Why do people go see the RHPS?

Richard O'Brien probably said it best: "It's a guaranteed party." Rocky Horror is a place to go where you'll be accepted, whoever you are. The music is wonderful, the costumes are flashy and fun, and the film can be a wonderful vacation from reality.If you remember the '70s, it's a nostalgia trip. For those of us who don't, it's still a nice place to  visit.   In short, it's just a lot of fun.

 

What should I take to a showing of RHPS?

Yourself. Plenty of friends (optional). Your ID (just in case, the theater has a bar that closes at 1 AM.)

A sense of humour and an expectation of fun (required).

 

Here is a semi-complete listing acceptable items.

    Water Guns (Please NO super soakers)     Noise Makers

    Rubber Gloves                                                Bells (or keys)   

    Playing Cards                                                  Glowsticks

    Flashlight (NOTE: Used during "There's a light" don't be rude and mess up the movie for others)

There are others, but this should get you started. It's up to you to figure out when to use these. There's a general rule most people seem to follow: DO NOT throw it at the screen or backward towards the lights and projector. (Members of the cast will probably appreciate it if you don't throw items at them, either.)

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What should I not take to a showing of RHPS?

Leave any weapons at home (knives, guns, nuclear missiles...).  No outside alcohol.No   drugs, either...if you're going to indulge, do it before or after so the cast isn't put in a legal bind. 

Please leave rice, toast, and hot-dogs home. If we can't find them after the movie is over, it can start to stink up the place, and besides, that's how you get ants!

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What should I wear to a showing of RHPS?

As little as possible (keep it legal, please). Well, lots of black is usually good. As is lingerie, fishnets and too much makeup 

Basically, the weirder the better. Extra bonus points are awarded for dressing as a character in the film.

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What should I expect at a showing of RHPS?

Expect the unexpected. Okay, that was a predictable answer. Sorry. Expect possibly to get your clothes wet, get hit on, see nudity (or something close) and to be somewhat offended! Don't be upset if not all of this happens, though - we make no guarantees.

For the most part, expect that you'll have a good time. Sure, there's raunchiness, lame jokes, and bad singing and dancing, but that's part of the fun. While you might not like the person breathing heavily on you, for the most part, Rocky-goers respect each other, and won't overstep any limits you set, particularly as our culture has gotten more and more sue-happy.

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Oh, you wanted specifics?

We have some sort of welcome/introduction to the film. There will be cast members running around in front of the movie, hopefully in costume. Presumably doing stuff sort of similar to what's going on on-screen with some sight gags thrown in.  People will be shouting and throwing clever/stupid/rude things. If you can't hear the dialogue over the audience, that's normal.  Complaining about it is considered a sign of cluelessness and/or old age.

Go ahead, get up and Time Warp. You know you want to.

 

What's with this Audience Participation thing?

It's a main part of RHPS. The audience "calls-back" lines to the screen. These are often called "call-backs" or "lines." Our cast calls them " AP Lines" Also, in various parts of the movie, the audience members throw things all over the place and make a big mess. Lots o' fun. For more on this, see the What should I take? subsection.

 

What is a "Virgin"?

VIRGIN - In the common world, this usually refers to a person who has not engaged in sexual relations. In the ROCKY HORROR world, this word refers to the many unfortunate people who have never experienced THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (RHPS) in a theater with an audience and a live cast. Seeing it on home video (Blu-ray, DVD, VHS, Netflix Instant, etc.) or on TV doesn't count!

Should I worry that I'll be embarrassed if I'm a virgin?   Probably.

We have something called a "Virgin Oath."  It's just in good fun and we aren't out to really hurt anyone. We want you to return again and again - we're not going to piss you off so that you never go back.

 

Can I bring my little kids to the movie? It's all G-rated fun, right?

That depends.

Some fans have kids and start dragging them to the show before they're old enough to walk. This leads to adorable photo opportunities and the possibility of large therapy bills in later life.

If you don't mind having your kid in a movie theater at midnight surrounded by half-dressed people shouting obscenities and pretending to be sex-crazed aliens, go for it!

But keep in mind that while Rocky Horror might not be rated "R" if it were released today, most Rocky Horror audiences definitely would be. Susan Sarandon herself said when she went to a showing in 1998 that it was like an audience "full of [people with] Tourette's Syndrome." And who are we to disagree.

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