Backdrop Sizing Guide 

Theatrical backdrops, drapes, and leg sets come in various sizes, so choosing the right ones for your stage, venue, or studio can sometimes be challenging. Stage size or depth, the number of actors, musicians, or props, and the position of the auditorium can all affect how large the item appears to be.

This backdrop sizing guide is here to help you understand which factors to consider when choosing backdrop size and which sizes are the best choice for different venues and stages.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Backdrop Size

While it might not seem like a big deal if the backdrop does not perfectly fit your stage or venue, using the wrong-sized item can lead to several issues, like creasing, wrinkling, sagging, or distortions in the art. Sometimes, it can even cause fabric damage.

Creasing, wrinkling, and sagging are usually caused by improper size adjustments.

Fabric damage, on the other hand, can come as a result of either sagging or stretching. Sagging leaves parts of the backdrop fabric on the floor, so anyone passing by can step on the item, trip, or spill liquid over it. Stretching puts a lot of pressure on specific points in the fabric, causing it to rip and tear.

Backdrop size can also affect how the auditorium perceives the stage. For example, the wrong size can break the depth cues needed for forced perspective or flatten the stage and completely throw off the visual composition. It can cause light hot spots, affect the acoustics of the venue, or leave a part of the offstage area visible to the audience or your guests, as well.

Universal Backdrop Size

If you are wondering if there is such a thing as a universal backdrop size, the answer is simple. There is no universal backdrop size that will fit every stage or venue because there are no universal stage or venue sizes.

Each space has its own characteristics. For example, some spaces, like smaller venues and photo shoots or filming studios, can be less than 20 feet long and 15 feet high. Others, like large theatres, wedding venues, gala event venues, and super-large filming studios used in the film industry, can be over 60 feet long and 30 feet high. There are also those spaces that fit somewhere in the middle, and they usually include high school stages, smaller theatres, and venues for smaller events.

Making a backdrop that would be a good fit for all these differently sized spaces is practically impossible, so choosing the item of the right size is the simplest solution.

How to Choose the Right Backdrop Size

Factors that can affect your choice of backdrop size include the length, height, and depth of the stage or the area where the item will be placed. Proximity of the audience or event guests can also play an important role, as well as the weight of the rented item.

If you are planning on renting a theatrical backdrop, here is a step-by-step guide on how to choose the size that perfectly fits your space.

Measure the Stage, Studio, or Venue Size

If you have access to the studio, venue, or theatre stage, physically measure the height and width of the area where the backdrop will hang. If you do not have direct access to it, try asking the stage manager or other personnel to send you the exact dimensions.

If you are renting an item for a theatre, it is worth confirming the size of the stage opening as well because some theatres require larger backdrops so the opening can hide the backdrop edges.

Measure the Stage Depth

Theatres, studios, or venue stages can have more or less depth, which makes performers stand closer or further away from the backdrop. Their position in relation to the item can affect the audience’s perception of the drop and make it seem bigger or smaller.

If actors or models are standing close to the backdrop, the item can look bigger from afar. If they stand further away from the drop, the item can seem smaller. Before choosing the backdrop size, measure the stage depth and take it into consideration. Theatres and large venues with greater stage depth usually rent larger backdrops.

Consider Set Pieces and Actors

Theatrical backdrops are supposed to frame the stage together with actors and props, so making sure they have enough background coverage to move freely on the stage can affect your choice of size.

The more space you need to fit all elements onto the stage, the more coverage you are going to need in the background, which means that bigger backdrops might be a better fit.

Hanging the Backdrop

Because you have to hang the backdrop in the venue or on the stage, which is usually done with battens and ties or clamps, you also have to make sure that the support system is strong enough to carry the weight of larger items.

If your hanging system cannot support super large theatrical backdrops, then getting them in a slightly smaller size can be a better solution.

Altering the Drop

In some cases, you might not be able to find the exact backdrop size you are looking for. If that happens, you do not have to worry. Many backdrops we have available for rent can be adjusted to fit the size of the stage. They can be adjusted from the sides, top, or bottom.

If you are not exactly sure how to do it, our practical guide explains each step of the process. Properly adjusting the size can make it almost impossible to notice any alterations.

Backdrop Sizes

We offer rentable theatrical backdrops in many sizes. Our collection includes small, medium, and large pieces that, in most cases, can be adjusted to fit the stage or venue.

Our standard backdrop sizes include 10’ x 20’, 17’ x 40’, and 22’ x 50’, but many of the items come in other sizes as well. Please keep in mind that not all of our inventory comes in all mentioned sizes. Some items have limited sizing options.

Small Backdrop Sizes

Our standard small backdrop size is 10’ x 20’, but some items come in other sizes as well, including 9.6″ x 4.6″, 8″ x 10″, 8″ x 20″, 12′ x 6′, and 10′ x 10′.

These smaller backdrop sizes can be a great choice for smaller filming or photo shoot studios with limited space, school events, and smaller venues that organize events with a limited number of guests.

Medium Backdrop Sizes

The standard medium backdrop size we offer is 17’ x 40’, but some of our medium-sized items come in other sizes, such as 5′ x 50′, 22′ x 12′, 10′ x 28′, 12′ x 25′, 14′ x 25′, 12′ x 40′, 18′ x 25′, and 18′ x 40′.

These are often a good choice for medium-sized venues, high school plays or events, and medium-sized filming studios. Some larger backdrops from the group can be a good fit for theatres or wedding venues.

Large Backdrop Sizes

The standard large backdrop size in our inventory is 22’ x 50’. Just like with small and medium, some of our large rentable items come in other sizes, like 22′ x 24′, 22′ x 25′, 21′ x 36′, and 24′ x 44′.

Large backdrop sizes are a good choice for theatres, big school events like graduations and proms, gala evenings, and themed parties.

If you have trouble choosing the right backdrop size for your next production or event, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team will be happy to help you pick the right size or guide you through the size adjustment process.