Main Curtains are often referred to as "House Curtain", "Act Curtain", "Main Tab" and sometimes disparagingly, as "The Rag".

main stage curtain

As each stage is different, different requirements are placed on the main curtain as to colour, style, fabric and operation. The main curtain plays an active part in any facility, enhancing the overall appeal of the venue. The look, texture and colour of the main curtain help set the audience ambient mood to venue and performance to be revealed. Traditionally velvet is the preferred fabric for main stage curtains.

construction

The following specification is to suit  type TE75 track in a standard centre-overlap configuration (aka French action,  traveler). It is given as guidance only, as construction may vary depending on curtain drop, track selection and attachment methods.

Other main curtain types such as Reefing/Butterfly curtains, Festoon/Austrian and Act drop curtains require a different method of construction and are manufactured specifically for the venue and any set limitations that may apply. 

main curtain - typical construction specification

The main curtain is made in two halves. Each half is sized allowing for adequate centre overlap and slight line coverage behind the proscenium walls. Curtains are usually headed (pleated) at between  80 to 100% fullness* and sewn onto a 50mm wide heavy cotton webbing. Eyelets and ties are fitted at 300mm centres along the heading of the curtain for attachment to runners.

A 200mm turn back is provided on each leading edge for improved appearance, should the edge turn out to the audience. To save wear on the fabric, a handle is provided on the turn back of the up stage half,  to allow the half to be held back for access through a closed curtain.

Base Hems are 200mm deep and continuously weighted with  fabric covered 4mm link chain. The chain is sewn inside the top the base hem to prolonged life of the curtains i.e. the chain is always off the floor so its weight does not rub the fabric against  the floor and wear it. 

* The fullness of a curtain refers to the folds in the hanging drape. The fullness is normally specified as  a percentage in addition to the curtains width. The more fullness added to the curtain the  "richer" appearance of the curtain.

main curtain lining

The main curtain lining is separate and detachable, its primary purpose is to guard the main curtain against damage from the rear (stage side), it also ensures total light blackout and enhances the main curtain’s sound deadening properties. Depending on the weight and fabric selection for the main curtain a lining may not be required.

main curtain lining - typical construction specification

Lining are made from a block-out fabric. They are headed at 50% fullness and sewn onto a 50mm wide  cotton webbing. Eyelets  are fitted at 300mm centres along the heading of the curtain for attachment to the main curtain and track runners. Base hems are 150mm deep to finish 50mm above the bottom and 200mm from the leading edge of the main curtain. Rings and ties are sewn on the sides of both the main curtain and linings for attachment.

valance

When a proscenium or stage opening requires extra masking to hide the main curtain track or the forward section of the ceiling above stage, a valance is added.

valance - typical construction specification

A valance curtain is constructed from the same fabric and dye lot as the main curtain and is headed (pleated) to the same fullness as the main curtain with a 50mm un-weighted base hem. The valance curtain can either be fixed with eyelets and ties or stapled in position to a timber batten or proscenium opening. 

logos 

We offer the ability to embroider and appliqué, school, club or corporate logos up to 600mm diameter on main curtains or banners.