Discover published sets by community

Another theatrical superstition where three lit candles on stage at once is considered bad luck, with the person nearest the shortest candle believed to be the next to marry or die.

Peacock feathers are considered bad luck because the eye shape in the feathers is thought to be the 'evil eye', and superstition says they can bring disaster to a production.

Saying the last line of a play before opening night is thought to be bad luck because it tempts fate by assuming the play will reach its conclusion without hindrance.

Refers to Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. Saying the title inside a theatre is considered bad luck and can supposedly cause accidents. To counteract the curse, one must exit the theatre, spin around three times, spit, curse, and then knock to be allowed back in.

Historically, blue dye was expensive, so using it on costumes signified a well-funded production. If a play had blue costumes without the necessary funds, it could mean financial ruin, hence it became a superstition.

Wishing 'good luck' might actually bring bad luck according to theatrical superstition, so 'break a leg' is used instead. Its origins are unclear, but it may allude to bending one's leg after a successful performance to bow or curtsy.

Historically, sailors who moonlighted as riggers would use whistles to cue scenery changes. An unexpected whistle could cause an accident on stage, so it became bad luck to whistle in a theatre.

Similar to 'break a leg', telling someone 'good luck' is considered bad luck in theatre due to beliefs of tempting fate, so other expressions are used instead.

Giving flowers to actors before they go on stage is considered bad luck, possibly because it signifies the end of a performance. Traditionally, flowers are given after the show as a sign of a job well done.