The Purpose Of Blackout Curtains In A Theatre

When producing any sort of performance on stage in a theatre, directing the sound and light is critical. In order to make a dramatic impact as possible, the image must be framed in the right way.

Blackout curtains are used at the sides and rear of the stage outside the performance space in order to hide the offstage areas and equipment from the view of the audience. Known as borders and legs, these curtains are made from fabrics such as black wool serge which will prevent light from reaching the stage and in effect form the edges and rear of a black box. In addition, these curtains will also minimise any reflection from the light on the stage, and at the same time double as a sound barrier to deaden offstage sounds.

Black wool serge, in particular, is not only a light and sound suppressant, but is also inherently flame retardant, so it won’t need any form of chemical treatment as do many other materials. In addition, black wool serge is available in different weights, ranging from 300 grams per square metre (GSM) up to 1kg, although the curtain industry average is 500 GSM. Obviously, the heavier and thicker the material is, the better job it will do at suppressing light and sound.

Additionally, black wool serge curtains can be manufactured with a range of different pleats. A heavy and thick pleat will also help to dim or black out light completely, even if the fabric is unlined,