The theater is dark as students shuffle in for assembly. Overhead the house lights hang, casting a low light on the student body.
Suddenly, they begin to flicker violently. The ghost of Spaulding Auditorium has arrived.
She is known as “Dangling Deb.” She lives in the theater’s tech booth, where she is rumored to have hung herself during the closing night of a show when she didn’t get into the college of her choice in the 80s.
“During the closing matinee of “The Liar,” both Maya and I heard footsteps run across the platform at the front of the theatre and when we went out to check, no one was there. She also flickers the lights constantly,” said sophomore Margaret Lazarovits stage manager for the fall production.
“Dangling Deb’s” terrible fate is used as a cautionary tale to students in theatre productions.
Her “curse” is cast upon anyone who forgets their lines on stage, and is said to jinx them from getting into the college of their choice.
Whether or not Deb is just a cautionary tale, she’s been sure to cast fear into those who participate in student productions.
“I did get a little spooked once after I heard the story the first time and was scared to cross backstage,” said “Liar” cast member freshman Mia Chavez.
In an effort to add protection to the cast and to prevent Deb’s curse, the tradition for each show is to offer Deb a sacrifice of orange soda to ensure the show goes on without a hitch.
Senior Cameron Platt dedicated her performance to Deb.
“Deb is both terrifying and strangely endearing. She used to petrify me, but I’ve come to love her quite dearly over the course of my high school career. She’s a part of this theatre. We have to honor her.”