Actors are notoriously superstitious, and it follows that many superstitions surround theaters, such as whistling anywhere near a theater, particularly in the dressing room, is strictly forbidden, Macbeth must only be referred to as ‘The Scottish Play,’ and a ‘ghost light’ is left on all night in most theaters to appease any resident thespian ghosts.
It is considered bad luck to say the last line of the play during rehearsals, actors should not wear blue costumes unless they also have silver on them, never open an umbrella on stage and the belief that it is unlucky to see a cat cross the stage during a rehearsal.
There are many good omens for theaters as well, including the belief that squeaky shoes during a performance are thought to be lucky, falling on the stage means the play will go well, and a bad dress rehearsal portends a great opening night.
Commentaires