The Green Room

The Wisconsin Union Theater’s Shannon Hall is steeped in history and mystery, with stories of ghostly encounters adding a spooky element to its legacy. One of the most well-known traditions in theater is the use of a "ghost light," a single bulb left burning on stage when a theater is unoccupied. According to lore, the light serves two purposes: practically, to make it easy for theater workers to navigate the space, but also to ward off mischievous spirits. At the Wisconsin Union Theater, the tradition of a ghost light takes on added significance due to Shannon Hall’s haunted reputation.

Over the years, there have been multiple reports of eerie occurrences in Shannon Hall, including some stories from former Theater Director Ralph Russo. There are thought to be two potential ghosts in the space, both of whom died in connection to the theater. The first death took place in 1939 during the construction of the theater, when a construction worker fell from the unfinished building. The second took place on stage in 1950 when a timpanist in the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra collapsed from a heart attack during the performance.

Union Theater at night | Date ca. 1939

The ghostly energy at the Union Theater has persisted over the years, as has the shining of the ghost light. Whether the light is there to prevent accidents in a darkened theater or to keep the spirits at bay, it certainly adds to the theater's allure during the Halloween season.The haunted reputation of the Wisconsin Union Theater continues to captivate visitors and performers alike.Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the tradition of the ghost light and the whispered tales of hauntings ensure that this theater holds a special place in both university history and local folklore.

Manual Cinema's "Frankenstein"

And if you want to experience a taste of the supernatural in Shannon Hall, join us on October 17, 2024, for Manual Cinema’s production of the creepy classic, Frankenstein.