Theatre Superstions

Don't Whistle While You Work

It's considered bad luck to whistle on or off stage. Original stage crews were sailors hired for their skills with knots and raising sails. They used whistles to communicate cues. Actors who whistled could confuse the crews!

Beware Comp Ticket Holders

Admit a person with a comp ticket before a fee-paying patron, and the production is doomed.

"Break a Leg"

"Break a leg" replaces the phrase "good luck," which is considered unlucky. The exact origin of this expression is unknown. What is known is that all performers want a hardy "break a leg" before they start a show.Our "Break a Leg" teddy makes a great gift.
Click the picture of the teddy to go to the OWYS store.

 

 

"The Scottish Play"

Shakespeare's play, Macbeth is thought to be cursed, so actors should avoid saying its name inside a theatre. Say "The Scottish Play" instead. If someone says "Macbeth" in a theatre, he/she should leave the building, spin around three times, spit, curse, then knock to be allowed back in. No one knows the origins of this superstition. Perhaps the song of the Weird Sisters is an actual evil spell. Maybe is just has to do with all of the swordplay in the show. The more swordplay, the more chances for someone to get injured.

Put Your Script Under Your Pillow

A common superstition held by actors is that sleeping with a script under their pillow will help them to learn it faster!

No Finishing the Show Without an Audience

Never say the last line of a play (tag line) during rehearsals without an audience in attendance.

Time to Take a Bow?

A company should not practice doing their bows before they feel the deserve them.

Performance tips coming soon...