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How to Mount Stage Curtains

No stage is complete without curtains. Stage curtains are hung at multiple places across the stage to mask areas behind the stage or to enable parts of the stage itself to be concealed. The three types of stage curtains are backdrop, masking and proscenium curtains. The proscenium, which hangs at the front of the stage, is used for concealing the entire stage from the audience. Curtains can be mounted for permanent use in two ways.

Things You'll Need

  • Chalk line
  • Chalk
  • Mounting hardware
  • Screws
  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Weigh the curtains you are hanging. Smaller, lighter-weight curtains can be hung from pipe or long dowels; heavier curtains must be hung using a track. Lightweight curtains include backdrops that, once hung, can be rolled up around the pipe when needed. Heavier curtains, such as proscenium curtains, are meant to be opened and closed during presentation intervals and will incur much more wear and tear than the backdrop, requiring sturdier mounting techniques.

    • 2

      Using a chalk line coated with chalk of a contrasting color, mark the ceiling across the area of the stage where the curtains are to be hung.

    • 3

      Secure mounting hardware for the track or pipe that you are using to hang the curtains. The track will be mounted directly to the ceiling and placed in end caps. You can hang the pipe using long metal hooks to make removal or replacement more convenient.

    • 4

      Place the track or pipe into the mounting hardware. Insert screws along the length of the track in the pre-drilled holes. This provides the stability necessary to ensure smooth movement of the curtain as it is opened and closed.

    • 5

      Hang the curtain. For the track, metal clasps hanging from the track are secured into grommets across the top of the curtain. For the pipe, shower curtain rings can be hung from the pipe and hooked into grommets across the curtain, or the pipe can be inserted into the rod pocket. The method of hanging the curtain will depend on how the curtain was made and its intended purpose on the stage.

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