I need a curtain – where do I start?
Our inhouse expert Steve Austin writes:

On stage there are several different curtains. There is usually a front curtain or main drape. It is often made in two panels that are attached to a track and separate from the center moving to each side of the stage. This is called a Bi-parting traveler. Often there is a border or valence of the same color just in front of the Main Drape.

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 of the stage that mask the sides of the stage. The Borders are horizontal panels above the stage to mask lighting, tracks, and pipes.

Usually there is some type of curtain at the rear of the stage. This might be a Cyclorama or cyc that is a drop used as a back drop for reflecting light or special effects. Alternatively, there may be a curtain that may be one piece or maybe a bi-parting curtain similar to the Main Drape.

What type of fabric should I use?
Typically the Main Drape and Valance are made of Velour – made of either Cotton or Synthetic material. Velours are available in several different weights with several factors determining which weight may be appropriate. These factors can include light blockage, sound absorption, environmental conditions and budget. A salesperson can help you determine which weight will satisfy the needs of the stage at a reasonable cost.

The Masking Drapes, Legs and Borders, are often made of velours as well, though there are options available. A different weight of Velour could be used or other fabrics.

A cyc is typically made of seamless muslin.

Are there standard sizes of curtains?
A frequently asked question is one like “How much would it cost for a standard Elementary School Drape?” Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a “standard” drape or stage. Each one is unique, as are the applications.

What size should the curtain be?
If there are existing drapes often there will be a tag or label sewn to the rear of the drape to one side, usually at the top. This should have the dimensions and the type of fabric used. If not then a measurement of the height and width of the curtain would be needed to provide pricing.

How do I measure my existing curtains?
How to Measure Your Curtain's Height:
Measure the drape from the top of the curtain to the floor. Do not worry about where the grommets are placed we will take that into consideration. If you do not have existing drapes, measure from the ceiling to the floor. If you have no drapes but existing track or battens (pipe) that the drapes will hang on, measure from the bottom of the carrier on the track (the wheel-like item the curtain attaches to) or the bottom of the batten.

How To Measure Your Curtains Width:
Measure the width of the drape as it hangs! Place your tape measure on the floor at one end of the drape and extend the tape measure to the other end of the drape. This may be confusing, especially if there is fullness in the drape (that pleated look), but do not stretch the curtain. What we need to know is how much space the curtain needs to cover. If it is a Bi-parting curtain, that is 2 panels that open in the center and splits to both sides, measure both sides to make sure the measurements are the same. If it is connected to a track that allows the curtain to be drawn open, as a double check count the carriers (what the curtain is attached to) as a double check for us. Most drapes are made of sewn vertical panels that are 54 wide. This can be measured by going to the rear of the drape and stretching the material straight between two seams. This measurement should be approximately 52. Depending on the material it may be approximately 46 wide, which would be good to know as well. The number of fabric widths used is also a good double check. This is a simple job of counting the number of panels used to make your existing drape.

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 to 12”, 75% will have 21” of fabric pleated down to 12” and 100% fullness will have 24” of fabric pleated to 12”.

Normally stage curtains will have some fullness added, though often the masking drapes are sewn flat. Cycs, Scrims, and Drops are sewn flat. Learn More About Pleating.

Should the drape be lined?
Lining is used primarily for three reasons:
    To provide more 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 because we are essentially making two drapes. Discussion with the salesperson can determine whether this is a needed part of your drape

What type of top, side and bottom finish is needed?
The top finish is mainly 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, then it probably is hung from a pipe and ties would be the appropriate choice.

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.

The bottom finish is a lined hem with chain for curtains with fullness. Curtains sewn flat of with no fullness, drops, and scrims typically have a pocket built in the hem for a pipe. This may be a pipe pocket which is 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. Masking drapes that are sewn flat often will have a lined pipe hem which will give a flat line to the bottom of the drape. Learn More.