Ghost light (theatre)

Ghost Light

The ghost light is a light or lamp left onstage in a theatre when the rest of the lights are dark. It is typically “a portable, naked bulb mounted in a wire cage on a light standard.”^[1] Most sources call for it to be placed downstage center while others claim center stage and still others, upstage. The practical use of a ghost light is mainly for safety. The presence of a light onstage at all times prevents people from falling into the orchestra pit, tripping on set pieces, or stepping on props and allows you to find the light board. There are a variety of explanations for the more superstitious reasons for a ghost light.

It is unclear where or when the term ghost light originated but it has been in use for some time. Some call it a “night light,” while others refer to it as an “equity light” or “equity lamp” following the claim that there is a clause in the Actors' Equity Association contract mandating a light be left on at all times. ^[2] While this may have been true at some time, there is no such current rule in the AEA nor is there record of a previous rule.

The superstitious have many and often contradicting justifications for the ghost light in relation to the supernatural. A popular theatrical superstition holds that every theatre has a ghost. Many theatres have traditions to appease ghosts that reach far back into their history. The Palace Theatre, London keeps two seats in their balcony permanently bolted open to provide seating for the theatre ghosts. ^[3] The ghosts of the theatre are not necessarily malevolent spirits. It is considered good luck for a production if the famous Man in Grey makes an appearance during rehearsal at the Drury Lane theatre. ^[4].

• Some hold that this tradition goes back to before the invention of electricity when theaters were lit with coal gas lamps. Each theater having their own coal gas generator. By leaving a light on, or in this case, a flame burning it would prevent the build up of pressure in the lines which could cause an explosion. Several hundred theaters burned down from 1800 til the invention of the electric bulb. It would stand to reason people would think 'ghost' were unhappy with no light burning.

Contradicting Superstitions:

• The purpose of the light is to keep ghosts away.
• The light gives ghosts the opportunity to perform onstage to appease and prevent them from cursing the theatre or sabotaging the set or production. Many theatre ghosts are thought to be former actors. This need is also used to explain the traditional one day a week that theatres are closed. ^[5]
• By always leaving a light on you avoid the bad luck or sadness of a theatre being left “dark” with no shows running due to lack of money, unsuccessful productions, or otherwise.
• Not technically a superstition, but some tell the story that a burglar broke into a theatre and fell into the orchestra pit and sued the theatre for injuries. Thus the light is a protection against liability. There is no strict evidence to support this story.

Not to be confused with:

• Ghost Load or Phantom Load: an element of stage lighting connected with resistance dimmers. ^[6]
• Ghost Glide: a 19th Century trap mechanism used to slowly lift actors onstage. ^[7]
• Ghost: the company treasurer for a theatre, pay day is known as “ghost-walking day”. Also in theatre lighting, a secondary illumination from a maladjusted spotlight. ^[8]
• Ghost Lights: floating balls of light seen over swamps or marshes, also known as a Will-o-the-wisp

References