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S
TAGE
E
QUIPMENT AND
C
URTAINS


O
PERATION AND
S
ERVICE
M
ANUAL








G
RAND
S
TAGE
L
IGHTING
/
ART DRAPERY STUDIOS

630
WEST LAKE STREET

C
HICAGO
,

I
L
,

60661-1465
PHONE
:

(312)

332

5611
FAX
:

(312)

332

3655

URL:
WWW
.
GRANDSTAGE
.
COM

Grand Stage Lighting Company, Inc.



Rev.
1.2


-2-
D
RAPERY

D
ESCRIPTION

All curtain systems fall into to general categories most easily described as the front setting
and the rear setting. The front setting is composed of the act curtain (main) and everything in
front of it. This would include such drapery as the grand valance, acoustic drapery used in
the house, side stage tab curtains, etc. The rear setting would include all onstage travelers
(mid-stage and rear), all border curtains, side masking curtains (legs, tabs) and rear masking
curtains (sky drops, cycloramas). The principle function of the rear setting is to define the
performance area. The function of the front setting is to reveal the performance and to signal
the end. In most cases the grand valance and the main are constructed from the same fabric
chosen to provide an elegant look to the auditorium. The rear serves the utilitarian function
of masking the working areas of the stage from the audience. Color of the rear setting tends
to the darker hues, such as black or blue while the front setting is chosen for its ability to
complement the decor of the auditorium.
F
IRST
C
URTAIN
O
PERATION

The Grand (the main or the act) can be a straight-lift curtain (guillotine), a contour curtain
(roman, tableau, waterfall, profile), motorized, hand operated, or traditional bi-parting.
Regardless of type, all first curtains serve the same function, to reveal the production to the
audience for the first time, to indicate the interval and to signal the end of the performance.
When the Main curtain is to be opened to predetermined positions, the operating line should
be spiked with yarn or string. Never use tape on the operating line! At worst the tape will
become fouled in the carriers or in the live and/or dead end pulleys. At best the tape will
leave a residue from the adhesive used to hold the tape. This residue will collect dirt and
other contaminants, which will eventually foul in the carriers and pulleys. Spiking the line
requires a large upholstery needle and colored yarn or string. The process of spiking a hand
line is simple; first, move the curtain to the desired position. Once in position, using the
threaded upholstery needle, pull the needle and colored yarn through one of the operating
lines at a convenient height (usually at operator eye level). Using the second color repeat the
process on the other line. It is important that both marks are at the same elevation. When
both colors are level to one another the desired curtain position has been achieved. The
reason for marking both lines is that one colored line will serve as a warning that the desired
location is nearing thus allowing for precise positioning. If tape spiking is the only method
then ONE WRAP around the operating line is enough and immediate removal once the event
is over.
The previously discussed information applies only to bi-parting hand operated curtains. All
motorized curtains require either programmable stops or close observation by the operator
who has a hand on the stop button. Lifting curtains (guillotine) are usually bi-parting and can
Grand Stage Lighting Company, Inc.



Rev.
1.2


-3-
be flown above the proscenium arch or slightly above the bottom grand valance. Contour
curtains, because of the many lifting lines and their weight, are usually motorized.
G
ENERAL
C
URTAIN
O
PERATION

Moving a drape along a track should be effortless and quiet. Depending on the weight of the
curtain, you will experience slightly different feelings of weight requiring different effort for
smooth operation. However, if the operation feels difficult or if the carriers bind up in the
track, it is likely that a foreign object has gotten into the track channel or one of the carriers
has broken.
Under no circumstances lubricate track or carriers.
Lubrication will only solve a short term problem. Once the lubricant begins to absorb the
dirt and dust from the atmosphere, the operation of the curtain will become increasingly more
difficult until the drapery will no longer operate and the track and components will have to be
replaced.
The stage drapery track is a formed steel or aluminum channel in which the carriers travel or
extruded aluminum I beam on which carriers travel. The pulleys are permanently
lubricated and appropriately sized for the operating line (hand line). The curtain carriers
have nylon or steel bodies and polyethylene wheels. They are supported by ball or sleeve
bearings, and require no lubrication. The hand line (on draw curtains) is black spun polyester
or braided cotton sash cord.
B
I
-
PARTING
C
URTAINS
A gentle and smooth pull on the operating line, usually located
on the stage right side of the track, is all that is required to open or close the curtain.
Moving a drape along a track should require only minimal effort. Depending on the
size and weight of the curtain, greater or lesser effort will be required for smooth
operation. However, if the operation feels difficult or if the carriers bind up in the
track a problem exists which requires immediate attention. In all likelihood a foreign
object has gotten into the channel, one of the carriers has broken or spike tape has
fouled one of the carriers. Do not attempt to make repairs until you have called your
GSL/ads representative for detailed instructions on the repair
W
ALK
-
ALONG CURTAINS
Drapery on walk-draw tracks should move effortlessly.
When moving smaller walk-draw curtains the fabric should be bunched together so
that you can get both arms around the stack before moving it along the track. Walk
the drape to the desired location by pushing the stack to the center of the desired
position. Once at the desired location, then draw the curtain out to the sides by
grasping trailing or leading edges (from the back) and pulling each panel flat. On
large curtains it is best to bunch the curtain together, move it to the center, dropping
portions of the curtain off at random locations along the track. Once this process is
completed do the final positioning and dressing of the curtain.
Grand Stage Lighting Company, Inc.






Rev
. 1.2


-4-
P
IVOTING
L
EGS
This curtain is located on the sides of the stage and serves as an
adjustable masking curtain. The pivot is a special carrier, which allows the angle of
the curtain, as it relates to the proscenium, to be changed. When moving a leg, first
pivot the drapery support pipe into a position parallel with the track. This is
accomplished by using the fabric to rotate the pipe into position. The curtain is
moved by grasping the edge of the curtain and gently pushing the drape to the desired
location. Care must be taken in this operation so that the curtain does not become
fouled in other curtains or scenery. Great care must be exercised when moving the
curtain near stage lighting fixtures. Heat from these fixtures will scorch the fabric
over time.
M
OTORIZED CURTAINS
Motorized curtains require close observation when in use.
The operators hand must be poised above the stop button and eyes on the curtain as it
moves along the track. Since the operator has no tactile feed back it is very difficult
to determine problems, thus the admonition of one hand above the stop button.
Curtain machines continue to operate as long as electricity flows. Carriers will break,
drapery will tear, anything in the path will do damage to the moving curtain until the
lead carrier reaches the limit switch or the machine is shut down. In short, never
push the go button and walk away.
D
RAPERY AND TRACK
M
AINTENANCE

The principle concept of track and drapery maintenance is simple inspection and immediate
repair.
D
RAPERY

If the drapery is to be taken down, clean the stage by dry mopping, then lay plastic on the
deck under the drape. Lower the drape onto the plastic, when possible pulling the bottom
downstage so the drape lies with face fabric up. GSL/ads suggests the drapes be folded "seam
to seam" for storage. To fold drapery "seam to seam", stretch the drape flat and have a
technician kneel at the top and a second technician kneel at the bottom of the drape near the
leading edge. Both people should take the first seam at the same time and pull it toward the
side hem. Repeat this until the drape has been folded. Then take the bottom and fold it to the
middle and take the top and fold it to the middle. Repeat this until the drape is the correct size
for easy storage. Store the folded drapery in a cool dry place off the floor. GSL/ads does not
recommend stacking folded drapery. When the drapery is to be re-installed allow several
days for the drapery to hang out in its new location.
Inspect the drapery for dirt and tears after every performance.
All drapery must be inspected thoroughly by a knowledgeable dry cleaner (a firm which
handles stage drapery as a regular part of business). Please call GSL/ads for
Grand S