A large piece of fabric painted to resemble a place or object is called a what?

A large piece of fabric painted to resemble a place or object is called a backdrop. Backdrops are commonly used in theatre productions to create an impression of a setting or environment that enhances the atmosphere of a scene. They often cover the entire back stage area and are painted or printed with intricate designs to visually represent different locations, such as landscapes, cityscapes, or interiors.

In contrast, a scrim is a type of fabric that becomes transparent when lit from behind and is used for special effects, while a traveler is a curtain that can be drawn to reveal or conceal elements of the stage. A cyc, or cyclorama, is a curved backdrop that reflects light and is generally used for creating sky effects or lighting backdrops, rather than depicting specific scenes or objects.