The Rocky Horror Show

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ROCKY HORROR FIRST Timer – 

You’re probably reading this because you are considering attending a performance of Rocky Horror at PTC and you’ve never been to see THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW live and are maybe a little unsure or nervous about what to expect.  People who have never experienced the production in a theater are sometimes referred to as “Rocky Horror Virgins” but rest assured that you are in good company!  Typically, at any one time, a Rocky Horror audience will consist of 25%-50% of people who are newcomers to the live experience.  

First off – despite the title, Rocky Horror is NOT a horror film. It is a rock-musical send-up of old science-fiction and horror films.   The Rocky Horror experience has evolved over the years.  Debuting as a stage show in 1973, it was then filmed in 1975, quickly becoming a cult classic. Audiences embraced the B-Movie style of the production, and soon began to interact with it.  People yell back lines during the extended pauses between dialogue, dress up in costume and act out the story, and throw props at various times during the production. The audience participation phenomenon was observed as early as the film’s first run in 1975 (when it bombed during limited engagements in 7 of 8 cities), and was later re-released as a midnight movie where the audience participation really began to flourish. 

SO WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?

The only thing you really need to bring your first time out in order to have fun is a sense of humor and a spirit of openness.  You can dress in whatever makes YOU feel comfortable, but also does not violate any local standards.  There will be a wide range, from people in everyday street clothes to people in full Rocky Horror costume.  

In terms of props and audience participation lines, no one expects you to know much of anything your first time out. While audience participation is some added fun, it is not mandatory that everyone participate. First timers are not expected to know a thing, and you’re encouraged to sit back, take it all in, and participate when you feel comfortable.  

PTC will have prop bags for sale that you can utilize throughout the production – and we’ll provide some instruction (printed and video) for how and when to use the props.  

In terms of audience participation shout outs – they are ever-changing and evolving.  You will likely catch on to some of the tropes, and are welcome to join in, or sit back and just enjoy the fun.  But know that THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW is built around this kind of participation, so from a theater etiquette perspective, some of your fellow audience members will definitely be talking back to the production and that is OK and even encouraged, so long as it is done respectfully and in the spirit of fun.  We will have ushers on hand to keep everything within bounds and safe for both performers and audience members.