Stage hooks

Stage hooks, or the theatrical phrase "getting the hook," referred to the practice of performers whose acts prove unpopular with the audience being yanked off stage by a long-poled hook or shepherd's crook so the next act can go on. The origin of the practice was Miner's Bowery Theatre in New York City, with 1903 as the date of the first documented use. The theater began as what was termed a variety house, later transitioning to vaudeville. The hook's use actually related to the biweekly amateur nights rather than any vaudeville show. The original purpose of the hook was practical, to untangle ropes and assist in stage rigging, but when a bad act overstayed its welcome, a stage manager hooked the offender off.^[1]

The practice would become a pop culture cliche, whether in an amateur show or of professionals, and pop up frequently in Looney Tunes or recreations of old-time stage variety shows. Since The Muppet Show largely serves as the latter, and given the nature of its performers, the practice was common there and in other Muppet contexts.