What is the first set of legs in a theatre called?

The first set of legs in a theatre is called tormentors. Tormentors are used to mask the sides of the stage and define the performance area. They are typically positioned just behind the proscenium arch and help create a proper frame for the stage. This is crucial for maintaining the audience's focus on the performance by concealing backstage activities and providing an aesthetically pleasing boundary for the visible stage.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different theatrical elements. Teasers are horizontal curtains that mask the top of the stage, while the grand drape is the main curtain that typically serves as the front curtain, closing off the stage from the audience. Legs, while commonly used to refer to side curtains, do not specify the specific function of masking provided by tormentors. Thus, understanding the distinctions between these terms is essential to grasp how different stage elements contribute to a seamless theatrical experience.