Theatrical Backdrops

Muslin Backdrops	Muslin backdrops are used as a basis for painted scenery and as a surface that can be lighted in colors and patterns (gobos). Cotton muslin backdrops are available in natural (light beige), sky blue, black, grey, and bleached white colors. For economy, muslin backdrops are fabricated with horizontal seams using 6' to 10' wide fabric. For critical applications muslin backdrops can be seamless using wide fabric up to 40' in width. Seamless backdrops are more expensive than seamed backdrops. A price chart (PDF file) for natural and sky blue seamed muslin backdrops is here.
Sharkstooth Scrims	Sharkstooth scrim is a special rectangular open weave that results in a fabric that is partially opaque and partially open. When the fabric is lighted from the front and there is darkness behind the fabric, the sharkstooth scrim appears to be fully opaque. When the fabric is not lighted on the front, but there is light on the objects behind the scrim, the sharkstooth fabric appears to be transparent and the scene behind the scrim can be seen. Typically used for disappearing scenery effects, the scrim can have painted scenery on the front, or used as a surface for lighting and patterns (gobos). Sharkstooth scrim fabric is available up to 40' wide, so the finished backdrops are normally seamless. A price chart (PDF file) for white and black sharkstooth scrims is here.
Stage Masking Curtains	Masking curtains are typically black curtains used back stage to hide the stage equipment, lighting, and waiting performers from the view of the audience. Masking curtains are also used in exhibit halls, assembly halls, museums, and live entertainment venues - any place where you want to block vision or light. Cotton velour is a traditional fabric which has an actual pile (like a carpet) to absorb light and mute sound. An economical alternate to velour is cotton Commando Cloth which has a soft napped front surface (like felt) applied to a tightly woven base fabric (like denim). A price chart (PDF file) for black velour and commando cloth curtains is here.
Cyclorama "Cyc" Curtain	Cyclorama is a term that refers to a "wrap around" surface. In film and video studios, it can be a fixed hard wall that has curved corners, or it can mean a set of curtains and tracks that "wrap around" 2,3 or all 4 walls of the studio. On stage it is often a fabric backdrop at the rear of the stage typically used as a "sky drop", and it may be either flat or curved around at the sides. In lower and middle schools, a "cyclorama set" is incorrectly used to describe a full set of backstage curtains (legs, borders, travelers). A cyclorama curtain or "cyc" can be of almost any fabric and color depending upon how it is being used. Links to price charts (PDF files) for the muslin, sharkstooth scrim, and stage masking curtains as cyclorama curtains. For more information and prices about cyclorama curtains and tracks used in film and video studios, Look at the catalog pages 16 - 18 on our website labeled TV Cyclorama Systems. Start here.