<div dir="ltr"><div><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:large">Loren's post does bring up a point of discussion. </div><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:large">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. </div><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:large">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. </div><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:large">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.</div><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:large">Mike</div><br clear="all"></div><div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><br></div>Michael Katz<br><a href="mailto:narishkup@gmail.com" target="_blank">narishkup@gmail.com</a><br>C: 857.383.0020</div></div></div><br></div><br><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Sun, Jan 5, 2025 at 7:17 AM Lschreib via Stagecraft <<a href="mailto:stagecraft@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft@theatrical.net</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div><div id="m_3921833467017946659m_-1273613775210613477edo-message"><div></div><span style="font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody">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!</span></div><div id="m_3921833467017946659m_-1273613775210613477edo-message"><span style="font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody"><br></span></div><div id="m_3921833467017946659m_-1273613775210613477edo-message"><span style="font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody">~Loren</span></div><br><div id="m_3921833467017946659m_-1273613775210613477edo-meta"><div id="m_3921833467017946659m_-1273613775210613477edo-signature" style="font-family:sans-serif,"Helvetica Neue",Helvetica,Arial"></div></div><div id="m_3921833467017946659m_-1273613775210613477edo-original"><div><br><br><blockquote type="cite" style="margin:1ex 0px 0px;height:min-content;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:0.5ex"><div>On Jan 5, 2025 at 10:01 PM, <<a href="mailto:stagecraft-request@theatrical.net" target="_blank">Stagecraft-Request</a>> wrote:<br><br></div><div><pre>Send Stagecraft mailing list submissions to
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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 <<a href="mailto:gbierly@dejazzd.com" target="_blank">gbierly@dejazzd.com</a>>
To: Stagecraft Mailing List <<a href="mailto:stagecraft@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft@theatrical.net</a>>
Subject: Re: [SML] Curtains
Message-ID: <<a href="mailto:86D65FBC-3A54-4621-B811-7D72EC04E20C@dejazzd.com" target="_blank">86D65FBC-3A54-4621-B811-7D72EC04E20C@dejazzd.com</a>>
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 <<a href="mailto:stagecraft@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft@theatrical.net</a>> 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 <<a href="mailto:stevenjmclean@gmail.com" target="_blank">stevenjmclean@gmail.com</a>>
To: Stagecraft Mailing List <<a href="mailto:stagecraft@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft@theatrical.net</a>>
Subject: Re: [SML] Curtains
Message-ID:
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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
<a href="mailto:stevenjmclean@gmail.com" target="_blank">stevenjmclean@gmail.com</a>
<a href="mailto:smclean@grandview.edu" target="_blank">smclean@grandview.edu</a>
<a href="http://designandtechtheatre.wordpress.com" target="_blank">designandtechtheatre.wordpress.com</a>
On Sat, Jan 4, 2025 at 7:35?PM Ross via Stagecraft <
<a href="mailto:stagecraft@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft@theatrical.net</a>> 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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>
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Message: 3
Date: Sun, 5 Jan 2025 04:31:02 +0000 (UTC)
From: Kristi R-C <<a href="mailto:misswisc@aol.com" target="_blank">misswisc@aol.com</a>>
To: Stagecraft Mailing List <<a href="mailto:stagecraft@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft@theatrical.net</a>>
Subject: Re: [SML] Curtains
Message-ID: <<a href="mailto:1115684656.5172840.1736051462838@mail.yahoo.com" target="_blank">1115684656.5172840.1736051462838@mail.yahoo.com</a>>
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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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Message: 4
Date: Sun, 5 Jan 2025 04:36:24 +0000
From: Wally Eastland <<a href="mailto:wally_eastland@lprdesignstudio.com" target="_blank">wally_eastland@lprdesignstudio.com</a>>
To: Stagecraft Mailing List <<a href="mailto:stagecraft@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft@theatrical.net</a>>
Subject: Re: [SML] Curtains
Message-ID:
<<a href="mailto:CH0PR20MB4250132E8B331DAC9E349876ED172@CH0PR20MB4250.namprd20.prod.outlook.com" target="_blank">CH0PR20MB4250132E8B331DAC9E349876ED172@CH0PR20MB4250.namprd20.prod.outlook.com</a>>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
I agree with everything Kristi says below. The only thing I?ll add is another curtain vendor ? Stage Dec in Greensboro, NC.
From: Stagecraft <<a href="mailto:stagecraft-bounces@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft-bounces@theatrical.net</a>> On Behalf Of Kristi R-C via Stagecraft
Sent: Saturday, January 4, 2025 8:31 PM
To: Stagecraft Mailing List <<a href="mailto:stagecraft@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft@theatrical.net</a>>
Cc: Kristi R-C <<a href="mailto:misswisc@aol.com" target="_blank">misswisc@aol.com</a>>
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 <<a href="mailto:jforbes1956@gmail.com" target="_blank">jforbes1956@gmail.com</a>>
To: Stagecraft <<a href="mailto:stagecraft@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft@theatrical.net</a>>
Subject: Re: [SML] Curtains
Message-ID: <<a href="mailto:0779451F-32F8-47F8-9C47-2F1E5E48AF3D@gmail.com" target="_blank">0779451F-32F8-47F8-9C47-2F1E5E48AF3D@gmail.com</a>>
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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, <a href="mailto:stagecraft-request@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft-request@theatrical.net</a> 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 Forbes
<a href="mailto:jforbes1956@gmail.com" target="_blank">jforbes1956@gmail.com</a>
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Sun, 5 Jan 2025 11:44:39 +0000
From: Bill Sapsis <<a href="mailto:bill@sapsis-rigging.com" target="_blank">bill@sapsis-rigging.com</a>>
To: Stagecraft Mailing List <<a href="mailto:stagecraft@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft@theatrical.net</a>>
Subject: Re: [SML] Curtains
Message-ID: <<a href="mailto:32481AE4-BE7F-4823-BB14-B3145E20B39B@sapsis-rigging.com" target="_blank">32481AE4-BE7F-4823-BB14-B3145E20B39B@sapsis-rigging.com</a>>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Yes. Duvetyne would work. Just get that certificate so you can make your fire marshal happy.
Bill
<a href="mailto:bill@sapsis-rigging.com" target="_blank">bill@sapsis-rigging.com</a>
267.278.4561 mobile
?On 1/5/25, 2:46 AM, "Stagecraft on behalf of Jeff Forbes via Stagecraft" <<a href="mailto:stagecraft-bounces@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft-bounces@theatrical.net</a> <mailto:<a href="mailto:stagecraft-bounces@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft-bounces@theatrical.net</a>> on behalf of <a href="mailto:stagecraft@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft@theatrical.net</a> <mailto:<a href="mailto:stagecraft@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft@theatrical.net</a>>> 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, <a href="mailto:stagecraft-request@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft-request@theatrical.net</a> <mailto:<a href="mailto:stagecraft-request@theatrical.net" target="_blank">stagecraft-request@theatrical.net</a>> 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 Forbes
<a href="mailto:jforbes1956@gmail.com" target="_blank">jforbes1956@gmail.com</a> <mailto:<a href="mailto:jforbes1956@gmail.com" target="_blank">jforbes1956@gmail.com</a>>
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