[SML] Curtains

[Steven Mclean]

Ross🙂,
I have gone both routes when I was at Simpson.  We ordered from various
suppliers…and I built my own. Bill is right that there is a lot that goes
into building proper theatrical drapes.

Inherently fire retardant fabric is important as is a jute webbing and
grommets on top and a proper chain or pipe pocket in the bottoms.  You will
also need side hems.  The fabric in question should be a decent quality
velour for best appearance.  This will  be far more attractive than
painting a back wall black imho. But the doubled & tripled up fabric may be
a challenge for anything short of industrial -grade sewing machines.

Also consider the fullness issue.  Theatrical drapes are often sewn with
fullness. If you want sewn-in fullness, that will be an additional strain
on the machines.  My personal recommendation would be to sew them flat and
tie in the fullness.  This way they can be flat when you want a crisp ,
sterile line ( or perhaps to light them to look like a nighttime sky). Or
they can have that lush , pleated look we associate with theatrical masking
(but you would need at least twice the width of your back wall) They would
also be easier to construct this way …except that you might wish to
construct it as a single, full-width panel.
This will complicate construction process and aggravate the space required
for assembly.  Fabric of this type comes in various widths in increasing
cost per square foot for wide fabric.  That said, you will probably have
many long seams to be sewn to achieve that width.  I believe it is
customary to run seams vertically on drapes, but with no fullness they
might be sewn horizontally for best results ( hoping the pipe in the bottom
will pull out any slight wavering of the seams.) If vertical with no
fullness the seams must be precise as only a professional with proper space
and tools can make them.

My first choice would be to source them from a theatrical vendor.  I
recommend getting several bids. Rose  Brand is one option but there are
many reputable vendors (Sapsis Rigging being another that comes to mind).
You might contact a regional supplier or two.

But, with your level of experience, I’d talk to someone at each company.
Explain what you needI and make sure your bids are for a comparable
product.  Similar type and weight of fabric, the same proper finished
dimensions,  the same construction specifications (hems, webbing, chain or
pipe pockets, etc.). Then when you have the comparable bids…choose the one
from the firm that you trust best based on your experience talking with
them (if you can afford the quoted price, that is).  Remember to factor
shipping into your calculations ( Amazon Prime won’t be among your options).

Hope this helps.  Feel free to call me with further questions…you know how
to reach me.





Steven J McLean
515-480-8461
stevenjmclean at gmail.com
smclean at grandview.edu
designandtechtheatre.wordpress.com


On Sat, Jan 4, 2025 at 7:35 PM Ross via Stagecraft <
stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:

> Dear people who are smarter than me,
>
> I am starting in on help the local HS with their upcoming musical.  For
> what ever reason the back wall was never painted.  When asked if we can
> paint it BLACK, the people who make those choices are being radio quite.
> So a question was raised about the cost putting a BLACK curtain on the
> upstage most batten.
>
> Here is my question, if I suggest we (the school) buy several rolls of
> proper curtain material, is it safe to have the sewing class make a curtain
> that fits the space?  Not sure what codes might apply.  My other option is
> go get a quote from some place like ROSEBRAND.
>
> In another part of the building the ART Dept. asked the principal for
> permission to paint a mural on a wall.  After the fact, the heads of
> grounds, (maybe someone else) threw a fit because they were not consulted
> before hand.  They (head of grounds) are not know to get back to people in
> a timely fashion.
>
>
> Ross
> ____________________________________________________________
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