Stage Curtain & Rigging Terms

Proscenium Valance: valance curtain that covers the proscenium opening at the front of the stage.

Main Traveler: the first full traveler set located at the front of the stage. Also know as the “house curtain”.

Midstage Traveler: the second full traveler set located at the midstage area.

Side Legs: curtains located at the side or wings of the stage. These curtains provide screening for stage wing areas.

Masking Border: curtains that span the entire width of the stage and provide masking for light sets, traveler tracks or other curtain hardware.

Rear Traveler or Back Drop: the last full traveler set located at the back of the stage.

Back Drop: a full-length stationary curtain located at the rear of the stage. Used for screening the back wall or the stage or for scenery purposes.

Scrim: a net-like curtain that is used for screening and lighting purposes.

Rigging: anything that provides suspension for stage curtains or light sets.

Dead Hung Rigging: stationary rigging that is suspended from the building structure.

Counterweight Fly Rigging: moveable rigging that operates on a cable and pulley system and is counterbalanced with steel weights.