Ever wonder why actors say “Break a leg” instead of “Good luck?” Or why Macbeth is supposedly cursed? Or why you shouldn’t whistle backstage?

For the month of March, I’ll be looking at the stories behind common superstitions and symbols of luck.

I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Theater Superstitions.

Love this series? GET THE CD! The entire Luck & Superstitions series is available on CD -- the perfect gift for people who love trivia but aren't into podcasts (yet). http://kunaki.com/sales.asp?PID=PX00ZI65G5

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Media:

Music for Makers

Sources:

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2012/11/origin-of-the-phrase-break-a-leg/

http://www.theatrecrafts.com/pages/home/glossary-of-technical-theatre-terms/more-about-break-a-leg/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/macbeth/scottish_play_curse/

http://www.history.com/news/ask-history/why-do-actors-avoid-the-word-macbeth

https://www.santacruzshakespeare.org/the-macbeth-curse-myth-or-reality/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1988/01/28/macbeth-curse-of-the-stage/b80659e4-369d-4ef4-b772-edee79d75d5a/?utm_term=.f12b6f731d40

https://www.backstage.com/news/9-serious-theatrical-superstitions/

http://www.playbill.com/article/8-rules-every-theatre-person-must-follow-do-you-know-all-of-them-com-373336