Stage curtains for theatres: a thorough guide
Eager to learn more about stage curtains for theatres? Continue reading our thorough guide...
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Cotton, polyester and mohair stage curtains are the most traditional flame-retardant theatre drapes on stage. Manufactured as luxurious front curtains, borders, legs, valances and stage backdrops, they serve a decorative purpose on stage while improving lighting and sound conditions.
Types of theatre curtains
Theatre curtains for masking
Apart from absorbing light, some theatre masking curtains can also be used as acoustic drapes. Engineered for maximum sound dampening and low reverberation levels, these acoustic stage curtains should be heavy-weight and porous, in order to improve sound quality within a venue. You can view all ShowTex acoustic solutions for theatres, or read our definitive guide to acoustic fabrics if you want to learn more about acoustic drapes in general.
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Theatre backdrops
Backdrops are theatre curtains that hang in the back of the stage and can be used for projection or lighting effects. Often, they are made from canvas and printed or painted with custom artwork to create theatrical scenery.
Learn more about stage backdrops by reading our guide: How to choose a stage & event backdrop
Proscenium curtains
The most famous and visible theatre curtain is, of course, the front-of-house or main curtain. Traditionally made from flame-retardant velvet, it is the visual barrier between the theatre stage and the audience before the show begins.
Best stage curtain materials
Theatres have a personality that can be emphasised with custom-sewn grand drapes. These stage velvets are produced from cotton or synthetic materials, available in a variety of weights, and can be custom-dyed on request.
Polyester or synthetic stage drapes
While cotton velours are chemically treated to make them flame-retardant (FR), IFR polyester velvets are produced using materials that are inherently and permanently flame-resistant.
Mohair theatre curtains
Mohair stage velvets offer the most luxurious main house theatre curtains with maximum endurance and sustainability. The heavy-weight Velours Gaudi and the even heavier Velours Palladio theatre drapes are extremely durable and have a long upright satin pile, good acoustic qualities and excellent colour clarity.
Take it one step further and give your Mohair theatre drapes their very own character by adorning them with your personal designs or patterns. Logos or custom designs can be woven right into our Velours Mackintosh.
Fire-rated theatre curtain
Draperies and textiles used in public venues like theatres and auditoriums are required by local legislation to meet specific flame-retardant standards.
As these standards and certification requirements vary both internationally and regionally, ShowTex conducts a variety of tests on all its fabrics to provide worldwide customers with the most advanced flame-retardant theatre fabrics.
Peter Guenzel
What determines the price of your theatre drape?
As theatre curtains must be fully adapted to the needs of the venue, every one of them is different. There are many factors that determine the price of stage curtains and masking drapes, but the type of fabric and the amount of material are key.
It goes without saying that an extra-thick and luxurious velvet has a different price tag compared to a budget-friendly Molton drape. But of course, in the wide range of ShowTex, you will find affordable velvet theatre curtains as well.
The total size of the stage drape will also influence the price significantly. However, together we will always look for the perfect balance between the looks of your curtain, its desired blackout and/or acoustic properties and your budget.
Looking for more advice or ready to order your custom theatre curtain? Feel free to contact one of our experts
There are several different types of pleats possible, depending on the look and feel you desire.
Theatre curtain openings
A front curtain is the stage curtain or curtains at the very front of a theatrical stage. Typically, this theatre drape opens at the beginning of a performance to reveal the stage.
Eager to discover the many different styles of theatrical stage drape openings? Check out our blog post curtain openings