Curtain Design

A stage without curtains is like a play without a set. They’re a defining feature of theaters across the world, both old and new. Whether you want to modernize your existing theatrical curtains or complete your new performance venue with some beautiful automatic stage curtains, our talented and passionate team of design professionals can achieve your creative vision.

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Types of Stage Curtains

Each stage curtain is unique. At Illuminated Integration, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, we treat each curtain style differently to yield the best results. Between the fabric, size and opening of the curtain and the method of operation, you’ve got a myriad of options to choose from. When it comes time to upgrade, repair or replace your curtains, we’ll care for each curtain style according to your requirements.

Motorized Stage Curtain Systems

Motorized stage curtain systems feature automatic operation. This curtain system can come in the form of a grand drape that lifts vertically or splits in the center of the stage. Automatic curtain systems may also include masking curtains that hide the behind-the-scenes details of stage life from the audience. Backdrop curtains, used to shape the stage or set a scene, may also be motorized.

Automatic curtain systems have grown in popularity, as this style elevates the seamless consistency and dramatic intrigue of any production while making it easier for the stage crew to operate. However, their ease of operation doesn’t mean your stagehands can take a back seat. It’s crucial to make sure your motorized curtains stay in excellent condition through regular inspections, proper storage, professional cleanings and upgrades as needed.

Manual Stage Curtain Systems

We also offer manual stage curtain systems on the more traditional side of theater. These curtain styles are drawn by rope for the ultimate hand-touched effect. Whether raising, lowering, opening or closing, manual systems are highly versatile because your crew runs the show. Have them open rope-drawn curtains quickly for added drama or slowly to build intrigue — the flair is in your hands.

Manual stage curtain operation relies on finding the correct steel weight load balance. Your crew will need to modify this balance regularly for different sets or backdrops, so there’s potential for added wear and tear. To care for your stage curtains proactively, follow regular maintenance procedures, including thorough cleanings, dust removals and proper storage between or after shows.

Specialty Curtains and Crests

There’s a whole world of specialty stage curtains beyond manual and motorized curtain systems. Designed for added style and onstage drama, specialty curtains and crests can help set the scene for an audience and add timeless charm. For example, you can use open-net specialty scrim curtains to enhance special effects by making them appear or disappear depending on the stage lighting.

Because specialty curtains and crests are less common than standard motorized or manual curtains, it’s essential to partner with professional theatrical curtains consultants who can offer expert repair and replacement services. Investing in trained maintenance and repair services will ensure your specialty curtains keep shaping your stage for years to come.

Designing and Installing Theatrical Curtains

Since Illuminated Integration is a design-build firm, we’re with you through every phase of the design and installation process. When you work with us, that includes the following steps:

Consult: We start by meeting with you to learn about your venue’s requirements for new stage curtains, as well as your goals and expectations.
Create: Following your consultation, we start the process of creating a 100% original design by visiting your location, taking measurements and more.
Collaborate: We value your input, which is why we create CAD and 3D renderings of your theatrical curtain design for review.
Construct: After we’ve finalized the design of your curtains, we’ll begin the process of installing them for you, which is a seamless experience for you.

We’re passionate about our designs, such as for automatic stage curtains, and care about our clients, which is why we provide support both before and after implementation.

Venues That Can Benefit From Updated Curtains

Your stage curtains are one of the first things the audience will notice, so they should make a statement. Stage curtains are your grand entrance, scene-setter and the delicate divide between a world of fantasy and reality. That’s why venues of all kinds can benefit from updated and intelligently designed theatrical curtains:

Churches: Places of worship often use theater curtains to help their congregation look past distractions and focus on the service. Premier curtains can help to create a welcoming atmosphere and supplement religious performances.
Auditoriums: From K-12 to higher education, school stage curtains are essential for building a professional auditorium feel. Quality fabric and smooth operation can transform a school auditorium into a space for aspiring performers to thrive.
Theaters: Community and professional theaters looking for a way to up their game can always turn to brand new curtains for a solution. Updated stage curtains are a subtle yet unmistakable way to set the mood and enhance your production quality behind the scenes.
Performance venues: From comedy clubs to music halls, performance venues are places of connection and shared human experience. Updated stage curtains serve as a simple way to draw in a crowd and create an immersive ambiance, from when the curtains open to the final bow.

The Impact of Quality Stage Curtain Designs

From the moment the curtain rises to the closing curtain call, a quality stage curtain design offers several benefits, including:

Amplifying Your Space: No matter the age of your venue, from a modern building to a historical one, your curtains emphasize the character of your theater. While cut-and-paste theatrical curtains are readily available, they often miss the mark when it comes to building on your venue’s original design. That’s why many theaters choose stage curtains tailored to their space, which lets our designers amplify all the signature features of your stage and building.
Directing Your Audience: For every performance, whether it’s a play, musical or stand-up comedy, it’s key to keep your viewers focused on the stage. One way is through your curtains, which act as a conductor, indicating the beginning, intermission and closing of a show, as well as scene changes. A quality set of curtains contributes even more to this goal, and automatic stage curtains can make transitions between scenes seamless.
Modernizing Your Stage: While stories of the theater may include Shakespeare, Chekhov and Williams, the stage itself features a range of modern technologies to coordinate audio, video and lighting features — theatrical curtains are no exception. Today, you can streamline the work of your stagehands with automatic curtains, as well as automatic window shades for a comfortable viewing experience.

Raise the Curtain With Illuminated Integration

At Illuminated Integration, the passion of our experienced team for the performing arts makes us a trusted partner of performance venues looking to raise the curtain on their existing theatrical curtain design. Whether you’re a small, medium or large theater, our knowledgeable consultants are ready to create an original plan that brings your expectations to life.

Contact us today to learn more about our services for stage curtains!

Our Happy Clients

What they say about us

"At Dorney Park we have a 200’ tall attraction that had an antiquated lighting system. It was inefficient, and static color changes would consume a large amount of time from our team. Illuminated Integration proposed a solution utilizing technology from SGM Lighting for our attraction. The tower is not only much brighter than before, but now it is the most visually stunning element in our skyline! The solution is easier to maintain, less expensive to operate and easier to manage color changes. I would definitely recommend considering Illuminated Integration and SGM Lighting for future projects."

Michael Fehnel Dorney Park - Dominator

"Tyler and Mike from Illuminated did a superlative job with our Frederico Theater. They started the project soon after signing the contract, they met every deadline, they had no change orders, they communicated clearly and often and their training sessions were superb. We could not have asked for a better partner for Holy Ghost Prep's Frederico Theater."

Tim Woods Holy Ghost Prep's Frederico Theater

"Cutting edge knowledge, highly professional, and extremely competent. Illuminated Integration provided exceptional planning, pricing, delivery and installation of equipment and networking within our theater. We cannot imagine using anyone else for future work. These guys are really good!"

Michael Starner Conestoga High School - Theatre Lighting Upgrades

"We’re really pleased with your recommendations and install. You’ve been a real blessing to the Faith Family in Hazleton!"

Jim Paisley Faith - Hazleton, PA

"Everything went splendidly, from beginning to end. The guys were here on time and got right to work. They ran into some spots where they needed clarification, and they weren't afraid to ask questions to make sure things were done the way we wanted. They also had enough time to not make us feel like they were trying to rush out of the door and move to the next job. They took the time to ensure everything was good for us to go before they left. I was exceedingly happy with the entire process. The whole team has been great to work with, and I'm sure I'll be in contact for our next project." Community Theatre League

Phill Haney Community Theatre League

"Illuminated Integration did an awesome job of upgrading our Live Stream. We went from SD to 1080. They were great to work with!"

Josh Gill Doylestown Presbyterian Church - Sanctuary Video System

"I am the Technical Director at Saint John Vianney High School in Holmdel, NJ. Illuminated did a complete overhaul of our audio system; replacing the speakers, sound board, infrastructure, 20 wireless body mics and receivers, and adding some plug and play XLR ports to the front of the stage which work off touchscreens in various places in the room. Everything works seamlessly and their tech support is top notch. They are always willing to help even at weird times (which is especially helpful if something goes wrong during or near showtime!)."

Chris Scoles St. John Vianney High School - Theatre Audio System