How Much Do Stage Curtains Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

A stage curtain, the large piece of cloth, specifically designed to cover a theater’s backstage area from the audience or spectators, is often used in traditional theaters or school auditoriums.

A stage curtain usually comes in dark colors, mostly black or other light absorbing material.

Waiting for Hulot by blondinrikard, on Flickr
Waiting for Hulot” (CC BY 2.0) by  blondinrikard

 How much do stage curtains cost?

When receiving a quote for new stage curtains, a company will want to know what kind of curtains you’re looking to purchase, the size, accessories required and if you require a track system.

Depending on these factors and the company you’re using, the costs of a stage curtain can typically range anywhere from as little as $5,000 to as much as $65,000 to have it professionally installed.  When you think of a stage curtain, it is going to be more than just the curtain — it will often include many other parts such as the track and installation.

For example, Bellatex.com says that almost 80 percent of stage curtain projects have an average cost of around $5,000 and $100,000.  In addition, the costs of stage curtains, according to the project scope, can range from as little as $4,800 for a small elementary school stage to as much as $49,700 for a high school stage.

For the fabric alone, without any installation or parts involved, plan on factoring in at least $12 to $30 per yard.

For those who want a stage curtain for home use or smaller-than-average sizes, some curtains can be purchased for as little as $100 to $500.  eBay, for example, has simple stage curtain backdrops, with “buy it now” prices ranging from as little as $80 to more than $300.

Type of VenueProject Cost Estimation
Church$20,000 to $50,000
Community Center$20,000 to $50,000
Elementary School$5,000 to $20,000
High School$10,000 to $40,000
Regional Performing Arts Center$20,000 to $50,000
Touring House$20,000 to $50,000

Factors that affect the price

Type of curtain.  The cost of a stage curtain is dependent on size, material options, fabric style and quality of the material.

The size.  While most curtains are close to being a standard measurement, this isn’t always the case. Regardless, be prepared to pay by the yard when receiving a quote in relation to your stage size.  Companies will ask for the height, width and depth of the stage to provide an accurate measurement.

Tracks required?  Tracks and battens can sometimes cost as much as the curtains itself if you need them for a new project or even to replace an existing track setup.  Motorized will be two to three times more than a manual setup.

Repairs to existing equipment.  In most cases, a contractor will need to perform slight repairs or adjustments to the existing equipment.

Accessories such as adding letters and/or a mascot logo.  Adding monogram letters, a mascot and/or fringe can add to the costs, depending on the complexity of the logo and/or the number of letters required.

Stage curtains overview

As mentioned, a stage curtain will be more than a curtain.  It can be broken down as the main curtain, the valance, legs, borders, tabs, blackout drops and more.  Refer to this RoseBrand.com diagram to see exactly how a stage curtain is going to look when installed.

The fabrication of curtains depends on the intended use, including the dimensions of the area to be covered, how it is going to be installed or operated, aesthetic concerns, and the budget for it.  Common fabric material can include cotton or a synthetic velour.

What are the extra costs?

The professional contractor, depending on their billing policy, may also charge you for the minor items used when installing the curtains, such as the fastener, dust ruffles, paging handles, FR test swatches and other related accessories.

If you need to replace the stage curtains on an existing setup, the tracks and battens may need to be replaced, depending on the condition.  If this were the case, then you could pay an additional $2,000 to $5,000.  If it were a fixed motor, then the costs could be closer to $10,000.

Adding a logo and/or letters to the front of the curtain when shut can increase the costs.  On average, this can increase the costs by $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the complexity and number of letters required.

Tips to know:

When measuring the height of your stage curtains, start from the topmost of the curtain all the way to the bottom.  Ensure that, when measuring, the curtain is hanging straight and taut to receive an accurate measurement.

Periodically check your stage curtains for tears, stains, holes or mold.  If any of these signs are noticeable, schedule a professional cleaning to prolong the life.    If properly stored and cared for, you can save a considerable amount on a set of cotton velour curtains because it can last for ten to fifteen years.

How can I save money?

If the curtains are being replaced and the current tracks and battens can be used, then the costs can be much less than the estimates mentioned above.  Installing new battens and tracks, if necessary on an existing project, can easily cost $2,500 to $5,000.


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Average Reported Cost: $20000

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Less Expensive $1 $1.5K $3K $5K $6.5K More Expensive $8k

How much did you spend?

Was it worth it?  

  1. Hether (Juneau,  Alaska) paid $20000 and said:

    So much money

    Was it worth it? Yes

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