Theatre Superstitions

[genericcomment]

I never tell anyone Good luck, I don't say Macbeth on stage, but I do whistle because I can (not while an audience is present). I walk under ladders but warn the person on them I'm passing and I say "buttered toast" as I pass under them. "Buttered toast" was just something my high school theatre department came up with if someone was going to pass under a ladder to suede off the bad luck. I mostly believe in the superstitions just for fun.

I am going to argue against the comment that actors are idiots. They are not. They are some of the funnest people to be around, and are just as intelligent as the techies. It takes a lot of work to create a character and keep it consistent. Those who disagree with me should go take an acting class.

 

[cdub260]

... and I say "buttered toast" as I pass under them.

The chance of a piece of toast landing with the buttered side down is directly proportional to the cost of the carpet.

 

[soundop]

ok, so me and one other tech had to explain the macbeth superstion to our freaking sm, who said it like 8 times before the show today, any way as i was going up to our fly rail, which i hate as its a double purchase, so 3/4s of our rail is above the stage, with no way to mask the crew from the stage left side of the house, any way on my way back down to fix the scrim that i had brought in, i slipped, and pulled myslef back into the ladder, i weigh 300 pounds, and smashed my ribs into the ladder to save my self, i bruised two ribs, and knocked the wind out of my self, well it was funny cause the sm saw it, and i said thats why we dont say macbeth. During strike to day, the curse hit all of our other techs, we all had a few band aids, and had to kick a few actors out of the building for almost breaking our apron that covers the pit by pounding on the frame under the stage.

 

[ruinexplorer]

Well, okay, TheSlowPoisoner, but you DO realize that not whistling onstage is not a superstition, but a tradition, regardless of whether or not one believes the oft-debated fable about sailors.

Some theatre historians have totally debunked this as myth, and have suggested it must have been started by someone who found whistling annoying. What would prevent the audience from hearing these whistles, and wouldn't that be distracting?

See Theater Superstitions for more fiction.

While I agree that it is a tradition, that does not exclude superstitious beliefs. As soon as someone accepts it as bad luck, it crosses the realm of rational thinking into superstition regardless of the sailor "fable." Seeing as most superstitions stem from oral traditions prior to their mystical beliefs, it is difficult for historians to truly debunk them or completely define their origins, but they do come up with some quite logical theories. This is why sayings like "the whole nine yards" have an extremely long list of origins from many different time periods. Check out B.F. Skinner's work with pigeons and their superstitious behaviour.

Following that link didn't seem to show that it is not a superstition: 'If an actors whistles during rehearsals or in their dressingrooms during a play it is believed that the play will be doomed to failure and presumably the whistler will soon be out of work..

According to Kevin Robertson's Dissertation on Theatre Superstitions, "The reason for this superstition is as follows: before the advent of walkie-talkies or clear-coms, cues for theatre technicians were called with a sailors whistle. Therefore, one who whistles in a theatre may, inadvertantly, call a cue before it's time, setting all types of catastrophy into motion." '


I would also disagree with the home page's statement that "Of all professions, actors are the most superstitious." I would argue that professional athletes are much more superstitious, especially baseball players. Watch their routines as a batter comes up to the plate or a new pitcher comes to the mound.

Sorry, I was planning on being an archaeologist prior to working as a professional stagehand, so I have done a great amount of study into human psychology, anthropology, history, and religion (which some claim to be organized supertition).

For me, the only superstition that I regularly practice is "knock on wood" to avert something I say tempting fate. I don't believe that my action really has any bearing on actual events, but it has become habit.

 

[WestlakeTech]

I never knew saying "Macbeth" in a theatre was supposedly bad luck before I came on these boards. I said it this morning before the 1st of two shows (the only actor present called me an SOB as his make-up was being applied). 1st show went fine. 2nd show had a minor fog issue, but nothing terrible and nothing the audience (of elementary schoolers) noticed.

 

[Van]

.......................
For me, the only superstition that I regularly practice is "knock on wood" to avert something I say tempting fate. I don't believe that my action really has any bearing on actual events, but it has become habit.

One, for those that don't know, "knocks on wood" to let the Faries, Driads, or nyphms, who might be living in the wood to leave before you start cutting or burning it. It also gave tehm a chance to let you know you were about to burn or cut up their house. Often times the Driads would continue to live in the wood once it had been cut and, as they are Fey Folk, they tend to be mischevious and like to express themselves anytime a sailor would tempt fate by saying something. The Knock was to tell them "Just Kidding".
I just planted a Fairy terarium with my daughter and she's convinced she saw a fairy in it the other night.......

 

[gafftapegreenia]

I just planted a Fairy terarium with my daughter and she's convinced she saw a fairy in it the other night.......

I want to make a joke o how I want to make a joke.

 

[WestlakeTech]

I finished reading Macbeth yesterday and I just don't understand why it's bad luck to mention the name in a theatre setting. I've been told it's because everybody dies, but it seems to me that just as many die in Hamlet, though I haven't actually counted either.

 

[gafftapegreenia]

The play is cursed because supposedly the spells are too "real". It is said the witches of the age were upset that their secrets had been so widely revealed on stage, and thus cursed the play and it's future productions.

 

[philhaney]

Well, okay, TheSlowPoisoner, but you DO realize that not whistling onstage is not a superstition, but a tradition, regardless of whether or not one believes the oft-debated fable about sailors.

...
- Never whistle on stage unless it is part of the play. The reason for this is that most theatres were in sea ports. They were hemp houses, and they employed sailors ashore to run the rigging. The sailors would whistle commands to each other. So, whistling on stage was an open invitation to have a batten or sandbag fall on your head. ...

Some theatre historians have totally debunked this as myth, and have suggested it must have been started by someone who found whistling annoying. What would prevent the audience from hearing these whistles, and wouldn't that be distracting?

See Theater Superstitions for more fiction.

According to the man who was the TD at the Pageant when I started in '86, during the '40s and '50s before they had coms the SM would would sit in the prompter's box down stage center. The fly crew would climb up to their places in the rigging, and they would communicate cues and such by whistling to each other....

(How they did this without being heard by the audience, I have no idea.)

 

[ScottT]

The play is cursed because supposedly the spells are too "real". It is said the witches of the age were upset that their secrets had been so widely revealed on stage, and thus cursed the play and it's future productions.

I have also that along with it being because if a show was doing badly (read: not enough sales) they would drop the current show and switch to preforming a crow favorite Macbeth. Our theater teacher is very very very strict with this rule and has failed actors from her class because they said it once!

 

[jessamarie6]

I just have to take the time to put in my two cents about actors. I'm not so comfortable with the "stupid actors" posts on this site.
We have to remember that most actors are not stupid people, they are only stupid when they are actors. In the end this is simply because while they are doing the work they do their brains are occupied by a totally different type of thought.
In my scene shops I have had many students and interns and actor/techs working for me who understand exactly how all of the technical elements work. When they get offended when I "actor proof" a prop or a scenic element, I remind them that, though I have respect each of them as people, it is impossible to use and actor brain and a tech brain at the same time.
Not that you can't get frustrated with actors, and not that you can't vent about it on this site, but don't become the tech who is always rude and condescending to the actors. No one hires that person back, especially ina small company. Theatre is a collaborative art, and we need them as much as they need us.
(and yes your skills are more marketable outside the theatre then theirs are, but you know you don't want to work outside the theatre. I sure don't)

 

[Dionysus]

I think the most important part of theatre superstitions and traditions is to respect them even if you don't believe in them yourself. I've come across quite a few people who don't believe in them, and it ended up causing serious problems when they pissed off other people.
Theatre people are generally superstitious and love traditions. Just one of those things.

Macbeth, the Scottish play
This is one of the most common theatre traditions. DO NOT Quote from the play or say the name of the play "The Scottish Play" is the usual reference.
I've heard some good stories about this one, and have some myself. Please respect this one above many others, because violating this tradition can actually get you booted out of some theatres (even if you paid for a ticket, or are working).
At theatre school we had a HUGE discussion on this in "Theatre History" class. Anyways I'll say a few of the 'theories' behind this myth.

1) The witches' incantations actually lend power to the words of the play, inciting the spirits around to have a little fun, when not presented properly.
2) The play was overproduced after it was published for quite some time, and people, and the spirits of people who got sick of it started to cause a little trouble to anyone who mentioned the play.
3) The spirit of the REAL Macbeth (One of the greatest and fair kings of Scotland) is very PISSED at how he is portrayed in this play (Shakespeare would of been hung if it was historically accurate, since the queen's ancestors come from the line that took over after Macbeth's line ended its rule).
4) The spirits of a ship that actually sunk during the bard's (Shakespeare) time are not allowed to rest because he wrote the ship's tragedy into the play. (You can find it quite easily).
5) Some people who believe in the curse, make things happen to punish people for making fun of their superstitions.

By the way there are some generally accepted ways to belay the curse if you accidentally say the M-word.
- Leave the theatre space, and then turn around three times counter-clockwise (widdershins) then spit (or curse) and ask politely for re-admittance to the theatre (out of respect for the other people in the theatre).
- Leave the theatre, and then ask for readmittance
- Simply turn widdershins on the spot, and then curse.

At Theatre Sheridan during Sweet Charity, a friend of mine said the M-word in the catwalk during act 2. He said that he thought the curse was bull$hit, and would not do any of the rituals to cleanse his mistake. When it came time for the elevator scene, the power went out for a good 5 minutes at least. Throwing off the projectors, lighting, everything. The theatre was about to be evacuated when the power came back on... The projections had to be scrapped for the rest of the performance.

At my highschool during a teardown a fellow said the M-word. Everyone told him to do the ritual, so he danced around the stage quoting the play, and yelling "Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth". After he was done causing a scene (pardon the pun) suddenly a board from a setpiece dislodged and landed on his head, a nail penetrated his skull and he needed to be rushed to the ER. He has since died of brain cancer.

During a rehearsal for a SEARS drama festival play in highschool, one of the actors said the M-word while in the rehearsal space (also a presentation space). He of course refused to do the corrective ritual. The performance for the competition went beautifully, and we received a lot of praise. Unfortunately the adjudicators did not appreciate one of the oldest plays in existence and told us to change the ending. We did not advance. However all three of the shows advancing contacted us and told us that they believed our show should of advanced instead of ours (yes even with official festival correspondence). Oh well.

walking under ladders
I never felt that this one applied to theatre, more to stupid kids out in the world. Something that parents say to their kids to keep them safe.
Actually my lighting teacher told me that if somethings dropped, its safer to be under the ladder than beside it.

Whistling in a theatre
This indeed dates back to early rigging (usually hemp). Many theatres did use sailors for rigging who used varied whistles to communicate the fly commands. You actually could of made a whistle and inadvertently caused a batten to come in and hurt someone. My rigging teacher was very strict that you do not whistle in a theatre. He actually worked with a few riggers at one point that did use whistles to communicate. You never know, you could just piss someone off enough for them to drop a sandbag on your head.

Break a leg
Just like the practise of knocking on wood so spirits can't hear you to make things go poorly. Saying "Good luck" is considered very BAD luck. "Break a leg" thus being insurance that things will go well.

 

[ruinexplorer]

Macbeth, the Scottish play
This is one of the most common theatre traditions. DO NOT Quote from the play or say the name of the play "The Scottish Play" is the usual reference.
I've heard some good stories about this one, and have some myself. Please respect this one above many others, because violating this tradition can actually get you booted out of some theatres (even if you paid for a ticket, or are working).

Well, I wonder how this will affect our President? This is from CNN:

In Ford’s Theater, Obama invokes forbidden word
Posted: 03:33 PM ET

On a trip to Ford’s Theater, site of President Lincoln’s assassination, Obama paid tribute to the 16th president’s ability to recall passages of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Macbeth.
WASHINGTON (CNN) — It’s a word so fraught with superstition, its very mention can send grown men ducking for cover — and President Obama used it Wednesday night.

Macbeth.

On a trip to Ford’s Theater, site of President Lincoln’s assassination, Obama paid tribute to the 16th president’s ability to recall passages of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Macbeth. And with that reference, he unwittingly ventured into what many theater hands believe to be dangerous territory: any mention of the name of the doomed Scottish king in a theater outside of a performance is considered verboten by many actors, who believe it will result in a cursed production — including a greater possibility of injury, bankruptcy, even death.

So does Obama have anything to fear from uttering the unluckiest word in what may be the unluckiest theater in American history? Theater-goers can relax: Many stage afficianados believe that the prohibition only applies to performers or theater hands, and non-actors have nothing to worry about.

But in the near future, the president might want to stick to movies. Just to be on the safe side.

walking under ladders[/b]
I never felt that this one applied to theatre, more to stupid kids out in the world. Something that parents say to their kids to keep them safe.
Actually my lighting teacher told me that if somethings dropped, its safer to be under the ladder than beside it.

You're right. As far as as I know, this is more of a Christian superstition. The ladder creates a triangle which often represents the Holy Trinity. By crossing under a ladder, you are breaking the Trinity, or going against God. Frankly, I think it's good practice, as opposed to what your lighting teacher seems to imply, to avoid crossing under a ladder as that increases the risk of making something fall, which would put you in the danger zone.

 

[ReiRei]

Re: I was yelled at

I'm taking a Shakespearean Literature class and my teacher called the technicians "dopey" because we don't believe in the Macbeth curse... It's funny because now I can't stand him just for that particular comment. Apparently every tech that has taken one of his classes has just had a deep dislike for one reason or another... Also, I do enjoy how actors tried to create circumstances in which you can say Macbeth without there being any consequence.

It just doesn't work like that... do you know why? BECAUSE IT'S A BOGUS CURSE!!! *does angry defiance dance*

 

[icewolf08]

Re: I was yelled at

In actuality, the stigma behind Macbeth comes from the fact that it was often the show that many theatres decided to produce when times were tough (like the current economic crisis that is forcing many theatres to close). Hearing Macbeth in the theatre scared many people because it usually meant that they would be loosing their jobs or the theatre may be closing after the production due to financial hardship.

I would call shenanigans on any accidents that people attribute to saying Macbeth in a theatre. Most of the times that I have heard of things going wrong are because people make a big deal and stop paying attention to what they are doing. Thus, things go wrong when Macbeth is said because people get too preoccupied with that instead of what they should be doing!

So, unless your organization is about to go under, then I suggest you get over Macbeth and get on with your job.

 

[themuzicman]

We have to remember that most actors are not stupid people, they are only stupid when they are actors. In the end this is simply because while they are doing the work they do their brains are occupied by a totally different type of thought.
In my scene shops I have had many students and interns and actor/techs working for me who understand exactly how all of the technical elements work. When they get offended when I "actor proof" a prop or a scenic element, I remind them that, though I have respect each of them as people, it is impossible to use and actor brain and a tech brain at the same time.
Not that you can't get frustrated with actors, and not that you can't vent about it on this site, but don't become the tech who is always rude and condescending to the actors. No one hires that person back, especially ina small company. Theatre is a collaborative art, and we need them as much as they need us.

I honestly don't get where you are trying to come in at all on this. I know actors who can build/design as good or better than any scenic tech. I also know technicians who can act. It's a matter of what you want to do, not a matter of "tech/acting" brain. It is where your passions lie, not some misunderstanding. You "actor proof" everything not in terms of stupidity, but for ease of use. If you make a ridiculous prop that an actor can't use, the comfort level is thrown, and he cannot effectively do his/her job.

Though, I have never heard an actor put-down in the shop I work in. If there is a serious problem, they either rectify it by fixing the set, or helping the actor, no put-downs needed. When the actors work in the shop, they are given tasks to suit their level of skill, and used to the best of their ability.

-------
I also call shenanigans to the Macbeth BS. I don't play the superstition game.

 

[philhaney]

We have to remember that most actors are not stupid people, they are only stupid when they are actors. In the end this is simply because while they are doing the work they do their brains are occupied by a totally different type of thought.

I honestly don't get where you are trying to come in at all on this. I know actors who can build/design as good or better than any scenic tech. I also know technicians who can act. It's a matter of what you want to do, not a matter of "tech/acting" brain.

I've seen it go both ways. I have experience working with actors who are really good techs, until they get on stage and start to act. Then their tech savvy goes right out the window and we have to "actor proof" things for ease of use AND stupidity (I've seen some good techs get really stupid when acting) to prevent damage, injury, etc. And yes, we help these actors without putting them down.

I also have experience working with actors who can run circles around good techs, and retain their tech awareness when acting.

It's all a matter of your personal experiences.

I just have to take the time to put in my two cents about actors. I'm not so comfortable with the "stupid actors" posts on this site.

While I'm sure you don't do it, Themuzicman, I have seen far too many posts on this site putting down actors, including some by "grizzled veterans" who should know better, and I don't like these posts either.

 

[rchu3149]

There is one other "counter-curse" to the M- word - I prefer it actually. A quote from Hamlet... "Angels and ministers of grace defend us."

Granted, I strongly believe in this curse and choose to NEVER say M-, but if I slip, you can bet I'll be quoting Hamlet...

 

[Dionysus]

There is one other "counter-curse" to the M- word - I prefer it actually. A quote from Hamlet... "Angels and ministers of grace defend us."

Granted, I strongly believe in this curse and choose to NEVER say M-, but if I slip, you can bet I'll be quoting Hamlet...

I've not heard of that remedy before, and I LIKE IT...
I also strongly believe in the curse....

The play is cursed because supposedly the spells are too "real". It is said the witches of the age were upset that their secrets had been so widely revealed on stage, and thus cursed the play and it's future productions.

Ahhh I've heard that one too, but I don't put any stock in it... I know a lot of Wiccans and the so called incantations don't sound like any I've come across anywhere but in fiction.