The importance of theatre drape and their application

When theatre drapes are applied properly they can be used to create stunning effects

Theatre drape comes in a very wide variety of fabrics, such as velour, velvet, blackout, rayon, and silk. The Velour is beautiful and elegant, and is a fabric of choice where a production calls for this type of drape, whilst thick, heavy velvet adds a rich opulence and grandeur that no other theatre drape can match. Use of theatre drape can add a three-dimensional texture to walls and theatre drapes and stage curtains come in different degrees of fullness, depending on how ‘flat’ or ‘gathered’ they are. Besides the painted drops on muslin or linen, there are scrims. When lit from the front, scrim theatre drape appear opaque, and when backlit they become translucent. Scrims are available in many sizes. They are the drape which adds magic to performances! By the way, did you know that the Romans dropped the front curtain at the beginning of the show instead of raising it? It fell to the ground and was dragged away by slaves. The idea of raising the curtain up out of sight was invented during the Italian Renaissance, when many of the stage crew were former sailors and sailboat rigging was brought to the theatre. My how times have changed!

The sizes of theatre drapes

There is no standard backdrop theatre drape size. Common sizes are 22′ high x 50′ wide and 17′ high x 40′ wide, but they are available in many off the shelf sizes. Here are Cover It Up we are able to supply you with a massive selection of theatre drapes and stage drapes in every size imaginable and our bespoke department of theatre drape seamstresses are poised and ready to take your order.

Are you putting on a production and need theatre drape?

What kind of scenery does your production or event need? As you might already know, it depends on the show or play that you are going to perform, and the statement that you want to make. Some productions are quite elaborate, whilst others may use minimal or symbolic scenery. Whatever the event or production talk to Cover It Up, working anywhere in the UK and into Europe, we can help with all your theatre drape, stage drape and event dressing requirements.