I saw these is a catalog last night and thought they might work for an indoor show. Would not be suitable for each performance venue but would work well where the ceilings are not more that 12 feet high. Here is the link.

Look at the picture showing how to set up a
"dust free environment" using two or more. That is what looked like it might work as a back drop using two and a piece of fabric to match.

These could leave marks on your customers ceiling, or if they had a spray on stucco finish or you put too much pressure on the ceiling you would damage it as well.
Plus if they have high cathedral ceilings your drop just wont work.
I use a seamless paper holder with a variety of differnt backdrops depending which show I'm doing.

Yes this will work...however if you are planning on using these in someones home they may not want you pressing these aganst thier ceiling. They will leave a mark on blown ceilings. Just a thought. I have seen them used and really liked the idea.

Robert Jones

Hmmm... your right. Never thought about leaving a mark. Thanks. Payne, what is a seamless paper holder?

I've tried many things over many years, a lot just being a 'rod for my own back' and of no importance either to the show or the bookers. Probably the most successful being a crushed black velvet drop I made about 6 foot high. I put the velvet (like a curtain) onto some fairly thick dowelling (it just rolled up for transport), and placed this on top of a lightweight clothes rail/stand. I used a large Van at the time, now I just use either an SUV or Estate car (wagon), so not the space. My Estate car is already packed now for tomorrow's parties (Sat.) Three oblong drummers accessory cases, a 60 watt Laney Combo amp., a fasten together light box with 8 coloured spots, 5 large Marionettes, a two section folding screen to put these behind, oh, and when I go out two black plastic bags of ready inflated 260E modelling balloons . . . reckon this is enough these days ! Don't do houseparties these days, just parties in Church halls, Village halls etc. But causing any sort of damage was always a worry. I know of one entertainer who smashed a light fitting with his Punch and Judy set-up. He offered to pay for the damage, - but the client said it was one of a complete matching set that went through the entire house! - and yes, she wanted the lot replacing . . .

I have also used seamless paper holders that photographers use. It works put is it is a lot to carry.

Look on Ebay for used trade show exhibits frameworks. Not as durable as a Spider but they do work. I was just at a school auction where the whole thing with lights and ATA case went for $5.
Certainly worth checking out.

Payne,

I bid and got a similar one you posted a link too.
I paid $76 but mine breaks down smaller. I think it is the 014-2 model.

I use a backdrop frame made by Jim Sommers. It's great to setup the show behind and I can move it from in front of my props and put it in back of them very easily. It can even double as a front curtain, when used that way - very easy to move. I think Klamm stocks them.

I currently use the seamless paper holders, as well. However, the first backdrop frame I used was made of PVC pipe and music stand bases (the heavy black ones used in schools... not the flimsy fold up jobs.) In one respect, it was better... the bases did not flair out nearly as large, so they took up less floor space when set up. For an in-home setup, that may be a benefit.

It would be good for my pole dancing routine....