This page is intended as a practical reference for designers, consultants, school boards, churches, theatres, and event venues specifying stage curtains and masking drapes in Canada.
It outlines the most commonly used fabrics, weights, and configurations, based on real-world applications in public assembly spaces.
In Canada, IFR (Inherently Fire Retardant) velour is the most widely specified fabric for stage curtains and masking due to its durability, light absorption, and long-term compliance.
The correct weight depends on how the space is used.
Commonly used when:
The venue is a school auditorium
Curtains are opened and closed frequently
Ease of handling and reduced load on track systems is important
Typical uses:
Stage legs
Borders
Smaller travellers
Multi-purpose spaces
A balanced option used in:
Churches
Community theatres
Mid-sized performance spaces
Chosen when:
Improved sound absorption is required
Deeper colour and light control are desired
Curtains remain mostly stationary
Often used for:
Main travellers
Legs and borders
Full-stage masking
Specified when:
The venue is large
Maximum light and sound absorption is required
Curtains are part of a permanent installation
Typical environments:
Performing arts centres
Larger theatres
Stages with significant lighting demands
This weight adds visual depth and acoustic benefit but requires appropriate rigging.
Vertical curtains placed at the sides of the stage to:
Mask backstage areas
Control sightlines
Frame the performance space
Horizontal curtains positioned above the stage to:
Mask lighting equipment
Control vertical sightlines
Reduce light spill
Main front-of-house curtains that:
Open and close horizontally
Control audience focus
Are often paired with borders and legs
Curtains placed at the rear of the stage to:
Create depth
Absorb light
Serve as a neutral visual background
For public assembly spaces in Canada:
IFR fabrics are preferred because fire retardancy is built into the fibre
Documentation is typically required for inspection and approval
Re-treatment is not necessary for IFR materials
Fire compliance should be confirmed before fabrication and installation.
