Master's Thesis

Theatre is an art form with a rich history of myth and ritual. This study takes a look at that history, as well as the current state of this art with regard to this history. A survey and in-person interviews were conducted to determine current theatrical participants knowledge of and experience with specific myths and rituals of the theatre, as well as their personal feelings about these things. The performance itself took place on November 21, 2015, in the Jerry Williams Acting Studio at West Texas A&M University. This performance thesis examined four specific myths and rituals of the theatre: the magic circle, the phrase, “break a leg,” the play Macbeth, and the ghost light. Origins of each were explored as well as feelings of some of today’s performers and directors with regard to them.