Stage Maskings

Commonly black stage maskings are used for most stage requirements. Stage maskings include borders, leg curtains and intermediate and back tab curtains. Stage maskings are used to hide the sides, rigging and back of stage and to enhance the actors presentation to the audience. Black is commonly used as maskings to promote the stage scenery and performance at hand. However coloured maskings can be used to set a theme or to meet a venues requirements.

Stage Masking Construction

Generally the fabric selection for masking is heavy weight brushed black wool. All stage maskings are headed (pleated) to 50% fullness. However occasionally ‘flat’ maskings (without fullness) are used where the maskings are used in multiple positions; the maskings can then be closed up to suit. Base hems and attachment methods vary from item to item. Sizes of maskings and length (drop) of individual items are worked out using the site lines as a reference. Please refer to the Stage Layout page for a sight line diagram.

Stage Masking Borders

Generally headed (pleated) to 50% fullness and sewn on to 50mm wide cotton webbing and allowing for eyelets and ties at 300mm spacing along the heading of the curtain. Stage masking borders are sewn with a 50mm base hem; un-weighted, as most borders are of short drops and do not require additional weighting. Sizes of stage masking borders vary according to the sight lines of the stage. It is common to have three different size masking borders on one stage to adequately mask of all rigging and lighting from the audience view.

Leg / Wing Curtains

Generally headed (pleated) to 50% fullness and sewn on to a 50mm wide cotton webbing and allowing for eyelets and ties at 150 – 300mm spacing along the heading of the curtain. Base hems are 150mm deep and continuously weighted with fabric covered 4mm link chain attached at the top of the hem. Ties are added to the top of the curtain for attachment to either pipe leg battens or tracks, dependent on stage requirements. The number and widths of legs required is worked out using the sightlines and depth of stage.

Intermediate and Back Curtains

The intermediate curtain, or back curtain, is made in two halves. Each half is sized allowing for adequate centre overlap. Generally it is headed to 50% fullness and sewn on to a 50mm wide cotton webbing allowing for eyelets and ties at 300mm spacing along the heading of the curtain for attachment to runners. A fabric covered 4 mm link chain is sewn into the top of a 150mm base hem. Weighting and spacing of eyelets and ties may vary according to the drop of the curtain and tracking system being used. Heavy curtains – 300mm spacing with 4mm link chain. Medium to small curtains 150mm spacing with 3mm chain or lighter weighting.