On Sept. 19, I attended a performance of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Kent Stage and lost my “Rocky Horror virginity” — meaning, this was my first time seeing the extravaganza. 

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is originally a horror musical movie released in 1975. It’s known for being sensual, campy and weird in all the best ways.

It has become a worldwide sensation of people performing in shadow casts, a cast of actors that perform the show as the movie plays behind them. This includes them copying the costumes, lip-syncing the songs and interacting with the audience. The shadow cast performances originated at the Waverly Theatre in New York in 1976 and have spread worldwide, even to downtown Kent.

Going to a shadow cast of “Rocky Horror” has always been something I’ve wanted to do. “The School of Rocky,” Kent’s “Rocky Horror” shadow cast and club, puts on the kind of “Rocky Horror Picture Show” any “Rocky virgin” anticipates.

Upon entering the theater, you’ll see “Rocky Horror” fans dressed up for the occasion and know you’re where you need to be. New fans of the show are handed a “V” sticker to put on their foreheads to represent their “virginity.” 

Freshman digital media productions major, Briley Blancato, was ecstatic to lose her “virginity.” 

“It was life-changing. I had never seen the actual movie prior to watching the show, so it was even more exciting to see,” Blancato says.

After you take a seat, the first event is the “virgin sacrifice.” This includes willing virgins going on stage and performing a fake orgasm in a comedic way. Then, every virgin stands up, places their right hand over their heart, left hand over their crotch and repeats after the actors in saying the virgin pledge. This is what initiates them into being true “Rocky Horror” fans. 

“The School of Rocky” creates a welcoming environment for newcomers. At the beginning of the show, they establish that their show is an accepting environment by letting the audience know they don’t tolerate discrimination. Looking around the theater, you’ll see people wearing drag makeup, extravagant costumes and fun hairstyles, exemplifying the uniqueness that comes with being a fan. 

Sophomore fashion merchandising major Josie Lozano attended the show and enjoyed the accepting environment.

“It’s for the weirdos. It’s for the fun people,” Lozano says.

The show allows for interactive moments between the audience and actors. This includes a bag of props that fans can throw, wave and use during certain scenes of the show. Some of the props include rice, newspapers, bells, flashlights and more. 

Another fun aspect of the show was the commentary made by longtime “Rocky Horror” fans. This includes them sitting in the audience and yelling, “Asshole,” every time the character Brad appears on screen. The script can be learned online at rockyhorror.fandom.com. 

The show also allows the audience to choose if they want to be touched by cast members. This entails the actors “falling” onto you or doing a simple handshake. If you don’t want to be touched, you can take a glowstick at the beginning of the show, letting the cast members know. 

“I really enjoyed the audience interaction. It added humor and it made me feel more connected to the show,” Blancato says. 

The actors did an excellent job bringing the movie to life for the audience. Each actor was dressed in corsets, drag makeup and fishnets, and looked almost exactly like the actors from the movie, giving the audience the full experience. 

“My favorite part was probably Frank-N-Furter’s entrance. Having that entrance with the cape and stuff is always just such a great moment. You’re like, ‘Oh my god, they’re here,’” Lozano says. 

Seeing the live version of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a unique and engaging experience for those interested in musicals, the art of self-expression and being “weird.” 

“What I would let other people know before watching the show is to definitely dress up and to be excited to have so much fun,” Blancato says.

Ava Drozd is a writer. Contact her at [email protected].