Participation Anticipation?
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. Rest assured that you are in good company! Typically, at any one time, a Rocky Horror audience will consist of 25%-50% newcomers to the live experience.
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 – shouting out lines, dressing up in costume, and bringing their own props. The audience participation phenomenon grew when the film was re-released as a midnight movie.
So What Do You Need to Know?
The only thing you really need to bring your first time out is a sense of fun. 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. 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 at the box office that you can utilize throughout the production – and we’ll provide some instruction for how and when to use the props.
In terms of audience participation call outs – they are ever-changing and evolving. You will likely catch on to some of the tropes, and you’re welcome to participate. 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 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.
What Are Callbacks?
If you’re new to The Rocky Horror Show, welcome to one of the most interactive cult theatre experiences out there! “Callbacks” are lines shouted by the audience in response to the dialogue or action onstage—think of it as a running commentary full of jokes, puns, and playful sass. It’s all part of the fun and tradition! While some callbacks are widely known and regularly used, others can vary by region, audience, or even specific performances. So, don’t be surprised if you hear lines that aren’t in the script or see unexpected props—audience participation is half the magic! Here’s a good beginner’s guide to callbacks
FIRST NARRATION
NARRATOR I would like, ah, if I may,
YOU MAY NOT
…to take you
AT THE DOOR
BRAD: Hi! My name is Brad Majors
A**HOLE
and this is my fiancee, Janet Weiss
SL*T
SWEET TRANSVESTITE
FRANK: And he’s good for relieving my…
SEXUAL!
…tension!
FRANK: I see you shiver with antici–… … …
SAY IT!!!
Pation!
I CAN MAKE YOU A MAN
JANET: Oh, Brad!
How’s your sex life, Brad?
BRAD: It’s all right, Janet.
FRANK: (Singing) In just seven days…
AND NIGHTS!
JANET SEARCHING
JANET: Oh if only we hadn’t made this journey…
BUT YOU DID!
If only the car hadn’t broken down…
BUT IT DID!
If only we were amongst friends…
BUT YOU’RE NOT!
PROPS FOUND IN THE ROCKY HORROR PROP BAG (and how to use them)
Prop Bags are available for purchase!
*We ask that you do not bring your own props into the theater, and only use the ones PTC has approved for this production.