Scrim (Sharkstooth Scrim) & Gauze Fabrics

Use a Theatrical Scrim to Create a Magical Effect

A theatrical scrim (or scrim curtain) is often used in live theatre to create a magical effect: the bleed-through. If the theater scrim fabric is lit correctly, it can appear as a painted backdrop. Then, as the lighting is slowly changed, the scrim will “dissolve,” allowing the scene behind it to be revealed. Continue the lighting change, and the scrim will disappear completely, as if by magic.

Over 100 Years of Industry Experience

Rose Brand is family-owned and operated and has been working in the fabric industry for over 100 years. We’re the trusted supplier to top-tier production companies around the world. We also specialize in fast turnaround, so no matter if you're ordering one of our in-stock items or a custom piece, we’ll have it to you in time for your event. In addition to our vast inventory of fabrics and production supplies, Rose Brand also custom manufactures stage curtains, projection screens, backdrops, curtain tracks, motors, and controllers in-house. Call to speak with an expert today!

FAQs

How can a lighting designer use theatrical scrim fabric to create the illusion?

Much of it comes down to the angle of the lighting striking the theater scrim fabric and the lighting of elements upstage of the scrim. It’s important to know that a scrim is a netting or gauze-like fabric. The leno weave of our sharkstooth scrim is sufficiently dense to provide a surface for paint, yet open enough to enable it to disappear completely when backlit. The leno weave also has depth, making it easier to side-lit—a key to making the scrim look opaque.

To see the scene that’s painted onto the scrim and nothing behind it, the scrim must be lit from the front at a severe angle. To reveal the scene upstage of the scrim and make the sharkstooth scrim disappear, the elements behind the scrim are gradually lit while the angled lighting in front of the scrim is dimmed. For more information on how to do this properly, please read our three-part series on scrim lighting. 

Which netting and gauze fabric is best for my production?

Although each fabric offers distinct benefits and results, the transparency of netting and the translucency of gauze make these fabrics particularly well-suited for creating visual illusions and spatial depth. Please refer to our guide on choosing netting and gauze to help determine which is the correct choice for you.

What information is needed to provide a cost estimate for a theatrical scrim curtain?

The cost of a scrim is mostly dependent on the specific scrim fabric selected and the scrim's dimensions. However, other factors play a role, such as how the top, bottom, and sides are finished and whether it needs to be supported to prevent sagging (aka hour-glassing). If you have a general idea of what you need, our handy online quote request tool will show the options available to you and can get you started on an estimate of cost. Once you've submitted a quote request, our experts will call to counsel you (if needed), to ensure that the options you've selected will fulfill your objectives.