[SML] Curtains

Sun Jan 5 17:13:01 UTC 2025

Loren's post does bring up a point of discussion.
I,  like Loren and many of the rest of us, have made our own stage
draperies and have  occasionally (or hopefully less often) made mistakes in
creating them that we have come to regret.
But having said that making soft goods is not rocket science and if the
teachers carefully read the literature and feel confident that they can
adequately supervise the students, the draperies can indeed be made in
house. I would recommend that for a first try the work in duvetyn and not
velour to reduce the weight and thickness and to increase the chance of
success. Also since theater is a place of public assembly, buy your
duvetyne from a reputable theater supplier who will supply you with the
proper documentation, not at a local fabric store.
We need to be allowed to make mistakes to learn and to make less
mistakes in the future. I hasten to add before I get yelled at, DO NOT
COMPROMISE SAFETY! If you are not sure, get a pro to help you or to do the
work. We can kill people in many ways if we cut corners on safety but this
is probably not one of those cases.
Mike

Michael Katz
narishkup at gmail.com
C: 857.383.0020

On Sun, Jan 5, 2025 at 7:17 AM Lschreib via Stagecraft <
stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:

> And be sure, if you decide to build them yourself, that the nap of the
> velour is running the same way for each panel. Not that I have ever made
> that mistake!
>
> ~Loren
>
>
>
> On Jan 5, 2025 at 10:01 PM, <Stagecraft-Request
> <stagecraft-request at theatrical.net>> wrote:
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> Today's Topics:
>
>    1. Re:  Curtains (Greg Bierly)
>    2. Re:  Curtains (Steven Mclean)
>    3. Re:  Curtains (Kristi R-C)
>    4. Re:  Curtains (Wally Eastland)
>    5. Re:  Curtains (Jeff Forbes)
>    6. Re:  Curtains (Bill Sapsis)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sat, 4 Jan 2025 22:11:30 -0500
> From: Greg Bierly <gbierly at dejazzd.com>
> To: Stagecraft Mailing List <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
> Subject: Re: [SML] Curtains
> Message-ID: <86D65FBC-3A54-4621-B811-7D72EC04E20C at dejazzd.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> I was going to chime in but Bill covered everything I was going to say? and then some.  I guess because he was one of my ?mentor/teachers? early in my career.   It is worth getting a quote or two, sometimes it can surprise you how quickly you can get something at not much more than it would cost you to build.  Rosebrand used to have a discounted section of misordered soft goods and fabric (I can?t currently find it).  Just make sure as Bill said, it is documented FR or IFR.
>
> > On Jan 4, 2025, at 9:37 PM, Bill Sapsis via Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:
> >
> > Ross.
> >
> > Let it not be said that the SML is slow getting back to you, unlike your Grounds folks.
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> Message: 2
> Date: Sat, 4 Jan 2025 21:59:43 -0600
> From: Steven Mclean <stevenjmclean at gmail.com>
> To: Stagecraft Mailing List <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
> Subject: Re: [SML] Curtains
> Message-ID:
> 	<CAEPnT8=U8QYx+nUSGAhYUg9q3RJobDZuxdn3ooGp11S_n5Fbfg at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> 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
> 515-480-8461stevenjmclean at gmail.comsmclean@grandview.edudesignandtechtheatre.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
> > ____________________________________________________________
> > For list information see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
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> Message: 3
> Date: Sun, 5 Jan 2025 04:31:02 +0000 (UTC)
> From: Kristi R-C <misswisc at aol.com>
> To: Stagecraft Mailing List <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
> Subject: Re: [SML] Curtains
> Message-ID: <1115684656.5172840.1736051462838 at mail.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
>
> The biggest cost for curtains is often shipping, so getting quotes from close companies is a good idea.?Syracuse Scenery and Stage Lighting in NYNorcostco in MNMainstage in MKE/FLSew What CABella Tex (Texas?? I don?t remember)are all companies I?ve dealt with and would recommend for this.?
> Triple check your dimensions and ensure you have rigging strong enough to hold the weight - INCLUDING chain/ties/etc. And a plan for installation which is not you and the students. When you compare bids, make certain you are comparing the SAME fabric - velour vs duvetyn vs erosion cloth are not the same. You want a good weight of Velour so you get some acoustic absorption from it, too.?
> HTH
> Kristi R-C
> ?
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> ------------------------------
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> Message: 4
> Date: Sun, 5 Jan 2025 04:36:24 +0000
> From: Wally Eastland <wally_eastland at lprdesignstudio.com>
> To: Stagecraft Mailing List <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
> Subject: Re: [SML] Curtains
> Message-ID:
> 	<CH0PR20MB4250132E8B331DAC9E349876ED172 at CH0PR20MB4250.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
> 		
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>
> I agree with everything Kristi says below. The only thing I?ll add is another curtain vendor ? Stage Dec in Greensboro, NC.
>
> From: Stagecraft <stagecraft-bounces at theatrical.net> On Behalf Of Kristi R-C via Stagecraft
> Sent: Saturday, January 4, 2025 8:31 PM
> To: Stagecraft Mailing List <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
> Cc: Kristi R-C <misswisc at aol.com>
> Subject: Re: [SML] Curtains
>
>
> The biggest cost for curtains is often shipping, so getting quotes from close companies is a good idea.
>
> Syracuse Scenery and Stage Lighting in NY
> Norcostco in MN
> Mainstage in MKE/FL
> Sew What CA
> Bella Tex (Texas?? I don?t remember)
> are all companies I?ve dealt with and would recommend for this.
>
> Triple check your dimensions and ensure you have rigging strong enough to hold the weight - INCLUDING chain/ties/etc. And a plan for installation which is not you and the students. When you compare bids, make certain you are comparing the SAME fabric - velour vs duvetyn vs erosion cloth are not the same. You want a good weight of Velour so you get some acoustic absorption from it, too.
>
> HTH
>
> Kristi R-C
>
>
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> Message: 5
> Date: Sat, 4 Jan 2025 23:43:55 -0800
> From: Jeff Forbes <jforbes1956 at gmail.com>
> To: Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
> Subject: Re: [SML] Curtains
> Message-ID: <0779451F-32F8-47F8-9C47-2F1E5E48AF3D at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain;	charset=utf-8
>
> Bill, for a project like this, which could just be a one-off, would Duvetyne work? It?s relatively inexpensive and IFR I think?
>
> > On Jan 4, 2025, at 6:38?PM, stagecraft-request at theatrical.net wrote:
> >
> > Make sure the fabric you buy is, at the very least, flame resistant.   Make sure you get a certificate to that effect from the vendor where you buy the fabric.
> > It would be best if you bought a synthetic fabric that is Inherently Flame Resistant (IFR), but that fabric can be pricey.
>
>
> Jeff Forbesjforbes1956 at gmail.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Sun, 5 Jan 2025 11:44:39 +0000
> From: Bill Sapsis <bill at sapsis-rigging.com>
> To: Stagecraft Mailing List <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
> Subject: Re: [SML] Curtains
> Message-ID: <32481AE4-BE7F-4823-BB14-B3145E20B39B at sapsis-rigging.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Yes.  Duvetyne would work.  Just get that certificate so you can make your fire marshal happy.
>
> Bill
> bill at sapsis-rigging.com
> 267.278.4561 mobile
>
>
>
> ?On 1/5/25, 2:46 AM, "Stagecraft on behalf of Jeff Forbes via Stagecraft" <stagecraft-bounces at theatrical.net <mailto:stagecraft-bounces at theatrical.net> on behalf of stagecraft at theatrical.net <mailto:stagecraft at theatrical.net>> wrote:
>
>
> Bill, for a project like this, which could just be a one-off, would Duvetyne work? It?s relatively inexpensive and IFR I think?
>
>
> > On Jan 4, 2025, at 6:38 PM, stagecraft-request at theatrical.net <mailto:stagecraft-request at theatrical.net> wrote:
> >
> > Make sure the fabric you buy is, at the very least, flame resistant. Make sure you get a certificate to that effect from the vendor where you buy the fabric.
> > It would be best if you bought a synthetic fabric that is Inherently Flame Resistant (IFR), but that fabric can be pricey.
>
>
>
>
> Jeff Forbesjforbes1956 at gmail.com <mailto:jforbes1956 at gmail.com>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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