What are the hanging curtains on the sides of the stage known as?

The hanging curtains on the sides of the stage are referred to as legs. Legs are vertical drapes that are used to mask the sides of the stage, helping to define the performance area while also containing the backstage space from the audience's view. They play a critical role in shaping the visual presentation and can also assist with sound acoustics on stage.

Travelers, on the other hand, are curtains that open and close horizontally across the stage, typically used to reveal or conceal the stage setting. A cyc, or cyclorama, is a large, typically white curtain that can be lit to create various colors and backgrounds. Backdrops serve a similar purpose in setting the scene but are usually fixed scenery located at the rear of the stage. Each of these elements serves distinct functions in stage design and production, but legs specifically refer to the side curtains designed for masking.