curtainchanging

Curtainchanging is the process of changing stage curtains between scenes or acts in a theatre or performance venue. It involves moving, lowering, raising, or swapping curtains and related elements such as legs, borders, and the fly curtain to reveal or conceal the acting area. The goal is a seamless transition that minimizes the visibility of the set change.

In traditional theatres, curtainchanging relies on a combination of manual labor and mechanical systems. Curtains may be operated on a counterweight fly system, with ropes and pulleys, or by motorized tracks and automated drapery motors. The main curtain, along with side legs and top borders, can be opened, closed, or replaced as required. Some productions employ rapid-change or two-curtain techniques to conceal a change or to present a new opening quickly.

The process is coordinated by the stage management team. Cues are given during rehearsals and called during performances; timing is synchronized with lighting, sound, and set changes to maintain rhythm. Safety considerations include clear communication, safe distances for crew, and regular inspection of tracks, lines, and motors.

Historically, curtainchanging evolved from simple hand-drawn drapes in the Renaissance to sophisticated fly systems in early modern theatres. Today, it remains a core skill in theatre production, adaptable to small stages and large opera houses alike. While the term is primarily used in live performance, it can also describe the routine replacement or reconfiguration of window or decorative curtains in architecture or film studios.