Theatrical Superstitions

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. Actors all love a chance to perform Shakespeare. There is one play by the Bard, however, that must never be mentioned in any theater, except while actually performing it. What is the name of this most unlucky play? Macbeth Othello Hamlet King Lear

2. Old time theater people will warn you against performing which action backstage? Playing cards Praying Whistling Reading

3. Before a theater is locked up for the night, what should one always do? Leave a light on backstage Make sure the curtains are open, at least a crack Cover the mirrors in the green room Give a brief round of applause

4. Many types of props are considered unlucky, both for superstitious and practical reasons. Fakes should be used in place of the actual objects. Which of these is NOT considered a bad luck item? (ie, safe to use on stage) Bibles Food Money and jewelry Playing cards

5. What should an audience member never do to an actor before a production? Wish them luck Shake their hand Take their picture Loan them money

6. What is a portent of a good opening night? A broken mirror, spilled salt, or walking under a ladder A bad dress rehearsal A bird (or bat) flying into the theater Rain

7. Which of these is a superstition regarding the green room? If you spill your powder, you should dance on it Never be seen carrying your own makeup box Never use new greasepaint on opening night All of them

8. Nearly every color of costume and prop has some sort of superstition to go along with it. But which color costume is considered unlucky because it signifies the company is wasteful of money? Green Yellow Blue Red

9. Speaking of colors, which musical instrument must never be allowed in the orchestra? A yellow clarinet A blue (or black) brass instrument A red violin A green drum

10. It is considered lucky to have a certain type of animal(s) living in the theater. What? A cat Bats Mice A raven or other tame bird