Tabs (stage)

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Tabs or House tabs are the main curtains used to separate the stage from the auditorium in a proscenium theatre. In smaller theatres, they usually consist of two curtains which part horizontally (known as a traveler.) In larger theatres, they usually open vertically, disappearing out of sight into the fly tower. This style of opening is known as a guillotine reveal, after the famous execution tool. A single curtain which covers the entire opening by moving horizontally is called a wipe.

Usually made from heavyweight material, their purpose is to visually hide and muffle sound produced on the stage prior to the performance, during the interval, and sometimes between scenes. In this way, the audience is not aware of the scenery being set up for the production, or actors moving into position.

The demise of traditional styles of theatre and of proscenium arch arrangements have meant that tabs are less frequently seen in modern staging. Even if it is available, it is often not used. Alternative stage techniques can be used to work around scene changes, because many feel it is reminiscent of a certain melodramatic style of theatre.

Alternatively, these curtains are sometimes called the "Main Drape" or "House drape".

[edit] See also

• Safety curtain
• Theater (structure)