My informant’s mother is heavily involved in local professional theater, and my informant spent a great deal of time from a young age in theater communities. She shared with me the concept of a “ghost light”.

Essentially, there is a superstition that a light must be on in the theater at all times, otherwise the darkness will attract ghosts. Therefore, there will usually be a solitary light fixture set up on the stage when all people are absent. This is known as the “ghost light” because its purpose is to scare away any ghosts that might be drawn to the theater.

I am curious as to how ghosts are more attracted to theaters than other establishments. I am also fascinated by the fact that there is so much folk superstition surrounding theaters (such as the infamous issue of “The Scottish Play”).