Stage & Theatre Curtain Guidance

J&C Joel has been supplying theatrical drapes to all kinds of venues, large and small, for over 30 years. Whether your requirement is for a school hall, a simple black box theatre (as below illustration), glitzy cabaret stage or a grand auditorium, our sewing team is at your service.

These illustrations will act as a guide, but if you would like any further assistance please contact our sales department on +44 (0)1422 833 835 (UK) or E-mail us

Three Dimensional Stage Layout

Sightlines/Two Dimensional Curtain Movement



Traveller Curtain The traveller or bi-parting curtain comprises of two sections which are suspended from a track and which open and close from centre to off-stage. The most commonly used curtain style with 50-100% fullness and is generally manufactured in velvet when used as a front curtain or from wool serge when used on stage.		Tableau Curtain A pair of pleated or gathered curtains, the curves (swag) are obtained by sewing rings on the back of each curain diagonally from the lower on-stage edge to the upper off-stage edge. A cable or line threaded through the ring lift the curtain open. Large or heavy curtains may need motorised rigging.

Austrian Curtain Very ornate, with vertical and horizontal fullness sewn into the horizontal pleated swags. Raised evenly by multiple vertical lift lines between each pleat. Usually made with ornate fabrics to give the luxurious look of the grand opera houses.		Venetian Contour Curtain With the appearance of a simple pleated curtain when down, the Venetian offers a choice of lifts - raise all the multiple vertical lift lines together for an even scalloped bottom edge, or adjust the lift lines for a more elaborate look, as shown.