theatrecurtaintrack systems, ordifferent types ofcurtains in theatre.
Curtains of Various Types in the Theatre
Theatrecurtainscomeina variety of styles, each serving a specific purpose. They areasfollows:
Front Curtains
Our starting point will be the front curtain, also known as the (front-of-the-) house curtain, the act curtain, thegrand drape, themajorcurtain/drape, ortheproscenium curtain.
Side Curtains
The lightingand sound systems of the show must be coordinated. When theaudience is exposed to this equipment and machinery, the performance loses its enchantment and ability to move them. Thisiswherethe side stagecurtainscomein.
Masking Curtains
Curtains, also known as swivel arm carriers or legs, are movable side curtains used to conceal offstageareas from theviewingpublic. Tormentorsis anothernameforthem.
Divider Curtains
Bordercurtains arecurtains that sit upstageto support legsand hide rigging from theaudience's view from theback ofthestage.
Cross Stage Curtains
These are exactly what they appear to be. They run the length of the stage and serve a variety of purposes. They do, however, fall to the ground from the track, as opposed to headers, which only fall partially.
Travelers Curtains
Thiscanbe drawntogether from the stage's sidesto meet inthe centreat the front orhalfway point.Therearetwotypes, eachwithits ownset ofapplications
Tableau
The tableau curtain is made up of two overlapping curtains that are hung with their centers at the sameheightand drawndiagonally across the stageto thetop right orleft. SoundproofCurtains
Soundproof Curtains
They function and serve a different purpose than the other curtains we've discussed in terms of performances.
Different Stage Curtain Tracks
Curtaintracks system are necessary forany theatrical or stageproduction.Tab tracks, also known ascurtaintracks
Walkalong
Walk-along curtain tracks are perfect for small stages, schools, drama studios, village and community halls, perimeter drapes, and cycloramas.
Corded
Corded curtain tracks are propelled down the path by a floor or floating weighted pulley and head, aswell as returnpulleys. A cableis threaded between thesemanually drivenpulleys
Motorized
The final major stage track is the motorised curtain track system. They are easier to use and run moreefficiently, allowingthem tocoverlargedistances quickly. Because of its complexity, this curtain track style will be preferred by larger venues and professional theatres.
Ending Up!
I hope you now understand the various types of curtains used in theatres as well as the theatre curtaintrack system.Thereareseveral optionsavailable.