Category Archives: Curtains

Stage Curtains

Curtains, Parlights News

Stage Curtain Flammability – Have you checked yours?

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A Grande Drape installed by Parlights
A Grande Drape installed by Parlights

Stage Curtain Flammability should be checked annually.

Parlights can help.   Contact us for help help testing your curtains!

(We can also help with annual maintenance and inspections for theatrical lighting and rigging equipment).

Are your Curtains properly certified?

Stage Drapes and Curtains must pass NFPA 705, a fire resistance regulation, and all properly made curtains arrive with this certification from their manufacturer.

Look for one of these terms on your curtains:

  • IFR—Inherently Flame Resistant, the fabric is woven of fibers that will not burn under normal circumstances.  A curtain that has gotten drenched with oil, for example, is no longer considered IFR. Examples of IFR fabrics are typically the poly fibers—Encore, Poly Scrim, Poly muslin, and Trevira Muslin
  • FR–Flame Resistant, the fabric has been treated with a chemical immersion process to prevent combustion. These include the cotton fabrics used onstage—velour, cotton muslin and scrim, Leno, Commando and Duvetyn, and some manufactured fabrics as well.  Because the solution is applied to the surface of the fabric, it will wear off in time. Most flame proofing chemicals are water based, and will be dissipated by high humidity, repeated cleaning or other contact with water.   FR certification is good for one year.

Environmental challenges, high humidity or a heavy coat of dust, will reduce the flame retardancy of Stage Curtains.

Clean and Repair, or Replace?

Eventually you need to make a tough choice: endeavor to clean, repair and retreat curtains…or replace them.

Frequently a drape that has hung for 10 years is worn to the point of no return.

Often, replacement cost vs. cleaning /treatment is the first consideration.   Some fabrics, poly in particular, can (technically) be cleaned…though the cost to do so is often prohibitive.  Others, including cotton velvet or velour, cannot be cleaned.   You should also consider the time involved: the turn around time for new curtains is about a month, about the same as the time required to clean, retreat, and dry your existing curtains.

We find the vast majority of customers opt for the new curtain.

If you need assistance measuring your curtains for a cost estimate, click here.

Questions? Contact Parlights!  We are here to help.

From measurements to estimates, repairs to replacement – our team of professionals is your resource for Stage Curtains and Draperies!

Contact Parlights

 

 

 

 

Curtains

We Sell & Install Stage Curtains

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Stage Curtain Details

Stage curtains are special!

Custom-tailored for every theatre, stage curtains are one of the most visible parts of any stage.  They must be rugged, beautiful…and flame retardant.  Typically sewn from panels of cotton velour, time and dust will eventually cause stage curtains to become fragile, tattered, faded remnants of their former glory.

Types of Stage Curtains

Depending on the environment in which they hang, and how they are maintained, most stage curtains will loose their flame retardancy and need to be replaced after 10 or 20 years.

Parlights can help.

Measuring Stage Curtains

Our team has the expertise to help you evaluate, budget, and replace your curtains if necessary.  Often, the information we need is located on a tag at the bottom of each curtain.

If a site visit to measure and evaluate your curtains is required, Parlights will schedule a time to meet with you at your facility and take the appropriate measurements.
(this service is offered at no charge to many customers in the Mid-Atlantic region).

How do I get started?

Contact Parlights

 

 

 

 

You can also reach us via telephone,
301.698.9242

Additional Resources:

Click here for a great article about Stage Curtains, and Flame Retardant treatments in general

Click here for additional information from Parlights about Stage Curtains.

Curtains

Measuring Stage Curtains

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How do I know what size the curtains should be?

Often, there is a tag or label sewn to the rear of the drape to one side, at the top or bottom of the curtain. This should have the dimensions and the type of fabric used, as well as a date of manufacture.  If you cannot locate a tag, we need a measurement of the height and width of the curtain to provide a quotation for replacement.

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 when we quote your curtains.

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 – note which).   The number of fabric widths used, in combination with the width of a panel,  is a great way to double check your measurements.

Confused?

Contact Parlights

 

It’s OK.  When in doubt, just give us a shout – Parlights will be happy to schedule a time to visit your facility, perform a survey, take measurements, and make recommendations.

 

You can also reach us via telephone,
301.698.9242

 

 

Curtains

More about Stage Curtains

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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. One of our salespeople will be happy to help you determine which weight will satisfy the needs of your stage at a reasonable cost.

The Masking Drapes, Legs and Borders, are often made of velours as well, though there are also other, less expensive, options available.
A cyc is typically made of seamless muslin.

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 down to 12”
  • for a curtain with 75% fullness, 21” of fabric will be pleated down to 12”
  • for a curtain with 100% fullness, 24” of fabric will be pleated down to 12”

Normally stage curtains will have some fullness added, though masking drapes (legs and borders) can be sewn flat.
Cycs, Scrims, and Drops are almost always sewn flat.

Should the drape be lined?

Lining is used primarily for three reasons:

  • To provide 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 our salesperson can determine whether this is a needed part of your drape

What type of top, side and bottom finish is needed?

Top Finish
The top finish is usually 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, ties are typically the appropriate choice.

Side Finish
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.

Bottom Finish
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 to hold weight, and stretch the curtain. This may be a pipe pocket (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), or a pocket with sewn in weight or chain. 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.

Curtains

Types of Stage Curtains

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Types of Stage Curtains

On a typical stage there are three main types of curtains.

Main Drape
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.

Masking Curtains
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, masking the backstage area. The Borders are horizontal panels above the stage to mask lighting, tracks, and pipes.

Backdrop Curtains
Usually there is some type of curtain at the rear of the stage. This might be a Cyclorama (“Cyc”) that is used as a back drop for reflecting colored light or special effects.  Additionally (or alternately), there is often a black curtain that is made up of one or two sections (a bi-parting curtain similar to the Main Drape).

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