Playbill.com: In the theatre, an industry replete with arcane tradition, the ritual surrounding the Gypsy Robe is one of the most persistent and beloved. It's been worn over the years by the likes of Casey Nicholaw and Jerry Mitchell each of whom graduated from the chorus to the director's and choreographer's chair to Tony-winning success.
The robe, which is handed from musical to musical each season as a sort of blessing, is a 60-year-old convention. Its custodian is David Westphal, the keeper of the Gypsy Robe for Actors' Equity Association
4 comments:
I think one of my things about theatre is that it is rich with traditions. I think I've seen some sort of tradition in at least every space I've worked in. After all, the activity of theatre itself is sort of a tradition. Many plays are derived from stories that were passed down from oral tradition and those shows replay that tradition over and over. Different plays are about traditions, like Christmas traditions for example, however cliche that may be. I think that having traditions like the robe is something that keeps the theatre community into a close-knit. There is a sense of family and comfort in tradition.
I completely agree. One of the best things about theater is the sense of community it brings. A lot of that has to do with tradition, but i think that just is one of the aspects that just comes from doing theater (even if theres someone you hate working with). That sense of community and family is what can be good for children when it comes to children doing theater like Growing Theater. It can be a good tool to empower children.
This is so cool! It's one of those things that reminds you how united the theatre community is. I love the fact that traditions are handed down not only within shows, but within the entire Equity family. It's like Broadway's own (and much cooler) sisterhood of the traveling pants. I love theatre superstitions and have never heard of this one. It sounds a lot like the pre-show rituals of ancient theatre in Asia, what with all the formalities of the stage manager needing to be notified and different people coming into a circle made my the entire company. I love how everyone is involved in this!
The more I am involved in this business and the older i get i am beginning to realize that Theatre isn't just shows and acting; it is a family, a life style, a religion. This is a tradition that definitely makes me happy to be a part of this community and that is just what we are, a community with our own rules, regulations, traditions, and government.
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