Sample Project Cost

Sample Project Cost

Every stage curtain project is different, and without a detailed list of specifications it is impossible to know exactly how much yours will cost. However, by comparing your project to the samples provided below, you can gain a general idea of the scope of fundraising that may be necessary to complete your project. Please find below sample project costs for school stage curtains.

Sample Small Elementary School Stage

Cost: $4,800

Scope: Replacement curtains

Size: Small stage with a 28′ proscenium opening, basic requirements

Description: Removing old curtains and installing new ones in their place, using existing tracks and battens in good condition.

Materials: A medium weight IFR synthetic fabric was used for the Valance and Front curtain, with minimal masking necessary. A light weight synthetic velour was used for the rear draw.

Products and Services Purchased:

  • 1 Grand Valance, tied to existing batten
  • 1 Front Curtain on existing track
  • 1 Rear Draw Curtain
  • 1 Get It Right Measuring and Layout Design
  • 1 Dealer Installation

Notes:

  • If the tracks and battens had needed new rope, floor block, and a few new carriers, which is a typical repair, it would have added approximately $500-$600.
  • If all new tracks and battens needed to be supplied and installed it would have added approximately $2500 to $3000.

Sample Average Middle School Stage

Cost: $10,600

Scope: Replacement curtains. Not included was a U-shaped surround curtain to mask the back and side walls, budgeted for the following year.

Size: Average stage, basic requirements

Description: In most respects, this was a fairly typical installation for a middle school, large elementary school, or small community center stage.

Materials: A top end, heavy weight, all synthetic, inherently flame retardant fabric was used throughout. No curtains were lined and 50% fullness was used throughout.

Products and Services Purchased:

  • 1 Grand Valance (tacked to the back of the proscenium arch)
  • 1 Set of 23 letters sewn onto Grand Valance
  • 1 Front Curtain on new heavy duty track
  • 1 Borders on new pipe battens
  • 1 Get it Right Measuring and Layout Design
  • 1 Installation by Dealer

Notes:

  • The addition of the 23 letters is unusual. Three or four letters is more common, but the full school name made for an impressive presentation. It also added approximately $1,800 to the cost of the project.
  • Had the rear U-surround and track been installed at the same time, it would have added approximately $9,700 to the total cost of the project.
  • More economical fabrics could be utilized and reduce the overall cost of this project by approximately 25%.

Sample Average High School Stage

Cost: $49,700

Scope: Replacement curtains

Size: 600-seat auditorium with approximately 40′ wide by 20′ high proscenium opening.

Description: In most respects, this was a typical installation for a high school, though a few minor differences could have raised or lowered the price considerably.

Materials: A very nice quality heavy weight IFR synthetic fabric was used for the front curtains, to prevent light from the high-end lighting package from shining through. A more economical medium weight velour was used for the rear setting curtains. Some curtains were lined and 50% fullness was used throughout.

Products and Services Purchased

  • 1 Grand Valance, lined
  • 1 Front Curtain, lined with dust ruffle and paging handles
  • 1 Mid-Stage Draw Curtain
  • 1 Rear Draw Curtain
  • 3 Pair Leg Curtains
  • 4 Border Curtains
  • 1 Seamless Muslin Cyclorama
  • 1 Heavy duty tracks and pipe battens for all drapes
  • 1 Get it Right Measuring and Layout Design
  • 1 Dealer Installation

Notes:

  • With a different lighting set-up, more economical fabrics could have saved $8,000 to $10,000.
  • Using a medium weight fabric for the rear set rather than the same premium fabric on the front saved approximately $12,000.

Sample Premium Installation

Most projects fall close to one of the first three samples. In some cases, however, a truly premium set-up is called for, whether it’s a private high school with a strong donor base, or a well-funded professional theater desiring only the best. In these cases, even a small stage can require a significant investment, as the following small, premium sample demonstrates.

Cost: $52,633

Scope: Replacement curtains

Size: 400-seat auditorium with a small stage and proscenium arch approximately 35′ wide and 16′ high

Description: A no-cost-spared project demonstrates how, with a generous budget, professional results and dramatic effects can be achieved.

Products and Services Purchased

  • 1 Grand Valance, lined, 100% fullness
  • 1 Grand Drape, lined, 100% fullness, dust ruffle, and paging handles
  • 1 Rear Draw Curtain, 75% sewn-in fullness
  • 2 Pair Leg Curtains, 50% fullness, sewn flat
  • 1 Seamless Leno Cyclorama
  • 1 Lot extra heavy duty tracks and pipe battens for all drapes
  • 1 Variable Speed Electric Motor for Grand Drape
  • 1 Get It Right Measuring and Layout Design
  • 1 Dealer Installation

Notes:

  • The motor added approximately $9,000. Fixed speed motors typically cost $3,000 to $6,000 but are far less useful than a variable speed.
  • The tracks used on this project were Hall Stage T70 tracks with oversized pulleys and ball bearing carriers. These tracks run exceptionally smooth and quiet with very little effort required to operate even the heaviest curtains. But they do not come cheap. Retail price is $78.20 per linear foot.

Need Help?

The samples above provide a general idea of some average costs. To get a precise quote, you’ll need accurate measurements and a clear concept of your stage requirements. Use our How to Measure Guide, or go ahead and contact one of our local dealers to take advantage of our Get It Right Services, so you can budget with confidence.