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Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Alaina
Creating the right atmosphere for a play or theater production is almost as important as having a great script and the right actors; if the mood isn’t right, audiences won’t immerse themselves in the story. Custom printed backdrops for your theater are a good way to build a world that matches your play, but some theater managers may worry if custom backdrops are a good investment.

Let’s take a look at how you can get the backdrop you need while also maximizing value.
Design Versatile Custom Printed Backdrops
Getting a unique backdrop for your theater or stage is a smart way to enhance the look of every production. Your theater or show is no longer generic; it stands out and becomes part of the company’s brand.
While your printed backdrop should be unique to your theater company, you don’t necessarily need a special one for each show. Making sure that your custom printed backdrops are reusable and versatile will allow you to get more use and value from them while making the most of your budget.
Come up with designs that can work for different scenarios: landscapes that can work in different stories, patterns that aren’t tied to just one narrative, or architectural and interior designs that can fit into different stories.
Get the entire creative team involved to make backdrops that will serve a variety of purposes. Each member brings a perspective that adds to the process and considers different factors in creating the backdrops. People working on different productions can also collaborate to design a backdrop that works for multiple plays.
Get the Right Material
Once you have a versatile design selected, you need to pick the best material for your custom printed backdrops. Canvas, muslin, and synthetic fabrics are common choices and each has pros and cons when it comes to visual appeal and durability.
- Canvas: This material is durable and takes paint well, so it’s easy to make a detailed custom design for your backdrop. Keep in mind that canvas can be heavy so it is harder to move between stages and harder to store.
- Muslin: Muslin is also a good material if you want to paint on the fabric and it is much lighter than canvas so you can move it from place to place. Because it is more lightweight, it is not as durable and may need to be replaced after a few years.
- Synthetic Fabrics: These fabrics tend to be lighter than canvas but more durable than muslin. You can use digital printing to get the exact design you like, but synthetic fabric may not look as regal or luxurious as other fabrics.
Finding a material that fits your circumstances (budget, travel needs, overall goals) will give you more use for your custom printed backdrops, making them a smart buy.
Upgrade Your Theater Today
A theater set shouldn’t distract from the show; it should be a part of the story. With custom printed backdrops, you can add to the narrative of the play while showing that you care about improving your audience’s theater experience. To make your shows look their best, get the backdrops you need from Rose Brand.