Hi,
I'm thinking of getting a backdrop after reading many of the posts on here about them. Most of the posts seem to discuss what type to use and how to make them or where to buy them, but I'm looking for reasons why to have one. Before I decide, I'd appreciate hearing from some of you that use them often. What benefits are there to having one? I try not to have too much to carry in and out and am not sure I want to add a backdrop to my load, so please let me know why you find it worthwhile. Thanks!
-Jeff

Jeff-
There are many reasons to have a backdrop. First of all, having a backdrop with your show gives the show a sense of 'class'. It seems to increase the value of the show and make it a little more professional. Also, depending on what type/color backdrop you are working with, you can use black a*t effects, or if you are using a glitter or mylar backdrop you can perform various levitation effects using invisible thr**d. Right now I am using a simple jet set from abbott's (6' x 6') with a black backdrop but am planning on upgrading to a much larger photographic backdrop in the near future.
Magically,
Michael

They look cool and you can set-up props behind them.

Jeff,

A backdrop also helps create focus. Many places will have all kinds of things hanging on the wall behind you. A backdrop eliminates distracting visuals and puts the focus on the performer.

Lou

I just start using a backdrop last month. Don't know what took me so long. Never leave home without it!

What happens when you're sharing the stage with other performers/DJs/event goings on?
How do you handle that?
I can see a backdrop being wonderful unless you're sharing the stage. Usually I am.
Not at the same time but before and after.

A backdrop turns the room you are performing in into a theatre. It also adds consistency to "your setup". In other words - you have the same arrangement for your shows though the rooms are different. Also, you have a backstage area and you can do "backstage tricks" - involving "secret" work behind the curtain via offstage assistant. Taking it off - you can get some backdrops offstage VERY easily with the help of a friend backstage. It all depends on how much space you have backstage plus the construction of your backdrop. With other acts, if you didn't have to take it off - I don't think some acts would mind a backdrop onstage. This, of course, does not apply to all
Hope this helps,
Sammy

1. It makes you look professional
2. It makes your show seem bigger than it is
3. It allows you to perform a greater variety of effects
4. It makes you and your show the focal point of the room
5. It eliminates backlighting
6. It can help create a mood for your show
7. It allows you some privacy to set up your show
8. It allows you some privacy to take down your show

I don't know about the rest of you, but, I've seen some pretty crazy walls, not to mention mirrors at venues. On occasion foot traffic (behind you) can be an issue.

Thanks for the replies, everyone! I'm working on putting one together and will see how it works at my next show. -Jeff

A backdrop, like a proscenium arch, or a stage set assists your viewers in their "suspension of disbelief".

As a performer, you're attempting to transport your viewers to a place where they will believe that your magic can actually happen.
Transporting them to that place with waiters coming in and out of the kitchen door located behind you can be difficult, if not impossible. Even a window behind you will impact folks ability to make the trip with you.

In a nutshell, a backdrop is the simplest most effective way to bring an element of theatrical staging into your act.
Theatrical staging techniques have, over many centuries, evolved to bring viewers further into the world you're presenting to them onstage.

Or, if you prefer......it's just a backdrop and it looks better than a wall.....whatever works for you. (but the first reason is the history of why people think a backdrop looks better).

I'll say this again... think about your show, your persona, your style, your prsentation, and everything else before you decide on a backdrop. A gorgeous high-tech backdrop used in the wrong type of act will just be a distraction. Look at it from the viewpoint of what the audience will see, including the sight lines: do the people at the extreme house right and left positions see you in front of the backddrop, or do they see you in front of the edge of the backdrop?

I went thru this many years ago with a 7' x 12' backdrop, and never realized what the audience was really seeing: a gaudy fabric rectangle behind me. It didn't look like a stage curtain, let alone like a set: it was just a boring rectangle. It did not look professional at all.

I use my Spider curtains mainly as a dressing room for me and my lady assistant and to load and set up props that should not be seen by laymen. I set up my curtains not on the stage but off stage on whatever side is available.
Most of the parties and events I perform in already have decorated the stage so I seldom use mine in the stage as backdrop.

I got a backdrop put together and tried it out at my show tonight - it pretty much did all of these things that you mentioned! It really made it easy to set up my show with privacy, and to take it down smoothly while the MC kept the program going. It used to be that I'd be packing up my stuff and trying to drag it off stage while the banquet continued, and it was just kind of distracting to the audience, as they were now trying to listen to the MC. The backdrop worked out great! Thanks everyone for your input! Once again, Café members come through!

The two #1 reasons I use backdrops:

I can set up my props with animals without the spectators noticing. It takes a few seconds.

I can place my props behind the backdrop after it has been used. The clutter of my props would look very untidy without one.

Maybe try a cheap small Jet Set. You will see a difference.

Couldn't you use speaker stands with a shower curtain rod? what is the benefit of the jetset.

Frank, one advantage is it is one piece. It takes up less space inside a house when set up. It also takes up less space when it is folded down. If you have a 5'- 6' height backdrop, it would be good for a party in a low ceiling basement.

I started with one years ago. Next, I moved to two of them, side by side. Now I use queensize/kingsize airbrushed bedsheets held up with a photographer tripod and crossbar. If spectators are on the side of me, I would use a Jetset with backdrop turned sideways to block the spectators view of looking behind my center backdrop.

One disadvantage with the Jetset is a backdrop cannot slide through because of the support bar in the middle. I glued four 4" strips of velcro on the back at the top of my backdrop. The matching set of the velcro are about 3" below the top strips. The velcro strips connect when wrapped around the Jetset crossbar. The backdrop holds up fine. When taking it down, just disconnect each velcro strip.

I see no problem with the way you describe. Maybe it is best to get the cheapest price set.

I can understand what you are talking about. At times I ran into situations like this before. It all depends. If on stage with a curtain, have the curtain closed seperating both perfomers. If no curtain, my backdrop will help hide the band, dj, etc. while I am performing as they set up. A lot of times at Communion parties a dj is used. I usually set up in front of him on the dance floor. I always notify him first. He does not mind me setting up in front of him because he will not perform during my act. When I'm done I quickly put my equiptment aside so he can restart his music, (a Jetset can be put aside quicker beside it is one piece and light).

Micheal not to good of covering up the black a*t and invisiible thr**d.