When you think of a traditional performance, you picture the full setup: lighting rigs, light and sound equipment, raked seating – and across the front of the stage, a pair of rich theatre drapes or grand drapes acting as front of house curtains.
Modern theatre curtains do more than just mark the start and end of a show. They’re key to setting tone and managing stage space. Whether you’re kitting out a school hall or a full-scale venue, understanding the role of each curtain type can help you achieve the perfect theatre setup using the right combination of curtains and drapes.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types of theatre curtains and what they’re used for.
Front Curtain (Front Tabs)
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Sits just behind the proscenium arch and spans the width of the stage.
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Opens horizontally or flies upwards, depending on the rig.
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Usually made of heavy, coloured fabric or wool serge.
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Hides scene changes and marks the beginning or end of the performance.
Some venues use extra fabric for a more luxurious look, especially with grand drapes.
Scrim
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A gauze-like fabric that changes depending on how it’s lit.
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Lit from the front: opaque.
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Lit from behind: transparent.
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Often used for dream sequences, memories, or to add visual depth.
Scrims are commonly used for dream sequences, layered scenes, or visual reveals. Combined with creative lighting effects, they can dramatically transform the appearance of a stage and add depth to a performance.
Backdrop
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Hung at the rear of the stage.
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Often painted with scenery like buildings, landscapes, or interiors.
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Adds visual storytelling without needing bulky set pieces.
Think of it as your static scene-setter – simple but effective among other stage drapes.
Cyclorama (Cyc)
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A smooth, unpainted cloth used with lighting or projection.
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Can be lit with colours, gobos or video projection.
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Ideal for abstract sets or minimalist shows.
A blank cyc combined with clever lighting can suggest anything from dawn to deep space.
Dress Legs and Borders
These aren’t showy, but they’re essential.
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Legs: Narrow curtains down the sides of the stage. They hide crew, props, and gear in the wings.
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Borders: Horizontal curtains across the top. They block rigging and lighting bars from view.
Together, they help maintain clean sightlines and support the illusion of a complete set.
What to Consider When Choosing Theatre Curtains
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Performance space – School studio or commercial venue?
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Fabric weight – Heavier options block sound and light, lighter ones offer flexibility.
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Flame retardancy – Mandatory for most public spaces.
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Aesthetic – Extra fabric or pleating for that grand drapes effect?
Need Advice?
Stage & Studio Projects design and install custom curtain track systems, theatre drapes, blackouts, and star cloths. Whether you’re fitting out a studio, school stage or commercial venue, we’ll help you find the right solution for your performance space.
Contact us to discuss your project with our experienced team.