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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