So you want information on Rocky Horror, or specifically about us? Fantastic! Here are some answers to your burning questions. Yes, it’s a Frequently Asked Questions list (FAQ!).
GENERAL INFORMATION
What is Rocky Horror?
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a 1975 British-American cult musical comedy horror film, based on the hit musical play The Rocky Horror Show by Richard O’Brien. The movie is a satirical tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the late 1930s through 1950s. The film stars Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick along with performers from the original London cast.
Who is Completely Crazy?
We are the shadowcast for the only weekly showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in greater Chicagoland. We’re at Hollywood Blvd (1001 West 75th Street, Woodridge, IL 60517, right off the 355) since 2011. Show’s at midnight on Saturdays, hanging out starts in the lobby around 10:45!
What is a “shadowcast”?
A shadowcast is a group of live actors performing in front of the movie playing on the screen. This creates a unique interactive experience which encourages audience participation, such as shouting out funny comments in response to lines from the movie, as well as the use of props at key points during the film.
YOUR FIRST TIME
Is Rocky Horror right for me?
Going to Rocky Horror is something everyone should experience at least once. It’s an American cultural institution! Rocky Horror is a place where you’ll be accepted, whoever you are, and the movie can be a wonderful escape from reality for a few hours. If you’re the sort of person that can laugh at yourself, make fun of others, and generally have a good and sometimes offbeat or offensive sense of humor, you’ll fit right in.
It is also a safe environment – drugs, alcohol, nudity, and sex are not allowed at the show. However, during the evening you may see a burlesque style strip by our Trixie, people dancing around in their underwear and lingerie, and lots and lots of simulated sex, the occasional dildo, and sexual innuendo!
Note: This can be an offensive show. The movie is still rated “R”, even after all these years. The audience is certainly rated R. That’s part of why we love ’em.
Is there an age limit? Can I bring my kids?
Rocky Horror was groundbreaking and scandalous when it was first released in the 70’s, but it is pretty tame by today’s standards. However, it is still rated “R” and you must be 17 or older to purchase tickets. The show itself and the audience participation are filled with inappropriate jokes, sexual humor, and enough profanity to make a sailor blush. We can’t control, nor do we try to censor, our audience. Children must be accompanied by an adult and we leave it up to you to decide what is appropriate for them.
Can I buy tickets in advance? Will the show sell out?
Advance tickets are (usually) available beginning on Tuesday of every week, at Hollywood Blvd’s Website. Hollywood’s Red Chinese Auditorium can hold over 200 people, so we do not regularly sell out except for in October. If you’re coming for Halloween weekend: yes, we will sell out and advance tickets are strongly recommended.
What time should I arrive at the theater to ensure seating?
The lobby opens at 10:45pm for early arrivals. You and your friends should arrive early, and grab a drink (or some food) from the wonderful staff. The auditorium begins seating at 11:45pm, and the show starts promptly at midnight! Make sure you’ve got your butt in the seat by then – you don’t want to miss even a moment!
Ok, I want to go! What do I bring?
Bring your wallet and some singles! Tickets are $8.00. Due to theater restrictions, we cannot allow outside props into the theater, but we do sell Survival Kits to insure that you still have the ability to throw toilet paper, toast, and more! The kits sell for $3.00 each, or you can buy two (2) for $5.00, and we can’t take credit cards. In the theater, there’s a one-item minimum purchase, so you’ll want to buy a soda, dinner, or maybe a tasty alcoholic drink.
What should I wear?
There is no dress code at our show, although nudity is not allowed. Feel free to wear absolutely whatever you feel comfortable in – no costume is out of place at Rocky Horror. We encourage our audience to dress up for any and every show! We do have special theme nights where we do themed contests for audience members, but every show is a good time to dress up. Some people love to dress up as their favorite Rocky Horror character, and others will just wear whatever outrageous outfit they can put together. You can wear your normal clothes; a suit and tie; a Halloween costume; or a corset and underwear – whatever you choose, you’ll fit right in.
I heard you do weird things to new people?
We call them virgins! Don’t be afraid – we just want to welcome you to our little family! You’re a virgin if you’ve never seen a live performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in a theater. Watching it at home does not count! Just identify yourself to a cast member before the show starts and we’ll be nice and gentle.
We always take a few moments during the pre-show festivities to initiate all the virgins in the audience. We hand select a few virgins who aren’t afraid to play and have a good sense of humor. Sacrifices change from week to week; however, we don’t do anything too intimidating or terrifying. We are VERY tame compared to other casts in the country. Welcoming the virgins is all about having fun, so play along with us! (Bring your friends next week, and we’ll do the same to them.) If you are selected but you don’t want to participate, just let us know! It’s OK; we will never force anyone to do anything they don’t want to do.
I’m bringing a virgin friend/birthday girl or boy; can you do something to them?
Sure! Make sure your friend has a lipstick “V” on their cheek and point them out to cast members during the virgin sacrifice. For the birthday person, make sure you talk to a cast member about having us sing the Rocky Horror Birthday song to your friend during the pre-show or dinner scene!
DURING THE SHOW
Do the show have a security team?
Yes, the cast provides our own security team to keep everyone safe during the show. Outside food, weapons, drugs, etc. are not allowed.
All purses, bags, jackets, and pockets may be searched before entering the theater. If you’re packing something that you do not want found, please leave it in your car.
Can I take pictures during the show?
Please do! However, unless you are the cast’s photographer or have prior permission from the cast, do not take pictures in the aisles or go up on stage during the pre-show or performances.
What shouldn’t I bring to the show?
There are a few items that we can’t allow into the theater due to various reasons. No open flames, alcohol, outside food or beverages, confetti, drugs, glitter, or water guns of any size. Security members and the theater staff reserves the right to confiscate items and may return them to you at the end of the show. Failure to follow the cast and theater’s rules will result in ejection from the show without a refund.
MISCELLANEOUS
How can I join the cast?
We perform The Rocky Horror Picture Show every Saturday because we love it. Do you love it, too? Would you like to join us? We are always looking for new performers! We may also be looking for people to join our Security and Props/Lighting Crew.
Simply ask for a cast application at the end of the show – it really is that easy! We’re always happy to grow our Rocky Horror Family!