What is the typical use for screens or curtains in theatre?

The typical use for screens or curtains in theatre is primarily to conceal off-stage activities from the audience. This function is crucial for maintaining the illusion of the performance and ensuring that audience members remain focused on the staged action. By hiding set changes, actor entrances, and other preparations that occur out of sight, curtains and screens help establish a seamless narrative flow.

While screens or curtains can sometimes enhance the visual design of a performance or serve specific purposes such as displaying visuals or projections, their fundamental role in theatre is to create a barrier that protects the integrity of the performance by obscuring elements that are not meant to be viewed by the audience. This allows for dramatic reveals and smooth transitions between scenes, thereby enriching the theatrical experience.