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Frequently asked Theatre Drapery questions:
Frequently Asked Theater Drapery Care questions:
Frequently asked Flame Retardancy questions:
Frequently asked Digital Printing questions:
Frequently asked Theater Track questions:
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Stage curtains can be categorized into three types: proscenium curtains, masking curtains, and backdrops or cyclorama.
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Proscenium
Curtains
Proscenium curtains hang just upstage of the proscenium opening, and
they include the main valance and the main act curtain.
The main act curtain is also sometimes referred to as the grand
drape or house curtain. These curtains provide a sight
and sound barrier between the stage and audience area, sometimes referred
to as the house. There are several styles of main act curtains:
- Draw or Traveler Curtain
The most common main act curtain is the draw or traveler curtain, which is made of two bi-parting sections. These sections are placed on two overlapping sections of track, and each half can be drawn from the center to the opposite side of the stage.
Masking Curtains
Masking curtains are typically up-stage of the proscenium curtains.
They
are used to hide or "mask" off-stage areas, rigging, hardware,
and
stage lighting equipment. Masking curtains include borders,
legs or
side curtains and mid-stage, up-stage,
and rear travelers.
- Legs and Borders
Legs and Borders help to "mask" off-stage areas and
hardware, but also add additional depth to the stage and help
divide it. Legs or Sides are sewn in pairs and are used to reduce
or reveal the full width of the proscenium opening as necessary
to fit the stage use.
- Mid-Stage, Up-Stage, and Rear Travelers
Traveler Curtains also help "mask" areas upstage of
the proscenium curtains. They are made of two bi-parting sections.
These sections are placed on two overlapping sections of track,
and each half can be drawn from the center to the opposite sides
of the stage. Sometimes a one-way traveler is needed, which means
the curtain is made in one panel, installed on one section of
track, and can be drawn to either stage left or stage right.
Backdrops or Cycloramas
Muslin, scrim and leno are often used as backdrops or for projection and
lighting effects. Most are available in seamed or seamless form and
paintable or non-paintable form.
Please see stage curtain layouts
for additional information. |
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Generally Prosenium Theatre draperies are made of velour. Velour can be either synthetic or cotton and is available in a variety of different weights. Masking curtains are most often made of velour as well. However, several other theatrical fabrics are sometimes substituted on the masking (or cyc) stage draperies. Determining the weight of the theatrical fabric that is best for your venue would depend on a variety of factors including: asthetics, sound absorbtion, light blockage, environmental factors, and budget. To browse NorthEast Stage's collection of theatre fabrics, please click here. To contact a NorthEast Stage sales associate to discuss fabric options for your particular venue please click here. |
Fullness is additional fabric that is added to a curtain by means of encorporating it into box
pleats. This additional fabric (fullness) gives the curtain additional depth, sound absorbtion, and
light absorbtion. Typically, NorthEast Stage can sew stage curtains with the following fullness
options:
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FLAT
Drape is sewn flat with no additional fullness added. |
50% FULLNESS
6" box pleats 12" O.C. with 50% extra fabric added to desired width dimension. |
50% FULLNESS
3" box pleats 12" O.C. with 50% extra fabric added to desired width dimension. |
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75% FULLNESS
4" box pleats 12" O.C. with 75% extra fabric added to desired width dimension. |
100% FULLNESS
6" box pleats 12" O.C. with 100% extra fabric added to desired width dimension. |
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NorthEast Stage can finish the top of your stage curtain for attachment to track with this following options:
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WEBBING, GROMMETS
& S-HOOKS
Standard top finish 3.5" Jute webbing, with #4 Grommets
12" O.C.; supplied with 2" zinc plated s-hook. Allows
drape to be hung from track or rod. |
SEWN SNAP HOOKS
Used for easier attachment to traveler tracks and cable; designed to easily clip on and off standard track carriers. Snaps 12" O.C. |
HIDDEN SNAP HOOKS
Used for masking, and for easier attachment to traveler tracks; designed to easily clip on and off standard track carriers. Snaps 12" O.C. |
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Typically, NorthEast Stage finishes bottom hems, for theatre track applications, with a standard flat bottom hem, usually 6" for floor length curtains, and 3" for non-floor length curtains. The bottom hems are usually supplied with weight tape or a chain pocket, but can also be unweighted. |
NorthEast Stage can finish the top of your stage curtain for attachment to pipe with the following options:
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WEBBING, GROMMETS & TIES
Standard top finish; 3.5" Jute webbing with #4 Grommets
12" O.C.; supplied with 36" tie line. Allows drape
to be hung from a dead hung pipe or fly system batten. |
SEWN TWILL TIES
Standard top finish often referred to as "Blind Ties," which enables the masking of the batten from which the drape is hanging. Ties 12" O.C. |
HIDDEN WEBBING, GROMMETS & TIES
Standard top finish often referred to as "Blind Grommets." Allows the masking of the batten from which the drape is hanging. Ties 12" O.C. |
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Typically, NorthEast Stage finishes bottom hems, for theatre track applications, with a standard flat bottom hem, usually 6" for floor length curtains, and 3" for non-floor length curtains. The bottom hems are usually supplied with weight tape or a chain pocket, but can also be unweighted. |
NorthEast Stage can finish the top of your cyclorama for attachment to track by means of webbing, grommets, and S-Hooks as shown below:
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WEBBING, GROMMETS
& S-HOOKS
Standard top finish 3.5" Jute webbing, with #4 Grommets
12" O.C.; supplied with 2" zinc plated s-hook. Allows
drape to be hung from track or rod. |
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Typically, NorthEast Stage finishes bottom hems for cycloramas that are going to be hung from track using either a 6" bottom hem, or a 4" bottom hem. The bottom hems are usually supplied with weight tape or a chain pocket, but can also be unweighted. |
NorthEast Stage can finish the top of your cyclorama using:
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WEBBING, GROMMETS & TIES
Standard top finish; 3.5" Jute webbing with #4 Grommets
12" O.C.; supplied with 36" tie line. Allows drape
to be hung from a dead hung pipe or fly system batten. |
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Typically, NorthEast Stage finishes bottom hems for cycloramas that are going to be tied to pipe several different ways. NorthEast Stage can provide a pipe pocket with a hem or flap, a lined pipe pocket, supply a pocket with weight tape or chain, or an unweighted bottom hem. For advice on the best way to finish your cyc, please contact a NorthEast Stage associate. |
Most curtains can be lined if desired; however typically you will find that main curtains and valances are lined to give the drapery a finished look. Lining also protects the curtain from damage caused by moving scenery and other objects which may snag the fabric. Linings can be either permanently sewn onto the main curtain, or be removable with hook and loop. Typically cotton fabrics are lined with denim lining or ranger lining, while IFR fabrics are lined with a polyester. NorthEast Stage also highly recommends that window curtains and draperies be lined for sun protection and additional opacity. |
Removing Wrinkles
The best way to remove wrinkles from your curtains or backdrops
is to hang them a few days prior to your performance, show,
or concert. If you do not have the opportunity to hang your
curtains a few days prior, NorthEast Stage recommends brushing
them thoroughly as described below. |
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Cleaning
NorthEast Stage does not recommend under any circumstances using
any liquids or water on drapery materials. Brush your curtains
(always in the direction of the nap) with a new brush and vacuum
if necessary. In addition, drapery should never be steamed or
dry cleaned, as this may remove the flame proofing chemicals. |
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Storage
NorthEast Stage recommends folding your drapery carefully to
limit wrinkles and storing in a canvas bag or canvas storage
hamper. Never store stage drapery in plastic bags. |
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NFR: This fabric is not flame retardant.
FR: The fabric has been treated with a flame retardant chemical. The warranted period of
effectiveness is guaranteed for one year, but it is likely to be effective for much longer. The fabric
has been tested and complies with NFPA 701 small scale. The flame retardant process will be
removed by washing. NorthEast Stage recommends annual testing of this fabric using the NFPA
705 (1997 or later) Field Test Method for Textiles.
DFR: The manufacturer has certified to NorthEast Stage that the fabric is durably flame resistant
for the life of the fabric. The flame retardant process will not be removed by washing. NorthEast
Stage, however, recommends annual testing of the fabric using the NFPA 705 (1997 or later)
Field Test Method for Textiles, as accumulations of dust and oils may diminish the flame
resistance of the fabric.
IFR: The fabric has been manufactured using an inherently flame resistant fiber or durable flame
retardant process. The fabric will remain flame resistant for the length of its service life. The fabric
has been tested and complies with NFPA 701 small scale. The flame retardant process will not
be removed by washing. NorthEast Stage, however, recommends annual testing of the fabric
using the NFPA 705 (1997 or later) Field Test Method for Textiles as accumulations of airborne
dust and oils may diminish the flame resistance of the fabric.
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NorthEast Stage can print your artwork or image on a variety of different fabrics including muslin, canvas, vinyl, scrim, and velour. Please contact a NorthEast Stage sales associate for
a recommendation based on your venue or needs.
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NorthEast Stage's recommendation for artwork is as follows:
Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are the recommended applications.
.ai, .eps,.psd, .tif, or .jpg are the recommended file types.
For larger backdrops please contact a NorthEast Stage sales associate in order to evaluate resolution requirements for your digitally printed backdrop's specific size. |
Complete installation instructions for all of our tracks can be viewed and printed from the following link:
http://www.automaticdevices.com/installinstructions.cfm |
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