Theater is filled with traditions and superstitions that can seem downright strange to anyone outside the theater world. Why do actors say “break a leg” instead of “good luck”? Why is saying the name Macbeth inside a theater considered bad luck? And why does a theater keep a light burning on an otherwise empty stage? Many of these traditions have been passed down for generations, with stories and legends explaining how they began. Whether the origins are rooted in superstition, old theater customs, or simply a little bit of theatrical folklore, they’ve become part of what makes theater unique.
At ASPI, we have a few traditions of our own. One is that we try not to say “We have a show” too confidently too early! Anyone who has been around theater knows that a lot can happen between the first rehearsal and opening night. Another of our favorite beliefs is that Nancy Byng, ASPI’s founder, is still around the theater watching over us. We like to think her spirit is always nearby, keeping an eye on the performers, volunteers, and the theater she helped create. Maybe she’s making sure everything goes smoothly- or maybe she’s just making sure we’re doing it right!
And then there’s the ghost light, one of theater’s most enduring traditions. A single light is traditionally left onstage when the theater is empty. There are many stories behind it- from keeping mischievous theater spirits away to giving those spirits a light by which to perform. At ASPI, we carry on this tradition every night when we lock up the theater. The ghost light stays on, glowing on an otherwise empty stage. Whether you believe it’s keeping the ghosts happy or simply honoring an old theater tradition, there’s something special about knowing that even after everyone has gone home, the stage is never completely dark.