|
Theatrical muslin is the most versatile, economical and widely used fabric in stagecraft today. However, it is important when considering theatrical muslin for a dramatic application that costume designers or stage managers choose the correct theatrical muslin for the job. Two of the most important things to consider when looking for the proper fabric for the job are thickness and width.
Theatrical muslin comes in various thicknesses, called weights. The tightness of the weave is what is meant by thickness. The weight of a fabric is determined by the number of threads per inch or the “thread count”. Thread count is one of the most important factors in determining which muslin fabric is selected for a particular theatrical application. The tighter the weave, the less transparent the theatrical muslin is. Thicker weaves will lend themselves to easier paint application and heavier wear as well.
The thread count for theatrical muslin varies from 72 threads per inch for the lightest weights, 128 for the medium to 140 for the heaviest. These three different weights have very different applications for theater productions. The lightweight theatrical muslin is usually used by costume designers for creating a “muslin” or for pattern creation. The medium weight muslin is used for costumes, undergarments, hard-covered flats or very small drops. Lastly, the use of the heavy weight muslin is generally reserved for soft-covered flats and larger stops.
Costume designers look for the lighter weight variety of theatrical muslin when creating a “muslin” costume pattern. The lighter the weight of the muslin, the less expensive it is, as a general rule. When creating a muslin, the designer may need to dissect and re-sew the pattern pieces several times in order to obtain the correct fit. The lower thread count allows for easier removal of the stitches than a thicker, higher count weave would.
When creating actual costumes from theatrical muslin the designer will search for the medium weight variety. A thread count of 128 is the typical thickness for an average bed sheet and is a standard thread count for most cotton fabrics intended for clothing construction. This thickness holds dye well and can be easily stiffened, if desired.
Stage managers will be most interested in obtaining the thicker, heavier weight of theatrical muslin, sometimes referred to as sheeting. The higher thread count of this muslin allows for easier painting of murals, and lessens the backlighting issues created by stage lighting located behind the drops. Another way the stage manager can lessen the effect of backlighting is to purchase pre-dyed theatrical muslin, which is most often available in blue, grey and black.
The highest thread count obtainable is preferred by stage managers for drapes in the theater, as well. Theater drapes usually require the sturdiest fabric available because they are continuously in use, travelling back and forth across the stage.
The second, but equally, important factor to consider when purchasing muslin for the stage, or theatrical production, is the width of the fabric. Theatrical muslin comes in widths 48” to 125”. The width of the fabric is not as relevant to the costume designer as it is to the stage manager.
Drops should be created out of the widest theatrical muslin required to cover the frame the stage manager is working with. If this is not possible, the seams should be run horizontally, parallel to the floor, which will make them less visible to the audience than those run vertically. Backlighting exposes seams, so it is best to avoid them whenever possible.
Drapes, likewise, should be made from the widest cut of theatrical muslin necessary to cover the area adequately. There should be no “seams” in drapes as they are hung one next the other, vertically, filling the space required when extended.
These two things, weight and width, are the most important things to consider when searching for the proper theatrical muslin for the task at hand. The art of stagecraft is a delicate balance between economical use of items on hand and seeking out the most cost effective and versatile supplies to bring the production to a successful completion. The costume designer and stage manager who are seeking the best performer for their production budget will be hard pressed to find a more adaptable fabric than theatrical muslin.
|