Buzz
From the famous saying 'Break a Leg' to the strict taboo of mentioning a particular play featuring witches and a Scottish king, theater professionals are known for their superstitions. So, it’s no surprise that many live performance theaters are home to resident ghosts.
While haunted hotels and eerie graveyards often take center stage in ghost hunting, it’s time for the spirits of actors and stagehands to take the spotlight in this list of ten theaters around the world rumored to be haunted.
10. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon
Founded in 1935, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival isn’t limited to a single stage; it comprises three distinct performance spaces used from February to October, showcasing around eleven plays annually. Though its name honors the Bard, the festival has featured productions beyond Shakespeare’s works since 1960. But one particular Elizabethan actor, Charles Laughton, seems eager to perform his portrayal of King Lear... even after his untimely death in 1963.
Born in Scarborough, England, in 1899, Charles Laughton embarked on his acting career at the age of twenty-seven, making his stage debut in London’s West End. Over the next three decades, he would perform in Broadway productions and star in films. However, it wasn’t until 1961 that he would finally achieve his lifelong ambition of playing King Lear in the Shakespearean play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. He would also star as the comedic character Falstaff in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Sadly, in 1963, his dream was cut short when he passed away from pancreatic cancer before he could take the stage.
However, the play, The Merry Wives of Windsor, continued as planned, but many actors reported hearing the unmistakable deep laughter of an unseen Falstaff. Some claimed to have seen a mysterious man in the character's costume backstage, with many insisting that this ghostly figure bore an uncanny resemblance to Charles Laughton himself!
The eerie occurrences didn’t stop there. During performances of King Lear, actors reported hearing a disembodied voice filled with anguish, and several also claimed to see Laughton’s spirit appear in the audience during Lear’s death scene (spoilers). To this day, people continue to claim that Laughton’s ghost can be seen wandering the theater, mourning the role he never had the chance to play. His presence is said to be particularly strong and loud during productions of King Lear.
9. The Variety Theater in Cleveland, Ohio
Some theaters boast a legacy of over a century of performances, but sadly, not all stand the test of time. The Variety Theater in Cleveland, Ohio, is a prime example of this, having opened in 1927 and hosting a variety of Vaudeville-style shows, much like Ziegfeld’s Follies. Unfortunately, it eventually fell into disrepair.
Over the years, this stunning theater transitioned from showing films to hosting concerts. However, one particular event in 1984 would prove disastrous for the venue. The legendary metal band Möterhead performed there, and during their set, they broke the world record for the loudest concert at 130 decibels. While this was an impressive feat, it came at a heavy price. Plaster rained down from the ceiling, and the noise complaints and safety concerns from the surrounding area piled up. By 1986, the theater closed its doors for good, and left untouched, it became a haven for urban explorers.
Despite its abandonment, the theater remained far from quiet. Chuck Gove, a Ghost Tour leader, claims that the venue is haunted by 19 different spirits. Though the theater is no longer open to the public, Gove reports seeing lights flicker on and off and hearing eerie voices, almost as though the tech crew is still working behind the scenes. Additionally, some claim to see a shadowy figure with piercing red eyes staring down from the upper balcony.
8. The Kalamazoo Civic Theater in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Opened in 1929, the Kalamazoo Civic Theater is one of the most prominent venues in the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan. For over ninety years, the theater company has entertained audiences with a variety of plays and musicals. However, one particular audience member may be tied to the theater for eternity.
Her name is Thelma, and according to legend, she tragically fell to her death from the upper balcony of the main theater. Although this story is likely a fabrication created by theater camp students, many still claim that the venue has a poltergeist-like presence. The mysterious happenings at the Civic have led people to believe that something truly paranormal is afoot.
While most of the activity in the theater involves eerie sounds of piano music or singing filling an otherwise empty space, or odd props mysteriously appearing in unlikely locations, there are moments when Thelma's appearances take on a more dramatic flair. During the 1990s production of Singin’ in the Rain, actress Janet Gover recalls a strange force attempting to lift her hat, which was securely pinned to her hair, during a live performance. She also claimed to have seen the image of a woman in a black coat standing onstage on a monitor, even though no one was supposed to be in the space at the time.
Another story involves the prop master working backstage during the off-season. She saw an elderly woman in a black coat and a large poofy black hat, even though the backstage area was supposed to be empty. The prop master approached the woman, asking, 'Oh, this is the backstage, are you lost?' The elderly woman responded, 'Oh no, I know exactly where I am,' and vanished before the prop master’s eyes.
7. The Palace Grand Theater in Dawson City, Canada
The first international theater on our list may not be far from the U.S., but it is definitely closer to Alaska than the Continental United States. Dawson City, located in the Yukon of western Canada, was a town that rapidly developed during the Yukon Gold Rush. The Palace Grand Theater, built in 1899, was a result of the European settlement in the area. However, by the time it opened, the Gold Rush fever had subsided, and the theater’s popularity was based on its reputation, often showcasing Follies-style shows, affectionately known as 'The Good Time Girls.'
One of the ghosts said to haunt the Palace Grand Theater is none other than its founder, Arizona Charlie Meadows. Arizona Charlie, a showman of the same stature as Buffalo Bill, passed away in the state he was named after, but it’s believed that his spirit still lingers in the Yukon.
In addition to the typical ghostly happenings—lights flickering on and off, the sound of heavy footsteps echoing in the dark, and sudden cold spots—many report the distinct scent of roses lingering in Charlie Meadows' box. One night, Emily Farrel, a stage manager, was watching a concert from the upper balcony when a performer asked her who the man standing next to her was. The man was dressed in an old-fashioned jacket and hat. Farrel insisted there was no one beside her, and she never saw anyone else in the balcony throughout the entire show.
Another spirit believed to haunt the theater is Klondike Kate, one of Dawson City’s most famous 'Good Time Girls.' Kate, dressed as a man, crossed into Canada during the Gold Rush in search of fortune. She married three times and became a beloved figure in the town before passing away in 1956. Her former dressing room is said to carry the scent of roses, and her red-headed ghost is often seen wandering backstage, perhaps even more frequently than Arizona Charlie’s specter.
6. Le Petit Theatre in New Orleans, Louisiana
In stark contrast to the cold northern landscape of the Yukon, Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré is located in the warm, vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Although the theater company was founded in 1916, the current building has been in use since 1922, producing performances ever since.
New Orleans is no stranger to ghost stories, and Le Petit is no exception. Over the years, many deaths have occurred on the property, including one actress who tragically fell from a high catwalk, and a bride-to-be who jumped to her death from an outdoor balcony before her wedding. The spirits of both have been reportedly seen, particularly the sorrowful bride, whose apparition is said to appear in the reflections of the nearby fountains.
The property is also home to other restless spirits, including a grumpy, old theater manager who allegedly took his own life with a gunshot. This vengeful ghost is known for slamming doors and making props mysteriously vanish. Additionally, a spectral figure named Caroline is said to return the stolen props when an actor asks for her blessing.
However, the most peculiar ghost on the property is an unnamed nun, who once struck a crew member across the face, leaving a visible mark. What makes this haunting so strange is the fact that the area has no known history involving any nunneries.
5. The Huguan Huiguan Opera House in Beijing, China
Located in Beijing, China, the Huguan Huiguan Opera House, also known as the Huguang Guild Hall, was built in 1807. This historic venue is recognized as one of the 'Four Great Theaters of Beijing,' although it was later used as temporary housing for the poor victims of World War II. It is, according to some reports, a very haunted location.
According to legend, the philanthropist responsible for renovating the Huguang Guild Hall failed to realize that the building’s new renovations were being done on top of an ancient cemetery. As a result, many visitors claim to hear the sounds of wailing and screaming coming from the theater’s courtyard, even when no one is present.
One version of the legend claims that if someone throws stones from within the courtyard, a disembodied voice will immediately scold the offender. However, no ghostly apparition will materialize to follow through with its threats. Another legend speaks of a janitor hired at the venue, so afflicted with leprosy that it caused the spirits to communicate only through voices, too fearful to manifest physically.
Despite the eerie tales surrounding it, the Huguan Huiguan Opera House remains in use today, hosting Chinese opera performances while also serving as a museum dedicated to the art form.
4. The St. James Theatre in Wellington, New Zealand
Located in Wellington, New Zealand, the St. James Theatre was completed in 1912 and designed by architect Henry Eli White. It replaced an earlier, smaller venue that hosted pantomimes and variety performances. The new theater, with a capacity of 650 guests, became a hub for full plays and silent films.
With a long and storied history, including periods of decline and restoration, it’s no surprise that the St. James Theatre is often considered a prime location for hauntings.
The most prominent ghost said to haunt this theater is Yuri, a Russian performer who allegedly met a tragic end after falling from the flies. Whether this incident is true is uncertain, as no specific date is given for the event. Some stories suggest that Yuri was pushed by a jealous actor named Pasha. Regardless of the truth, it’s said that after hours, all the lights will flicker on while maintenance workers are finishing up. One employee even claimed to be shoved by an unseen force while holding his son, narrowly avoiding a steel beam that nearly fell on his head.
In addition to Yuri, other strange occurrences have been reported, including the eerie wailing of a woman (with director Peter Jackson being one of the witnesses), sightings of an American actor named Stan Andrews, and some even claim to have heard the voices of an entire boy’s choir.
3. The Belasco Theater in New York, New York
This next entry comes from the heart of Broadway. David Belasco, a director, producer, and playwright, is perhaps the most determined ghost to remain forever connected to the place he loved most: the theater.
Originally called the Stuyvesant Theater, the Belasco Theater was constructed in 1906, and has remained a staple on Broadway. David Belasco, affectionately known as 'The Bishop of Broadway,' continued working at his theater and others until his death in 1931.
Driven perhaps by his unwavering love for the theater, the ghost of David Belasco is often seen in vivid detail, without the usual fading or transparency. He’s particularly easy to recognize, as the Bishop of Broadway is said to have often worn a priest’s habit, a fashion choice that his spirit still carries on. Actors have reported seeing him in the balcony, watching performances. On rare occasions, a man dressed in priestly attire would appear backstage, offering a handshake to actors and congratulating them on their performances.
Other strange occurrences in the theater include a mysterious cigar scent lingering in the air, accompanied by disembodied laughter, and sometimes even the sound of a lively party coming from Belasco’s old, locked penthouse suite. Yet, Belasco isn’t the only spirit in his namesake theater. The 'Blue Lady' is said to materialize in a cold mist, moving through backstage areas or the wings. However, the most frequently encountered ghost remains David Belasco, with sightings continuing into the 2010s.
2. The New Amsterdam Theater in New York, New York
A list of haunted theaters would be incomplete without a mention of a Broadway theater. The New Amsterdam Theater, a staple of Broadway history, began its legacy in 1902. The theater hosted many Shakespearean productions and early musical comedies, but its haunting may be linked to its most famous show: Ziegfeld’s Follies.
Ziegfeld’s Follies were a series of extravagant shows featuring chorus girls in elaborate costumes performing musical numbers. Running from 1913 to 1927, the Follies were among the most popular productions of the era. This is where the tragic story of Olive Thomas comes in. A star of the Follies, Thomas overdosed on mercury bichloride in 1920, and some believe her spirit has haunted the New Amsterdam ever since.
Olive Thomas didn't take long to begin her haunting, with some performers spotting her as early as the 1920s. Even people who had known her personally would encounter her spirit, leaving them understandably baffled and confused.
Thomas is typically seen as a brunette woman in a white dress, with a matching white sash, carrying a bottle of pills. She is often observed wandering across the stage, sometimes speaking to no one in particular, and vanishing into walls or ascending a staircase that isn’t there. She is also frequently seen in the hidden trapdoor beneath the stage. On occasion, Thomas is said to appear in a green, beaded dress in the dressing rooms, occasionally even flirting with actors.
1. The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London, England
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London's answer to Broadway, is one of the most famous West End theaters. Although the current building was constructed in 1812, it is the fourth iteration of the Theatre Royal, with the first having a history dating back to 1663.
The hauntings of Drury Lane include Victorian-era ghosts and other historical figures. The most prominent of these spirits is the famous clown, Joseph Grimaldi. Another well-known apparition is that of 'The Man in Grey,' who is dressed in 18th-century attire, complete with a tricorne hat and powdered wig. It is rumored that this figure may have had his remains exhumed in the 1800s when a hidden wall was uncovered by architects.
These spirits frequently appear in full form to actors backstage. It is said that Grimaldi's ghost sometimes tugs at the hair or gives a gentle kick to actors from the other side, though he is generally described as a friendly presence.
The spirit of Dan Leno, a pantomime clown known for dressing as a woman in his performances, is also said to appear in costume, often leaving a trace of lavender scent behind.
