10 more theatrical superstitions

October 24, 1:08 PMDenver Theater ExaminerDeb Flomberg

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Three candles are very bad luck indeed 

Halloween is next week, so I figured it was a good time for more theatrical superstitions! The last post on theatrical superstitions was on 5 very well known superstitions, so today I’m going to share some lesser known ones.

Peacock Feathers
Peacock feathers should never be brought on stage, either as a costume element, prop, or even as part of a set. Veteran actors and directors have shared stories of sets collapsing and tragic events that have taken place in performances where peacock feathers were present. The reason for this is unknown but the most probable reason for this superstition is that the ever-open 'eyes' on the feathers have become associated with the Evil Eye, a portent of horrible misfortune, including death.

Green and Yellow
The colors green and yellow are said to be unlucky. Often costumers will avoid making costumes with either color. The reason? Green and yellow, during the era of the morality plays, were often considered a symbol of the Devil. A devil in disguise might be identified by wearing a green or yellow tie, vest or hat.

Three Candles
There is another superstition about candles. Specifically three candles. Of course the obvious reason is that costumes and fresh paint are easily caught on fire. However, there is also a very old superstition stating that if three, and only three, candles are lit in a room, the one closest to the shortest candle will be the first to either marry . . . or die.

The Comp Ticket
There is an age-old superstition saying that the house manager must refuse to admit a person with a free (comp) ticket until after at least one paying person has entered the theatre. If the first person into the theatre is a comp, it will doom the production to fail.

  Some smaller superstitions:

• Some actors believe that having a Bible onstage is unlucky. Often, other books or prop books will be used with Bible covers.
• A company should not practice doing their bows before they feel they deserve them.
• A bad dress rehearsal will make for a great opening night.
• Before making a first entrance, an actor or actress should be pinched for luck.
• In the English theatres, to trip on entering the scene on the first night of a play is a sure sign of success.
• Real flowers must never be used on stage.

So there you have it. 10 more theatrical superstitions. I wonder how many more there are. Actually, I wonder more why there are so many. Anyone venture a guess as to why theatre people are so superstitious? Leave your thoughts in the comment box below, I’d love to hear what you think!