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Complete Guide on Stage Curtains and Drapes

Putting on an impressive and well-rounded performance requires a great deal of preparation, study, and execution. The apparent magic on stage results from a complex interplay between numerous moving parts and elements.


This page will give the information you need, whether you're looking to further your understanding of theatre curtains, theatre curtain track system, or different types of curtains in theatre.

Different Types of Curtains in Theatre

 There are many different types of curtains in theatres, each with a specific purpose. Here they are:

 Front Curtains

 The front curtain, also known as the (front-of-the-) house curtain, the act curtain, the grand drape, the major curtain/drape, or the proscenium curtain, will be our starting point.

Side Curtains 

 Coordination between the show's lighting and sound systems is essential. If this gear and machinery are exposed to the audience, the performance loses its enchantment and ability to move them. This is when side stage curtains come into play.

Masking Curtains

 This is one type of curtains in theatre, also known as swivel arm carriers or legs, are movable side curtains used to conceal offstage regions from the viewing public. We might also refer to them as tormentors. 

Divider Curtains

 Border curtains are other types of curtains in theatre that sit upstage to support legs, which hide rigging from the audience's view from the rear of the stage.

Cross Stage Curtains

 These are precisely what they're advertised to be. They run the length of the stage and serve several functions. However, they fall to the ground from the track, unlike headers, which only fall partway.

 Travelers Curtains

 This can be drawn together from the sides of the stage to meet in the middle at the front or the halfway point. There are two distinct varieties, each with its own set of uses.

 Tableau

 The tableau curtain comprises two overlapping curtains hung with their centres at the same height and drawn diagonally across the stage to the top right or left. 

  Soundproof Curtains

 They function differently and serve a different purpose than the other curtains we've spoken about regarding performances.

Different Stage Curtain Tracks

 Curtain tracks are essential to any theatrical or stage play. Curtain tracks, also known as tab tracks

Walkalong 

 Walkalong curtain tracks are ideal for tiny stages, schools, drama studios, village and community halls, perimeter drapes, and cycloramas.  

Corded

 Corded curtain tracks are powered by a floor or floating weighted pulley and head, as well as return pulleys, allowing the curtain to travel down the path. A cable is threaded between these pulleys, which are manually driven. 

Motorized

 The motorized curtain track is the final major stage track. They are simple to use and run more efficiently, allowing them to span vast distances efficiently. 

 Larger venues and professional theatres will choose this curtain track style due to its complexity.

 Ending Up! 

 Hope, now you know about the different types of curtains in theatre and the theatre curtain track system involved. There are several options to choose from. 


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Location: Australia

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