For as long as theatre has been around, there have been superstitions within it. Let’s take a step into the world behind the curtain and see just how magical the theater experience can truly be. Have you ever heard someone say “Break a Leg” or “Flower Before the Show?” It might be safe to say they aren’t going to a football game. Superstitions are a humorous concept for all stage actors.
“In terms of superstitions, a lot of people believe that if you say ‘break a leg’ then that is actually bad luck, or if you say ‘Macbeth’ that will cause bad luck,” said drama teacher Steve Mandelko. “I use superstitions as a joke. I will say ‘break a leg,’ in spite of them (my students).”
Sophomore Caitlyn Adkins has been a part of AL’s drama department for the past two years and was recently in the play “Empowered: How One Girl Scout Nearly Destroyed the World’s Economy.” She loves the theatre atmosphere and the energy that helps create a good show.
“I love saying ‘break a leg’ and joking around because it makes the theatre environment fun,” said Adkins. “Mr. Mandelko is a fun person to be around. He has us actors do a ‘pre-show ritual’ to get hyped and release nerves before we go on stage.”
Junior Kameron White has participated in drama since his freshman year and was also a part of AL’s recent play. He enjoys the “bad dress rehearsals,” seeing it as a sign that it will be a good show and also has an interesting before-show tradition.
“As far as pre-show rituals go, really the only thing I do every time before a show is go to KFC,” said White. “Every show without fail.”
