e bier and the shroud--
Oh, why should the spirit of mortal be proud?

Superstitions of the Theater.

Nearly Everything That Occurs in the Actor's World Has Some Promise
of Good or Threat of Evil for "the Show" or the Individual.

_Compiled and edited for_ THE SCRAP BOOK.

Besides believing in many of the prevailing superstitions the people of
the theater have a number which are distinctly their own. In fact, there
is hardly anything that occurs in the actor's world that has not some
superstitious meaning attached to it, and accidents of the most trivial
character are construed by him into good or evil omens.

To the actor, such simple things as the lodging of a drop-curtain or the
upsetting of his make-up box, are sure forerunners of bad luck, as
likewise is the breaking of a stick of black grease-paint in the
performer's hand. If he stubs his toe on making a stage entry, he
considers himself irretrievably "hoodooed" for the rest of the evening.

Yellow is an Unlucky Color.

There are certain shades of yellow that are supposed to exert an evil
influence when worn in a play. This superstition does not apply to the
general dressing of the chorus or stage, but only to an individual costume
or part of a garment, such as a tie, vest, or hat.

There is hardly an orchestra leader who would allow a musician to play a
yellow clarinet under his direction, believing that if such a thing were
to happen the entire orchestra would go wrong.

Nor are yellow costumes the only kind that are supposed to cast an evil
spell over their wearer. If, for example, an accident happens to an actor
while wearing a certain costume, or if he forget his lines three or four
times while he has it on, the misfortune is invariably blamed on the
costume.

Certain wigs are considered harbingers of good luck, and actors will often
wear one when the part doesn't really require it. Moss hair, which is used
by the actors to make beards, mustaches, etc., plays its part in
superstition. A certain amount must be used at each performance if the
actor would keep in the good graces of the fates.

To use another's liquid glue (a glue used to stick moss hair to the face)
is a very good way to invite misfortune. If an actor's shoes squeak while
he is making his first entrance, it is a sure sign that he will be well
received by the audience.

To kick off his shoes and have them alight on their soles and remain
standing upright means good l