Scrims

The Carousel of Progress sets made use of a theatrical device called "scrims" to conceal smaller rotating stages at the left and right sides of the main stage in the Act I, II and III theaters. This allowed multiple scenes to be played out in each theater. A scrim is a gauze-like curtain with a weave that is wide enough to allow the action behind it to be seen when the lights are lowered on the main stage. When the lights are up on the main stage, the audience sees only a painted background. When the main stage lights dim and the action is lit behind the scrim, the audience sees the previously hidden stage.