Goucher’s “Rocky Horror” Tradition: What to Expect

by
(Image Source: Yvonne Nguyen ’27)

Imagine a night where costumes are as wild as the energy in the room, where audiences shout, laugh, and sing along. Each Halloween, The Rocky Horror Picture Show comes alive on campus, inviting students into a world of comedy, horror, and unrestrained fun. Whether you’re a first-timer or a die-hard fan, Goucher’s rendition of Rocky offers a unique twist that keeps the spirit of this cult classic fresh and thrilling.

The cult classic movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a musical comedy horror film that parodies Frankenstein’s monster story directed by Jim Sharman in 1975. Goucher students present shadow-cast performances of the movie during the Halloween season. The movie focuses on a young, newly engaged couple Brad and Janet. They’re caught in the rain with a broken-down car near a castle, where they search for help. They soon find themselves at a strange, elaborate party where boundaries are blurred, strangers are wearing sensual outfits, and are hosted by none other than Dr. Frank N. Furter. The movie takes us through the unhinged mansion and laboratory where Frank N. Furter gives the spark of life to his creation Rocky Horror.

Now that you have the gist of the plot, you might be wondering: Why is Rocky a cult classic, and what makes Goucher’s performance of it special?

When the movie was first released, it received negative judgment, and criticism. Because of this, the movie transitioned into a “midnight movie” which is when a low-budget movie is filmed as a late-night program in theaters. These non-mainstream or indie films would garner a cult audience, who would repeatedly return to watch the same movie again and again. Thus creating a community and developing social interactions that revolve around the movie. Over time, fans would return to the theaters in costumes, and props, and would also talk back to the screen to make one another laugh. Simultaneously, the fans in costumes would also begin performing in company with the movie which originated the blend of showing the film along with shadow-casting. Goucher College’s interpretation of this began in the 1980s, and has been a beloved tradition ever since, drawing glamorous and enthusiastic crowds and fostering a lively community of performers and fans year after year.

Even though Rocky may seem like a goofy and quirky movie, the deeper meaning of Rocky Horror is associated with the beliefs of Goucher’s community. Rocky teaches the meaning of openness, sexual liberation, and the sanctuary of self-expression. Goucher’s shadow-casting rendition of Rocky Horror accomplishes that, creating a space that’s safe, vibrant, and filled with joy.

One of the cast, Sam Koseff ‘24, is in his fourth and final year of taking part in Rocky. “Rocky is one of the safe spaces to be gay, much like Goucher, and having it every year reassures me there’s a place where I can truly live in that,” says Sam. “When you are in a shared experience, it makes it more wonderful,” says Celeste Bawara director of Rocky.

The cherished bond between Goucher College and Rocky Horror is beautifully showcased each year as the title of director is passed down, highlighting the tradition and passion that define this remarkable event. Celeste Bawara ‘26 and Samuel Rose ’26 will be directing this year’s performance. “Everyone should expect something fun, whimsical, and wonderful,” says Celeste, “It’s been a lot of fun with the cast and choreographers for my directorial debut.” They are accompanied by choreographers Nalani Brown ‘26 and Jocelyn Odom ‘27.

“Being in Goucher Dance and Rocky has become a really fun place to be queer and to express your queerness through your art and love of dance. That’s part of the reason why Goucher Dance is so involved in Rocky Horror Picture Show because it is that much more of a safe place to be as weird, as strange, as queer as possible in a performance space. After all, not everything can be put on a space like Kraushaar, but we get to put something that we think is really cool and interesting on a stage in front of a bunch of people,” says Nalani.

Ultimately, Rocky Horror at Goucher is far more than a performance, it’s an unapologetic celebration of queerness, sexual freedom, and carefree fun, creating a space where students can celebrate self-expression. For those who’ve yet to experience Goucher’s rendition, bring an open mind, embrace the thrill, and let the energy sweep you up. Join us for The Rocky Horror Picture Show on October 31, November 1, and November 2 at 10 pm! Get ready to sing, shout, and laugh along. Let go of your worries, dive into the spectacle, and, above all, enjoy the show!

By Joshua Haynes, ’27

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

*