Tabs is a generic term for curtains or drapes used on stage. It is derived from the tableau curtains of eighteenth century French theatre. The main front curtains across the proscenium arch are called the house tabs , act drop or sometimes simply the tabs.

( loc. Because the the A.D.C.'s iron disappears into the floor instead of the usual arrangement of being flown out, there is a specific warning that should be made regarding the house tabs: If the iron has been taken out while the house tabs were in (as is common in an interval), the bottom edge of the tabs may have become trapped. If you then heave mightily on the line set holding the tabs in order to take them out, you will hear a ripping sound and some, but only some, of those present will be amused.)

Tabs (other than the house tabs) are more general purpose. They are typically about half the width of the stage, and come in pairs so that they can be easily used as cross draws . Also available are the narrower legs , usually used for side masking , and full width blinders . Tabs come in a variety of colours and materials, and are often referred by their colour and sometimes material as well e.g. blacks , black velours , etc. Common colours are black, grey, silver, red (usually quite dark), plum, etc. Common materials are Bolton Twill (better for light colours than for dark), Wool Serge (quite good all round), Velvet (good for dark colours, giving a deep "inky'' black, but heavy and difficult to keep clean) and velour (poor man's velvet).