In the theatre there are many superstitions. Here's just a few of them with explanations of their origins given where possible...
Why Whistling In Dressing Rooms & Backstage Is Considered Bad Luck
Many, many years ago when the sailors and riggers of cargo ships came home to port, they would often moonlight as stage hands in the local theatres. Their agility and head for heights made them perfectly suited for working in the fly tower, flying the scenery in and out during performances.
When at sea, these men used whistles to communicate; a whistle would travel better and is less likely to be misunderstood in heavy and stormy seas. When working in the theatres it was only natural for them to use this communication method to co-ordinate scene changes. The director would often use whistles to signal scene changes.
Unfortunately, if anyone happened to whistle casually, it's possible that it could confuse the men in the fly tower. This could result in causing a scene change and having a counterweight or a piece of scenery land on the whistlers head! Singing Tosti's "Good-bye", is also considered strictly taboo.
Should anyone do either of these, he or she must turn round three times and then knock on the door and ask for permission to be admitted.
Green Is An Unlucky Colour!
It is considered bad luck to wear anything green on stage...
Actors used to perform outdoors on grass, so actors wearing green were not very visible. Also, green light was regularly used to illuminate the characters, this limelight would make anyone wearing green appear almost invisible!
Quoting Or Mentioning "That Play" By Name (You know the one!)
This play (by William Shakespeare) is thought to be cursed, because it contained witchcraft. This was considered a serious business in Shakespeare's time and may be the origin of this superstition! To quote "that play" is to invite ill fortune to visit you.
Don't Rehearse the Last Line!
Actors always ensure that they are perfect in every line - except the last one (known as the "tag"). It is never spoken on stage until the first night of the actual performance. When the first night ends, the success (or otherwise) of the production is gauged by the extent of the applause which follows the last line.
Say It With Flowers - But Not On Stage...
If an actress is given flowers as a present, she can wear them before or after the performance, but it is considered very unlucky to wear them when actually on the stage. Usually, artificial ones are used instead.
Cotton & Contracts
If an actor or actress notices a loose thread of cotton clinging to a person's clothes, they will remove the thread and pass it a round the head three times and then place it down the neck of their garments. The cotton foretells of a new contract and the "magical" rite is said to guarantee its receipt.
Dolls & Mascots
All kinds of dolls and mascots are found in an actress's dressing room, they will hopefully bring her success.
Telegrams of congratulation are pinned to the wall and dearly treasured.
