What to Say to an Actor Before a Performance

Before stepping onto the stage, an actor is often in need of a little confidence boost and a positive mindset. There are a number of phrases and sayings that can be used to help set the right mood and tone. However, it's important to know the background and cultural significance behind these expressions.

Superstitions in Theater

The theater world is steeped in superstitions. These traditions may be traced back to the ancient Greek origins of theater, where performances were poetic contests for religious festivals. Back then, acoustics were crucial, and actors were concerned about their voices being carried away by the wind. This led to a rule against whistling backstage, as it was believed that wind spirits could interfere with the performance.

Many of these superstitions continue in the modern theater. For example, actors are not to mention the title of the play Macbeth or its central characters, the Three Witches and Lady Macbeth, by name, unless they are actually performing the play. Whistling backstage is also considered extremely bad luck because it is thought to mimic the sounds that might attract unwanted attention from wind spirits.

Sticking to Tradition: Breaking a Leg

A key phrase in this tradition is "break a leg." This is the correct thing to say to a performer before a show. The origin of this phrase is often attributed to a practice in the past where theater workers would whistle to signal scene changes. However, as we will explore, this is not the complete story.

A Brief Story: A Superstition Originated in Green Village

One intriguing story involves a young actress in the early 1950s. She was living with an aunt in Greenwich Village, sharing living space and daily chores. During a gathering, one of the attendees had to leave early for an important audition, and the others chanted, "Break a leg!" The elderly aunt was perplexed. However, she quickly understood that this was a good-luck phrase and found it quite clever. This anecdote illustrates the importance of understanding the cultural context behind these traditions.

The Correct Language: Wet Your Pants

Another superstition involves saying "wet your pants" to a performer. Interestingly, this phrase is said just before the performance begins. This might seem inauspicious, but it's meant to encourage success by ensuring the actor is nervous and ready to shine. This brings us to a common joke among theater professionals.

Hierarchy of Good Luck Sayings

While "break a leg" is widely recognized and considered the most appropriate phrase to use, there are other alternatives that can be used to maintain the positive vibe. If you are not familiar with "break a leg," it's more appropriate to say "good luck," but to avoid potentially offending the performers due to the divine displeasure believed to occur, it is wise to opt for something that is synonymous with good fortune yet less likely to be misconstrued.

Here are a few alternatives that you can use:

“Get a huge ovation!” “Triumph on stage!” “Score with the audience!”

Why Green Rooms Are Green

Moreover, it is worth noting that the concept of the "green room" is not as straightforward as one might think. Traditionally, the green room was not green because the color was associated with illness and bad luck. Therefore, most modern green rooms have reverted to a more neutral shade. Additionally, avoiding green lights on stage is due to the same superstition, as green lights are often associated with illness in the medical context and therefore considered inauspicious in a theatrical setting.

Conclusion

When dealing with actors before a performance, it's essential to adhere to these superstitions and understand the historical context. Whether you choose to say "break a leg," "get a huge ovation," or any of the other alternatives mentioned, the goal is to send a message of support and encouragement while respecting the traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Remember, in the world of theater, a well-wish can be as powerful as any costume or prop. By using the right words, you can help an actor step confidently onto the stage, ready to bring the audience to their feet.