MagicKabukiDrop.com was created to share information on all aspects of the Kabuki Drop for use in theatrical productions, plays, musicals, shows and special events.
If you are a theatrical stage practitioner (on or off stage), a Kabuki Drop can be used to add a dramatic wow-moment to your show or act. It is also a great device for product reveals for corporate events.
As the name implies, the Double Kabuki Drop features two drop activation sequences. The curtain first starts off gathered or rolled up and is held in place at the top of the stage proscenium (on the flying bars).
Activating the curtain drop the first time will open up the curtain so that it covers the stage. Activating the curtain drop a second time will drop the curtain to the floor revealing what is on stage.
A Double Kabuki Drop can be activated either manually or electronically. Any system of drop points can be adapted as a double drop.
The underlying method for any double curtain drop is the need for two sets of drop points. There also needs to be an extra cloth “hammock” that will hold the curtain gathered up in place at the start.
The cloth “hammock” acts as a basket for the curtain. One long edge of the cloth “hammock” is permanently secured to the flying bar or Kabuki system support bar/ backboard (if there is one). The other long edge of the cloth “hammock” is attached to the additional drop points of the Double Kabuki Drop units.
Image Credit: Magic Kabuki Drop
Alternative Set-up for the Double Kabuki Drop on the Same Flying Bar
Image Credit: Electro Kabuki
The first drop releases the cloth “hammock” so that it falls open and allows the curtain to drop open.
The second drop releases the curtain to fall to the floor.
Instead of a cloth “hammock”, you can also use multiple straps or even wire cables to hold up the gathered/ rolled up curtain. If the curtain is very long (height), you may need to mount the Double Kabuki Drop points on another flying bar so that the cloth “hammock” forms a large “basket”
Reference:
Disclaimer: This is a free resource site for educational purposes. To better illustrate points made in the articles, images have been used to accompany the information. Photo credits and links to the source material are given where applicable.
If you are a copyright holder for any of the images and do not want your image used in this resource site, please contact us at info(a)magickabukidrop.com and we will remove the image within 24 hours.
The authors accepts no responsibility for damages or injuries resulting from the fabrication or performance of any of the Kabuki Drop methods described in this website.
If you require a Kabuki Drop for your next show, production or special event, you essentially have three options:
The option you choose depends on your needs, constraints and preference.
If you are producing a multi-million dollar touring concert, you should go with a high-end professional system that is supported with an experienced team.
However, there are many smaller events and shows that do not require or have the budget for professional systems with a team. In which case, a DIY solution or renting a system for a one-off event may be a better option.
Photo Credit: BPM-SFX
The choice of building, buying or renting the Kabuki Drop depends on a variety of determining factors. Some questions to ask yourself include:
Answers to the above questions will help determine which option may be more suitable for you.
One of the biggest factors to consider will be the budget that you have to work with.
There are two factors for financial consideration. One is the initial investment and the other is the ongoing cost.
Here are specific considerations for each option:
While building a Kabuki Drop does not require the technical skills of the “American Chopper” team, an aptitude for wood work, handling of tools and building of things as well as the availability of a properly equipped workshop are a must.
The size of the Kabuki drop can be a factor when building a system. If the curtain is very large, you will need sufficient space to build and test the drop.
Your time should also be factored into this consideration. You will need time to design, plan, build and test the system. If you do not have a lead time sufficient to build and test the system, you are likely better off buying or renting a system.
The first step is to research for Kabuki Drop methods, systems and designs.
Some resources include:
Your research should help you decide on the Kabuki Drop method you can/ want to build; for example, whether it is a manual or electromechanical linear solenoid system.
Plan out exactly what you need and how to build the system. This includes having a set of building plans, materials & tools list.
Come up with a production timeline to ensure you have a timetable for building, testing and troubleshooting the system.
If you do not have a theatre venue to work in, it is advisable set-up some kind of suspended horizontal support to replicate a flying bar to test the curtain drop under “real working” conditions.
Get familiar with the system. Understand its idiosyncrasies and learn how to make adjustments and troubleshoot as necessary to get the system working perfectly.
The benefits of buying a Kabuki Drop from a manufacturer is that you are investing in a professional system.
A professional system means it has been developed with expertise, research & development, prototyping, time and resources. You are generally guaranteed a better system than one you could build in a few days. But, understandably, it comes with a higher price.
You will likely only buy a system if you are going to use the Kabuki Drop on a regular basis or have a venue that you would like to install the Kabuki Drop in as a permanent special effect fixture.
As always, the first step is to research what options are available to you. Professional systems can include manual and electronic Kabuki Drops.
Get some basic understanding of the different types of systems on the market and compare their pros & cons. For example:
Be sure to select a system that suits your needs and not one that seems the most expensive or has the most features.
Contact the manufacturers or resellers of different systems and request for product info and prices, if the information is not available online.
A list of manufacturers of professional Kabuki Drop systems include:
| MANUAL KABUKI DROP SYSTEM | Pro Magic Kabuki Drop System |
| LINEAR SOLENOID KABUKI DROP SYSTEMS | Gerriets |
| Rose Brand | |
| Chabuki | |
| iWeiss | |
| Magic FX | |
| Rent What? Inc. | |
| Showtex | |
| SGA | |
| Joseph C. Hasen Co. | |
| Drape Kings | |
| ELECTROMAGNETIC LOCK KABUKI DROP SYSTEMS | Electro Kabuki |
| ESP Support |
Once you have all the pertinent information on hand and have worked out your budget, purchase the system.
Note, it will still take some time for the delivery of the Kabuki Drop and you will need additional time to make the curtains and learn how to use the system. Be sure to factor this into your lead time when buying the Kabuki Drop.
If you require a Kabuki Drop for a one-off event or show, renting the system may be the best option.
If you are organizing an event and have an appointed event producer, you can have him/ her source for a vendor for you and make all the necessary arrangements.
If you are self-producing an event or show and require just the Kabuki Drop, you can source for an event production or technical service provider. You can also look for a company that specializes in drapes for theatrical productions.
Do a Google search or ask for recommendations if you have any friends in the event or theatre industry.
Renting the system generally includes the support team to set up/ tear down and execute the curtain drop so it is a hassle-free option.
As you will unlikely be using the Kabuki Drop system yourself, you do not really need to be concerned with the type of the Kabuki Drop System used.
What is more important is the reliability of the provider as well as the system they are using.
Some questions to ask a potential rental provider include:
Based on the answers given, you should be able to assess which company would be best for you.
Here is a quick guide as to help you decide whether you should build, buy or rent a Kabuki Drop System:
| Determining Factors | BUILD | BUY | RENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Kabuki Drop | NO | YES | YES |
| Heavy Kabuki Drop Fabric | NO | YES | YES |
| Repeated Use of System | YES | YES | NO |
| Use of System at Fixed Location | YES | YES | NO |
| Manpower for Set-up/ Tear Down/ Activation | YES | YES | NO |
| Significant Role of Kabuki Drop in Show/ Event | NO | YES | YES |
| Long Lead Time to Production/ Event | YES | YES | NO |
| Possess Skills & Tools for Building Kabuki Drop | YES | NO | NO |
| Possess Skills for Troubleshooting/ Maintenance | YES | YES | NO |
| High Budget | NO | YES | YES |
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References
Disclaimer: This is a free resource site for educational purposes. To better illustrate points made in the articles, images have been used to accompany the information. Photo credits and links to the source material are given where applicable.
If you are a copyright holder for any of the images and do not want your image used in this resource site, please contact us at info(a)illusionbookstore.com and we will remove the image within 24 hours.
The authors accepts no responsibility for damages or injuries resulting from the fabrication or performance of any of the Kabuki Drop methods described in this website.
Here is a comprehensive list of Kabuki Drop reference information that were used when researching, compiling and writing this Kabuki Drop resource.
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“Holding Magnet.” Flints Theatrical Chandlers. Flint Hire & Supply LTD. Retrieved on 21 Mar 2015.
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“Double Kabuki Drop Explanation.” YouTube video. Retrieved on 17 Feb 2015.
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“Kabuki G2 Curtain Drop System Overview.” Gerriets. Retrieved on 21 Mar 2015.
“Kabuki G2 Curtain Drop System Components.” Gerriets. Retrieved on 21 Mar 2015.
“Kabuki 50.” ShowTex. Retrieved on 21 Mar 2015.
“BYU Men’s Basketball 2013 Kabuki Drop.” YouTube video. Retrieved on 18 Mar 2015.
Lynda. “Focus On: Double Kabuki Drapes.” Sew What? Inc. Blog. Retrieved on 15 Mar 2015.
Disclaimer: This is a free resource site for educational purposes. To better illustrate points made in the articles, images have been used to accompany the information. Photo credits and links to the source material are given where applicable.
If you are a copyright holder for any of the images and do not want your image used in this resource site, please contact us at info(a)magickabukidrop.com and we will remove the image within 24 hours.
The authors accepts no responsibility for damages or injuries resulting from the fabrication or performance of any of the Kabuki Drop methods described in this website.