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Cuckoo Hall Primary School Edmonton STAGE/THEATRE CURTAINS & HARDWAREThe well-dressed stage comprises a series of curtains which provide the actors with sufficient entrances and exits with which to work. The stage is clothed in curtains to the sides (wings) and back in a black fabric which increases the gloom and allows the imagination to create the illusion of great depth and width on the stage. The curtain closest to the back will often be a Cyclorama – a white backdrop which allows the use of shadow and throws colour into relief in a different way than black curtains. It is often supported with the use of tie-tapes on a barrel. A painted backdrop could also be fitted to this barrel and a series of these could be used to create different scenes. The next curtain from the back is likely to be a pair of backdrop curtains, in black, and fitted to a professional (heavy duty) steel stage-track, with rope action. This pair of curtains can be drawn open to reveal the cyclorama, or painted scenery. There should be a valance in front of this pair, fitted to a valance barrel. Next should be a mid-stage pair of black curtains, fitted to a professional steel track, with rope action, with it’s own valance. This pair divides the depth of the stage in half and allows the stage-hands to set the scene behind this or change the cyclorama, while the action continues on the front of the stage. There may be another black valance to screen stage lights from the audience’s eyes. In front of these will be the Front of House stage track and curtains. The FOH stage tracks are often worked by a steel cable and winch. These curtains are usually lined and are very heavy, particularly if they are made of velvet. The winch takes the strain and allows the curtains to be easily and smoothly drawn. The FOH curtains, and valance, which will very often accompany the FOH curtains, are usually made of a rich colour, usually Burgundy, Royal or deep Emerald. They provide an elegant splash of colour. On both sides of the stage will be a series of curtains fitted at an angle to the other curtains, known as wing curtains (legs or tabs). These are fitted to a special variable fittings which allow the wings to revolve and be placed at any required angle. This allows the stage to “change shape” when required, and shields stage-hands and actors from the audience. A stage can be as well-dressed or as minimally dressed as budgets allow.
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