TYPES OF STAGE DRAPERY
Austrian
Puff - Made with vertical
as well as horizontal fullness. Material fullness determines
the depth of the scallop and the amount of horizontal
pleating. The curtain raises and lowers on cables which
pass through rings, sewn on the back side of the vertical
seams.
Contour
Curtain -- Or
Waterfall Curtain Is similar to an Austrian by means
of operation. It looks like a regular pleated curtain
when in the down position. Scallops (Bellys) form as
the curtain is raised. The scallops formed are straight
across in a regular contour. Another type of lift curtain
is a multi-form. The lift lines operate individually,
creating scallops that vary in shape and size thereby
framing the stage.
Tab Curtain
-- Or Tableau
Curtain is similar to a Contour Curtain, in that it
appears as a standard pleated stage curtain when in
the down position. Lift line cables are attached diagonally
on the backside, from the lower leading edge to the
upper off stage corner. As the curtain is raised (diagonally);
it forms two large scallops at center and two legs adjacent
to the proscenium.
Front
Curtain -- Also referred
to as Main or Act Curtain is located just behind the
proscenium arch. This curtain separates the stage from
the audience. Fabric color generally complements the
house décor. The curtain track is rigged (by cord or
motor) to allow the curtain to open horizontally from
center. On a stage with a counterweight system the front
curtain can also be moved in a vertical direction (as
a guideline) to reveal the performance space.
Intermediate
Traveler -- curtains
(Speakers', Mid-stage, Rear) are located upstage to
configure the performance space .
Legs
-- Wings or Tormentors
frame the stage and provide masking on both Stage Right
+ Stage Left. In most cases; a series of legs is required
between the front and the rear curtains to prevent the
audience (from) viewing the side walls, performers or
scenery hiding in the wings.
Border
-- or Teaser, frame
the stage across the top and are used in multiples just
like legs. The purpose is to provide vertical sightline
masking, preventing the audience from viewing stage
hardware and lighting equipment.
Valance
- (See Border) Usually
located downstage of the front curtain to conceal traveler
track.
Cyclorama
- Typically located behind the rear
traveler; is a flat backdrop used for image projection
or lighting effects.
Scrim
- Sharkstooth Scrim
is an open weave fabric used for special effects. When
front lit at a steep angle, it appears to be opaque,
however when objects behind are illuminated the scrim
becomes transparent. Remove all front lighting and the
rear lights make the scrim seem to vanish. Scrims can
be painted; while maintaining the transparent "effect".
Just be sure not to fill in all the holes!!
Backdrop
- A large flat "canvas"
made using cotton muslin. The surface is painted with
a scene appropriate to the production or event. It generally
can be repainted several times.
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