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Set designers use a range of scenic devices to convey their design ideas.

Drapery

There are different types of curtains that are used for different purposes:

• backdrops (also called a backcloth) - a piece of cloth hung behind the stage in a theatre as part of the scenery that can be painted or have coloured light or projections shone onto it
• borders - wide and short drapes that mask the top of the stage where lights are hung
• gauze (also called a scrim) - a thin curtain that can be lit either from the front to make it opaque, or from behind to make it transparent
• legs - long and narrow drapes used to mask the wing space
• tabs - the name for stage curtains that can open horizontally or fly vertically
• ground row - a long, low piece of stage scenery, built to simulate part of a landscape. It is sometimes used to conceal lanterns from the audience
• iron - a safety curtain designed to prevent stage fires spreading into the auditorium

Levels

A set designer can vary levels through the use of rostra, ramps and steps. Ordinary blocks, staging units, scaffolding and planks can be used to create levels and can be joined together to create steps or other shapes. Levels are often used in productions to portray a character’s status, power or situation.

Projections

Projections are becoming more common within set design and can be used to add detail and texture on stage. In some venues scenery can be projected, which can be very effective but can have limitations. For example, unless it can be projected from behind the set, actors will cast shadows onto it.

Flats

A flat is a piece of scenery used to represent a wall or to conceal a backstage area. A series of flats can be joined together to make a run, where each flat is supported by a brace with a heavy weight attached.