A front curtain, also known as a (front-of-)house curtain, act curtain, grand drape, main curtain or drape, proscenium curtain, or main rag[1][2][3] is the stage curtain or curtains at the very front of a theatrical stage, separating it from the house.
The front curtain is usually opened at the beginning of a performance to reveal the stage set and closed for intermissions as well as the end of a performance. The most common material for the front curtain is a heavy velour material, often with pleated fullness sewn into the fabric to create a more opulent appearance.[4]: 49
- ^ Anderson, Robert (1980). Theatre Talk: An Illustrated Dictionary of Theatre Terms and Definitions. Pioneer Drama Service. p. 38.
- ^ Friedman, Sally (1994). Backstage Handbook: an illustrated almanac of technical information. Broadway Press. ISBN 0-911747-29-X.
- ^ "Guide to Stage Curtains" (PDF). Syracuse Scenery & Stage Lighting Co., Inc. Retrieved 15 November 2019.
- ^ Holloway, John (2010). Illustrated Theatre Production Guide (Second ed.). Burlington, MA: Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-240-81204-5.