After the Final Curtain: One superstition in the theatrical world is that every theater has a ghost because of this many of these buildings have traditions to appease the restless spirits. One common one is the use of a ghost light, which is a single light that is always on in the center of the stage. It’s said that this provides the spirits with the opportunity to perform on stage and keeps them from cursing the theater. In reality, the ghost light is there so that people will not trip and fall into the orchestra pit while walking across the darkened stage.
4 comments:
This was a really interesting article to read - because, I do believe in the paranormal but it was fun to read about different stories from different theaters across the country. In my opinion it’s these ghosts and superstitions that help create camaraderie among staff at these theaters. I remember when I used to work as a PA in the Overture Center, I would listen to the different stagehands talk about different supernatural happenings at the theater. It’s sort of one of these expected things in theaters now. Like we expect them to be haunted. It’s also of the function that once you’ve seen the ghost, you are part of the team now. A lot of these theaters have been around forever, so it’s fun to hear their history through these ghost stories, but it also makes you wonder if there are any theaters that aren’t haunted. I mean, I don’t take any chances with these spirits chilling around the theater - so I will always remember to put that ghostlight out, and treat the spirits of the house with respect.
I am terrified of anything even slightly paranormal or associated with paranormal: stories, movies, houses, streets etc. So one can imagine how I would have felt after reading this article.
The first ghost story that I had ever heard related to a theater was Phantom of the Opera. The authorities in at Palace Garnier literally tell all the visitors " do not go in the basement" insinuating the age- old story associated with that basement. It is complete horror.
To add to these stories, theaters are huge places and when there is no one there, and it is just you, it is terrifying. Empty hall and echoing noises, an absolute no-go, not that one can have a choice if that is where they are working. But when I have had to deal with these things, I, like Elizabeth, also try to respect the spirits and let them be, basically let them do as they please.
THEATRE GHOSTS!! Finally I get to end my comments on a positive note. This article is very fun. I personally believe in ghosts to some degree and try to be very respectful of them JUST IN CASE. You never know which stories were true!! And I find it so fascinating and exciting to read the stories out of the theatres in these articles. I might even call it lore over stories, because at this point I would guess these have to be a bit traditional or legendary in those theatre communities. Also, I love that most of the theatres included in this article are so antique and elegant looking. It really drives home the haunting quality of antiquated styles and lives of the past. I would love to watch a documentary about this. Also, bonus points for this being a Halloween article. Very big spooky vibes, and tis the season.
I’ve always enjoyed spooky stories and learning about supposedly ‘haunted’ places. I often listen to paranormal and unsolved mysteries while I’m working since they’re so fascinating. It was also fun getting to read an article about theatre that didn’t focus on bad news. Back in high school, we would often joke about how things that went missing or weird noises that the building made were from the ghost of the previous late director, or that there were shadow people in the back of the balcony. It helped keep the space seem a little more mysterious and fun, and gave us an inside thing to talk about. I don’t really believe in ghosts myself, but it’s always entertaining to indulge in the idea of them. And whether or not I actually think there’s a ghost or entity in a space, I’ll still be respectful of the traditions or superstitions that a place has.
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