Theater curtains are often made of velour for its rich look and easy draping. Damask, either cotton or synthetic, is also common. A heavy polyester/cotton blend would be suitable as well since polyester material drapes easily and moves well. Lighter weight fabrics, such as chintz or silk, would be impractical as they do not provide the best light or sound barrier between the audience and the stage.
The proscenium, or front, curtain is generally of the same color as the theater seats or surrounding decor. Proscenium curtains come in two designs. One is called a guillotine and is raised horizontally above the proscenium. The other is called the traveler and parts in the middle, separating to each side. A traveling curtain is either pleated or smooth. A guillotine curtain will have ruched sections roughly 18 to 24 inches apart.
Curtain tracks come in two basic styles, suspended and ceiling. A suspended curtain track has a hook type apparatus from which the track hangs. The hook fastens the track to the wood beam that holds it. A ceiling curtain track has a flat surface that is bolted flush against the wood beam with clamps that hold the track. The hooks and bolts are typically made of heavy-duty brass, and the clamps are made of steel. The track is usually made of aluminum or steel. The spacers for the track come in different configurations, depending upon the material and how the curtain travels, whether from one side to the other or from the center to the outer edges.
Behind the proscenium curtain are additional sets of curtains called masking curtains. A type of valence, called a border, is used to hide lights and sound equipment. This type of curtain is fastened to a rod with grommets and nylon ties. Side curtains, called legs, are used to "hide" areas for entrances. The audience should see only curtain or performers. Legs can be hung from a rod, called a pipe batten, or from a track. The next set of curtains (working back from the front) are called mid-stage travelers or rear travelers. These are generally used to hide equipment or backdrops near the rear wall, but they can be used to create smaller spaces on-stage. The same type of material, as proscenium curtains, is used for these. Black is the color of choice for masking curtains so that they blend when the lights are dimmed. This allows the audience to be fully focused on the performance without distraction. When choosing how far across stage (from an entrance side toward the center) to bring masking curtains, consider the seating in the auditorium. Curtains must hide props and lighting equipment without interfering with the sight line of the audience.