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I have acquired a backdrop frame and wondered what the best material to use for the backdrop. I obviously want something which would not crease readily. I have had suggestions of crushed velvet and liquid lame. Any thoughts?

plain black felt. then you can hand stuff like the lame stripping on top.
and you can velcro other things to it, to make it christmassy, or birtday themed, ect.

Though I understand where Dale is coming from I think the material he's referring to is "Duvateen" which is a heavy felt-like material common to the theater. But at the same time, the back-drop really depends on the kind of program you are going to perform along side personal budget.

Understand that all such items MUST (by law in the states) be treated with fire retardant and in some instances this can change the color of the fabric or prevent paints from sticking, etc. Too, you need to look at the kind of props you are working -- for instance, if you were featuring a Doll House illusion or Sword Temple, you would want that black background Dale suggested because it will work with the black-art on the bottom side of said props thereby making the device look much smaller and the table top thinner than it really is. It's an old trick and where possible you add in some over-head lamps so that shadows help add to this deception... but that's another story...

Too, you might want to look at the theme or themes of your act.

The wonderful thing about some of these backdrop systems is that they are flat panels that can be turned around e.g. you could have the black on one side and some other kind of pattern on the other... Add in some roller shades that can attach at the top of the frame and lock at the bottom and voila! You have yet another possible set change.

I bring this up because the use of sets is nearly a forgotten art in today's world and it is something that can add significantly to your act. For instance, if you were to feature a Sword Basket, you could have a set that looks like the streets of Old Calcutta or if you want an Egyptian theme you could have a set within an Egyptian Palace... etc.

Having a "glitter" set such as mylar, etc. is superior to a solid color when it comes to any kind of thread effects you may wish to do, so bear that in mind as you plan things out.

I could probably do a essay on this subject but hopefully what I've shared will give you some serious food for thought.

That's a great post Craig, there's a couple of lovely ideas there that I've nver even had enter my mind

Duvateen. that's the stuff. and flamebar smells of cat wee.