House Lighting
In the selection of a color or fabric for the main curtain, it is important to consider the house lighting carefully - the amount and color of the lights to be used in the chandeliers and wall brackets of the auditorium. The lighting of the average theatre is dim; and often amber incandescents are used in the fixtures. In selecting colors for the curtain fabrics go directly to the theatre, or if that is not possible at the time, go to another theatre that has about the same lighting. Hang a large piece of the curtain material against the footlights and observe the effect from different parts of the auditorium before making final selection. You will find that colors are deceptive under amber light. Materials of a flat texture such as rep or linen are most successful, as they do not change in color-value above the eye-level.
Rep Curtain with Linen Applique
Four stage curtains and theatre decorations are described, two in color. The first shown in color in Plate 63, is designed to show an applique effect on plain material, in a small auditorium.The walls of this theatre may be either terra-cotta or plaster marked off in blocks, with brackets of multi-colored, glazed terracotta, and the stage opening outlined in a border of the same terracotta. A platform is shown on either side of the stage with a decorative opening and stairs leading down from the stage to the auditorium (see floor plan in Figure 1).
FIGURE 1. FLOOR PLAN OF THE PROSCENIUM AND ORCHESTRA OF THE THEATRE SHOWN IN PLATE 63.
The curtain has linen applique over a green rep foundation. In theatre drapery work it must be kept in mind that the audience not only sits close to the footlights but far up in the balcony, consequently the drapery fabrics must contain an unusual strength of pattern and color. The 60-inch linen selected in Plate 63 has a 9-foot repeat and one and one-half repeats are used, with part of the half-repeat used as high points on each side. The rep background is a stock 50-inch material.
The background of the linen is the same color as the rep, thereby saving cutting out each individual pattern. In making this patterned linen applique it has been found that two widths of 50-inch material are most satisfactory. Plenty of material should be allowed at the bottom, enough to hang back of the fringe and about a foot extra to turn up.
If the work of applying this linen is to be done in the workroom, by hand, the pattern should be outlined in thread or wool sewn directly through the rep, to insure a smooth surface. This is important, for it must be remembered that this curtain gets a direct light from the bottom, from the footlights and if there is a sag in either material a deep shadow will be reflected above it for several feet up the curtain.
This type of figured curtain should not run over 30 per cent fullness. In a proscenium opening narrower than 22 feet, 20 per cent fullness will be sufficient. An allowance of 18 inches to 2 feet of plain rep beyond the edge of the opening, at each side, is usual, but this may be determined from the plan of the stage. The entire width and length of the curtain depends upon the position of the curtain from the opening and sightline.
The curtain is trimmed at the bottom with an 18-inch fringe, although this may be 24 inches deep, if necessary or desired. There is a green fringe background with lighter green tassels, a little henna color worked into the headings and a heavy henna cord at the top. The tassels are hung about 12 inches apart. They may be set further apart and still be effective.
PLATE 63. MODERNISTIC CURTAIN FOR A SMALL PROSCENIUM ARCH
Side Draperies
Curtains for the two side openings are of the same green rep. A motif cut from the linen is used as an applique on the rep, in the same manner as on the curtain. A green fringe, in a smaller size than on the main curtain and without the tassels, is sewn across the bottom.Orchestra curtains are of cotton velvet hung from wrought iron rods and fixtures. These curtains are shown in green but may be selected as to color from any of the tones of the linen. Cotton velvet is here suggested for its weight and because it does not require lining.
Portieres or door coverings for the auditorium depend upon the amount of light and color used elsewhere in the auditorium. It is suggested that another color be used rather than the green of the curtain, so that the eye may not be drawn away from the stage, which is the main point of interest. Seat covers in deep brown for service and harmony, and a patterned rug or carpet in dark tones of brown or taupe, are suggested for the aisles.