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What to say before a play
“Break a leg tonight!” is concise and widely recognized in English-language theatre. The Royal Shakespeare Company describes saying it instead of “good luck” as part of stage superstition: theatrical superstitions.
If you would rather avoid the superstition, a straightforward message works just as well:
- “I’m excited to see you perform. Have a wonderful show.”
- “I’ll be cheering you on.”
These are simple suggestions, not prescribed lines. The actor does not need to use a particular phrase or give a particular reply.
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Why people say “break a leg”
The expression is an idiomatic good-wish, but its origin is uncertain. The USC Digital Folklore Archives records informants’ explanations and theories; those accounts document folklore rather than establish a definitive origin. The Royal Shakespeare Company also notes that the beginnings of some theatrical superstitions may have been lost over time.
Do theatre traditions vary?
Yes. The phrase is familiar in English-language theatre, but customs differ by community and individual. Comédie-Française describes “merde!” as a French theatre wish in place of “good luck,” with the customary response “Je prends!” (“I’ll take it!”): Comédie-Française’s explanation. This describes that institution’s tradition, not a rule for every French speaker or performance.
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The Australian Ballet also notes that performance wishes vary, even though “break a leg” is widely recognized: The Australian Ballet on performance wishes. These customs are traditions, not requirements that bind every actor.
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How to choose your wording
- You know the actor’s preference: use the phrase they are comfortable with.
- You do not know their preference: choose “Break a leg!” or offer sincere, plain encouragement.
- They are preparing to go on: keep it short and avoid distracting them.
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