Goucher’s annual production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do while waiting for next year’s show. For the uninitiated, Goucher’s version has a few expectations, surprises, and aspects of the show’s culture that may not be obvious. As somebody who has been on all sides of the show—a cast member, a director, and an audience member—here are some things to consider before you show up next Hallow’s Eve.
- Learn Your Lines
One of the biggest things that makes Rocky Rocky is audience participation. The easiest ones are following a character’s name, for example, when “Brad Majors” is said, the audience yells “asshole!” Likewise, when “Janet Weiss” is said, the audience yells “slut!” and for Dr. Scott, the response is “suck a cock!”
Not all of them can be found online or at an outside production, though. Some are exclusive to the great institution of Goucher College. During the number “There’s a Light (Over at the Frankenstein Place)” when the titular chorus is sung, the audience sings “over at the Towson Town Center,” drowning out the original lyrics.
Similarly, Brad’s line of “it’s probably some kind of hunting lodge for rich weirdos” gets a response of “Goucher College?” As the audience members appear in Frank’s final number (“I’m Going Home”) some viewers might shout “Edenwald?” Goucher students, creative as they are, might continue inventing new ones specific to this school, but these are the ones I’ve consistently heard each year.
However, as funny as you think your callout might be, if you’re the only one shouting it, make sure it’s loud and clear–otherwise you’re both embarrassing yourself and confusing the cast members. Rocky Horror is undoubtedly a funny show, but a viewer who thinks they’re funnier than everyone else can spoil an otherwise seamless showing.
Here is a link to the full script containing all of the callouts past directors have compiled. Not everyone knows all of these, or expects you to hit every one. As a rule of thumb, pick the ones you think read the best and make you laugh. If you want to be really on top of things, watch the movie with friends and practice your callouts together before you show up in person.
- Ready Your Wardrobe
The beautiful thing about this tradition is that everyone has their own interpretation of what constitutes a costume. Some might describe Rocky as a burlesque show, some might say it’s one big Halloween party, and others might just enjoy it as an excuse to turn loose and dress however they please.
Regardless, the best thing you can do is make an effort. Make sure whatever costume you wear won’t hinder your own enjoyment, or other’s enjoyment of the show. That means making sure you won’t get cold butt cheeks sitting in Merrick in a thong, and also that you should aim for the back row if you come in your favorite wizard outfit.
I’ve heard it expressed that people are afraid of going to Rocky because they don’t know how to dress, or they don’t want to look stupid. I’ll tell you that the only way you can look stupid at Rocky is by looking normal. It’s the one night at Goucher where you can truly dress however you want, so however that looks for you, take advantage of that. Dress up as one of the characters, dress up in fishnets, hell, dress up as a medieval monk, just don’t come trying to be cool.
Most importantly, don’t be an “asshole” about “sluts.” If I want to show up to Rocky Horror in nipple pasties and latex, that’s my business. Costumes do not equal consent, and as you should know, taking photos, harassing cast members, or generally being creepy or judgemental can get you kicked out or even banned from all showings.
3. Respect The Space
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Rocky Horror can get a little bit rowdy. Speaking from experience, the show gets a bit of a bad rap among Goucher faculty and staff for a reason. This is for a few reasons, namely being the way the performance spaces are left following a production, as well as the drinking culture that has emerged from the tradition.
Keeping Dunnock or Merrick clean is fairly easy, no matter if you are an audience member, tech, cast, or something else. Clean up all your trash, don’t mess with anything backstage that isn’t explicitly used in Rocky Horror (ex: any musical instruments that might be around) and be polite to your peers when finding a seat. Some Rocky veterans might be familiar with prop-based audience participation, such as throwing rice during the wedding scene, tossing literal toast into the air during “a toast,” or firing water pistols during the scenes with rain. As fun as these may be, these are generally discouraged at Goucher. Not only will it cause a mess, you’ll probably be the only person throwing bread, and once again, it’s everyone’s job to keep the stage tidy.
As for alcohol, the truth is that nobody can stop audience members from getting intoxicated, and because Rocky is a notably hands-off show in terms of faculty intervention, I don’t foresee that changing anytime soon. It’s true that students are allowed, if they are of age, to drink inside their dorms with other students above or at 21. For any administrators reading, my official advice is that Rocky should be a straight-edge event. Now that it’s just students reading, the only advice I can dispense is that audience members should not be so intoxicated that they become a danger to themselves, performers, or the people around them. Nobody wants to be sitting next to someone sloppily drunk for their first time at Rocky. I recommend experiencing Rocky sober, at least when popping your Rocky Horror cherry, and that goes extra for anyone who might be considering performing in the future.
4. Miscellaneous Tips
-If you’re in the main cast or ensemble, take your pictures before the show starts. Otherwise, you’ll end up a disheveled mess by the end of it, trying to take photos in a space where people are packed shoulder-to-shoulder.
-Use the bathroom or grab a water bottle before the show starts. Nothing breaks immersion like somebody flooding the auditorium with light, and getting through a narrow aisle in high heels is not anybody’s idea of fun.
Finally, let’s not forget the work that goes into keeping the show alive. There’s a reason that the auditoriums fill up year after year, and it’s because of the students who dedicate their free time to creating something truly great for this school. If we want Rocky to continue to thrive, we need to respect all the resources that get put into it. That means showing our appreciation by attending, cheering on, and participating in a ritual that makes Goucher what it is.
By Sam Rose ‘26
Featured Image Source: The Vintage Poster
