If you thought actors were just about memorizing lines and hitting their marks, think again. The world of thespians is brimming with curious beliefs and rituals that could easily rival any ancient tome of mystic practices.
Let’s lift the curtain on some of the most intriguing superstitions that have tickled the fancies of performers from Broadway to the back alley playhouses.
Beware the Whistle!
Ever thought whistling was just a harmless way to carry a tune? Not in a theater, it’s not!
A whistle backstage could summon the worst luck imaginable. So, unless you’re looking to star in your own tragic play, maybe save the whistling for the shower.
Costume Loyalty
For vaudeville actors, changing the costume that brought them their first taste of success is akin to inviting disaster.
According to lore, stick to your lucky threads, and maybe, just maybe, the spotlight will continue to shine favorably upon you.
The Macbeth Curse
Ah, Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” a masterpiece that also supposedly houses a curse within its witches’ chants. Many actors would rather cross a busy street than cross paths with this play, fearing the unleashing of its eerie powers.
Last Lines, Ostriches, and Other Oddities
Some actors refuse to utter the last lines of a play during rehearsals, while others eye ostrich imagery with suspicion, fearing it’s a harbinger of ill fortune.
And let’s not get started on the unlucky omen of grasping the wrong door handle while seeking out a theater manager or an agent.
Pre-Show Jitters and Omens
From the dreaded loop in the drop curtain to the color yellow in attire being a potential source of bad vibes, actors are on high alert for signs.
Even the direction your shoes fall when kicked off can supposedly forecast the night’s success or failure.
Feline Fortune (and Misfortune)
Cats, those majestic creatures, are deemed to be carriers of good fortune in the theater—unless they dash across the stage during a performance, in which case, brace for impact!
And remember, kicking a cat is not just cruel; it’s a ticket to bad luck city.
Mirror, Mirror, Not on the Wall
Should someone peer over your shoulder into the mirror as you apply your makeup, brace yourself. This unwelcome intrusion is thought to cast a shadow of misfortune on the actor.
A Tangled Entrance
And finally, stumbling upon entry or snagging your costume might not just bruise your ego but is believed to jinx your performance.
The only remedy? A swift retreat and a grand re-entrance.
