Where to Start for New Stage Curtains

Thinking about replacing those old, tattered drapes in your school auditorium or community center stage with beautiful new custom stage curtains, but not sure where to start?  It can seem like a daunting proposition, especially for a school parent or church volunteer with no background in the theatre. 

Don’t worry – it’s not as hard as it seems.  To get you started, I’ve prepared this quick checklist: 

1)    Figure out the approximate size that you will need, based on the size of the existing curtains.  Check for a label to see if the height and width are listed.  If not, measure the existing drapes. To measure width for pleated drapes, measuring along the top edge generally gives a more accurate measurement than measuring along the bottom hem.

2)    Determine the top, bottom and side finishes used on the existing drapes.  For the side hems, simply measure the size of the turnback on the back of each side of the drape. 

3)    Determine the fullness used in pleating.  You don’t have to figure it out exactly, just have a rough idea.

4)    Consider your fabric options.  Generally, theatrical velours or similar fabrics are used for traditional stage curtains.  However, within that category, there are many different options to suit your budget and your taste.

Need help?  Just give us a call.  We can give you more information, make suggestions, even send fabric samples.

What fabric is best for stage skirts and black stage curtains?

I’ve been noticing a trend recently.  For years, we’ve been making stage skirting and masking stage curtains for music tours out of FR 16oz Commando Cloth (also known as heavy weight duvetyn).  It blocks most of the light and it is quite affordable.  The downside is that it is less durable (since it is cotton) and the topical flame retardancy treatment dissipates over time, which can be an issue if the soft goods become damp (such as at outdoor venues).  It works fine for a single tour, but Commando soft goods often end up in the bin after the tour is over.

Lately, though, many production designers are choosing to use PFR Encore Velour instead.  Not only does it provide terrific masking and light blockage, but as a polyester fabric, it is much more durable and is permanently flame retardant, allowing the possibility of using the skirts and stage curtains for more than one tour.  It does cost a little bit more upfront but can be more economical over the long run.

So, any production designers or tour managers out there…let me know what you think.  Is Duvetyn still the way to go, or are you moving toward polyester alternatives such as Encore?