Break a Leg - Transcendence Theatre Company (2024)

FAQs

Why do they say break a leg in show business? ›

If actors were not performing, they had to stay behind the “leg line,” which also meant they wouldn't get paid. If you were to tell the actor to “break a leg,” you were wishing them the opportunity to perform and get paid. The sentiment remains the same today; the term means “good luck, give a good performance.”

"Break a leg" is a typical English idiom used in the context of theatre or other performing arts to wish a performer "good luck". An ironic or non-literal saying of uncertain origin (a dead metaphor), "break a leg" is commonly said to actors and musicians before they go on stage to perform or before an audition.

Don't say the 'M' word!

Saying 'Macbeth' in a theatre will immediately bring you bad luck. According to folklore, the play's history of bad luck began at its very first performance (circa 1606) when the actor scheduled to portray Lady Macbeth died suddenly and Shakespeare was forced to replace him.

Why is it bad luck to say "good luck" to an actor? Some thespians believe there are theatre ghosts or fairies who like to cause mischief by making the opposite of what you want to have happen occur. Phrases like "break a leg" and "merde" are meant to confuse these theatrical pixies and defeat their obstinate ways.

1) Saying “Macbeth” in the theatre curses the production.

It's said that the actor playing Lady Macbeth tragically died on opening night in 1606 and Shakespeare himself had to step in. Dueling Macbeth productions in New York caused the great Astor Place Riot in 1849, leaving at least 25 dead and hundreds injured.

The first mention of “Break a leg” was recorded in print by Robert Wilson Lynd in 1921. An urbane literary essayist, he wrote an article, “A Defence of Superstition,” about the prevalence of superstition in the theatre and horse racing.

“You have an exam tomorrow? Break a leg!” This phrase has its origin in the world of theater. Performers had a superstition that saying “good luck” would actually bring them bad luck, so “break a leg” was used instead.

Break a leg is used in the theatrical world to mean “good luck.” Superstition says that you should never wish an actor good luck. Instead you say “break a leg.” I wouldn't use that expression in any other context.

Don't Say “Macbeth!” This has long been part of the actor's folklore, and there are dozens of theories about when, where, and why performers started avoiding the play's title—instead referring to the drama as “The Scottish Play.” Theatre folklore cites several instances of mysterious and sudden deaths during ...

Whistling backstage in a theatre is considered a jinx.

The stagehands would cue each other by whistling.

What are theatre superstitions? ›

Perhaps the best known theatrical superstition, saying “Break a leg” likely comes from a slight play on words. A stage's side curtains can be called “legs,” and “breaking,” or safely crossing, the curtains onto the stage is an attractive prospect for most nervous performers or technicians.

Thank you five. Thank you five is five minutes to places. Thank you five means like, all right, wrap it up, like put your costume on.

One of the most common is never to say “good luck” before a show, since everyone knows uttering the phrase is, in fact, very bad luck. Actors say “break a leg” instead. But since that phrase isn't exactly dance-friendly, you and your dance friends probably tell each other “merde” before taking the stage.

Break a leg is an expression that means “good luck.” It's commonly said to actors, dancers, and other performers before their act because of superstitious beliefs that saying “good luck” is unlucky. Examples: Break a leg in a sentence You're going to do great at your rehearsal.

'Break a leg' means 'good luck' (often said to actors before they go on stage). Examples: “Break a leg Sam, I'm sure your performance will be great.”

In the United States, "break a leg" is an expression used in the theatre, and perhaps in other situations involving stage performances. It is actually a kind wish--an enthusiastic hope for a great performance and lots of applause. "Thank you" is the appropriate response.

"Toi toi toi" (English: /ˈtɔɪ ˈtɔɪ ˈtɔɪ/) is an expression used in the performing arts to wish an artist success in an imminent performance.