Stage Wraps: Types, Fabrics, Construction Tips for Theater Backdrops

What are Stage Wraps?

A stage wrap, also sometimes referred to as a theater drape, is a large piece of fabric that is hung as a backdrop on a stage or theater production. Stage wraps can be made from various materials like velvet, muslin, or polyester blends. They create an aesthetic background and help absorb sound in the performance space.

Uses of Stage Wraps

There are a few key reasons stage wraps are used in theaters and on stages:

• They provide a backdrop that fits with the theme or time period of a play or musical. Stage wraps allow set designers to easily change the look of each scene or act.
• They mask areas the audience isn't meant to see like backstage spaces or the wings where actors and crew members wait.
• Stage wraps help muffle sound from backstage to minimize unwanted noise reaching the audience.
• Intricate or bright stage wrap designs and colors help draw the audience's eyes towards the main action on stage.

Types of Stage Wraps

There are a few common kinds of stage wraps:

• Backdrops: These are hung at the rear of the stage as a general background. They usually display painted scenery or designs.
• Borders: Borders mask the top edges of the stage near lighting fixtures and catwalks.
• Legs: Vertical leg wraps mask the sides of the stage out of the audience's view.
• Scrims: Scrims are made from gauzy sheer fabric that diffuses light from the back of the stage. Imagery can be projected onto a scrim.

Fabrics Used for Stage Wraps

Some common fabrics used for stage drapes and wraps include:

• Velour: Dense velvet-like velour nicely absorbs sound and provides an elegant look.
• Muslin: Lightweight cotton muslin is very versatile and can be painted on.
• Polyester: Wrinkle-resistant polyester works well for traveling shows.
• Flocked fabric: Flocking gives a velvety texture good for sound dampening.

Constructing Stage Wraps

Constructing a set of stage wraps requires careful planning and setup. The process includes:

1. First, the performance space needs to be measured precisely including height, width, and any irregularities.
2. Next, the fabric has to be cut to size allowing for hems and seams. Sections of fabric are usually stitched together for very large wraps.
3. Tabs or pockets must be sewn into the fabric at regular intervals where rigging hooks will connect to hang the drape.
4. Structural support can be added by inserting grommets, webbing, or pipe pockets if the fabric alone can't support the weight.
5. Any imagery is often hand painted directly onto the fabric once it's complete.
6. Finally, the wrap is carefully hung using rigging mounted overhead in the performance space.

Considerations When Making Stage Wraps

There are also some key factors to think about when constructing theater drapes:

• Weight: The thickness and density of the fabric impacts how much weight it can hold without additional support.
• Durability: Fabrics need to stand up to repeat use and cleaning between productions.
• Flammability Rating: Theaters require use of inherently flame-retardant fabrics.
• Wrinkle Resistance: Minimal wrinkling allows for a crisper painted or projected image.
• Light Absorption: Some light diffusion creates a softer mood on stage.

Specialized Stage Wraps

While typical stage drapes create a backdrop, there are also some unique specialized forms of wraps.

Projections Screens

Projection screens made of matte white fabric allow for rear projection of digital scenery and visual effects. These can be front or rear projected. Screens optimize contrast for the projections.

Cycloramas

Also called cyc for short, these giant curved seamless wraps encircle the rear and sides of the stage. Cycloramas create “endlessness” allowing the scene to appear bigger. Imagery can be projected onto a painted cyclorama backdrop.

Sharkstooth Scrim

A semi-transparent scrim fabric with a sharkstooth weave conceals actors behind it until they are lit. When lit, the pattern seems to disappear making characters magically materialize on stage.

Maintaining Stage Wraps

With heavy use and exposure to bright lighting, stage drapes require proper care and maintenance. Some tips include:

• Inspect wraps carefully after each use for rips, pulls or signs of wear.
• Clean wraps regularly following fabric care instructions to prevent buildup and odor.
• Allow adequate drying time if hand washing to prevent mold and mildew.
• Repair small holes quickly by sewing or patching to avoid further tearing.
• Take down wraps and store flat after extended periods of non-use.
• Consider re-treating wraps occasionally with flame retardant solution for safety.

Well-made stage wraps that are properly cared for can have a very long lifetime of use on professional and amateur stages.

FAQs

What fabrics typically make good stage wraps?

Velour, muslin, and polyester blends are common fabrics used for stage wraps. The best fabrics hang nicely, absorb sound well, and are durable and wrinkle-resistant.

How often should I take down and clean stage wraps?

Inspect wraps regularly and clean as needed based on use and fabric instructions. At minimum take them down and clean thoroughly a few times a year. Allow proper drying time before re-hanging.

Can I project images onto any stage drape?

Front or rear projection works best on screens made of matte white fabric optimized for projection. Images can also be projected onto cycloramas and some scrims. Standard backdrops may not display projections as crisply.

What's the benefit of a border vs a backdrop?

Borders specifically mask the upper part of the stage near lighting and catwalks. Backdrops create a general background for the main action on stage. Using both creates a more complete, professional theatre look.