BroadwaySpotted: If there is one thing theatre people are it is superstitious. Anyone who works in a theatre will constantly tell you what you can or cannot do, because it’s “bad luck” or “good luck.” Have you ever wondered why these little practices came into being? Why do actors and theatre take these things so seriously? Each Monday we’re going to take a closer look at one of these little pieces of theatre lore. Today we’re going to talk about the ghost light.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Ever Wonder Why: We Leave the Ghost Light On
BroadwaySpotted: If there is one thing theatre people are it is superstitious. Anyone who works in a theatre will constantly tell you what you can or cannot do, because it’s “bad luck” or “good luck.” Have you ever wondered why these little practices came into being? Why do actors and theatre take these things so seriously? Each Monday we’re going to take a closer look at one of these little pieces of theatre lore. Today we’re going to talk about the ghost light.
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2 comments:
I too like theatre lore and the explanation of the ghost light in this article. I had heard another explanation as well, which, like all of these things, has questionable veracity: stagehands have hobbled ghost lights together out of miscellaneous parts found around the theatre (you seldom see an off-the-shelf ghost light), and therefore it is the remains of these things that stay in the theatre.
In keeping with the articles practical definition, though, even when there are light switches at the door, it's not unheard of for somebody to shut off the lights before everybody else is out, and the constant reconfiguration of the stage space makes darkness a serious hazard.
I was told and I am inclined to agree, that purpose of a ghost light is to keep people from falling off the front of the stage or into the pit. Especially in many theatres, the light switch is to where near the door. With more modern theatres, there are touch panels by the doors that can be programed BUT back in the day (like the 80’s), you did not want the work lights hard wired to a place that was easy to reach, so they were placed in a cage sometimes. Then the last guy out, would have to shut the lights and make the very precarious trip in the dark to the exit. Watch out for that big step at the front of the stage. Perhaps we should get a light on a stand to keep people from falling. ok
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