The Rocky Horror Picture Show has been a cult classic since it's release in 1975. With a star-studded cast including Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, and the amazing Tim Curry as Frank N. Furter himself. It was recently brought back to the screen when FOX decided to introduce the weird world of Transylvania to a new generation. Rocky Horror is the perfect movie to get you into the Halloween spirit, especially here at UNCW.
As a tradition, the Association of Campus Entertainment (ACE) does a showing of Rocky with a shadow cast every year . Whether you're a virgin to Rocky or a Veteran Transylvanian, here's a few things that cross your mind before the big night.
1. How big is this going to be?
To be honest, it doesn't seem like something that would be popular on campus. It's from 12am until 2am and that seems like a ridiculous time to drag yourself out of bed in full Transylvanian attire, but the show has a huge turnout! People come to sit in line as early as 6-7 the night before and often hang around for hours before hand. Every year Lumina reaches it's maximum capacity for the show.
2. Should I dress up?
In one word: Absolutely! You get a lot of credit for being out there in full costume and it's super fun! You might even have a chance at winning the costume contest! A lot of people get dressed up for it, whether they're a virgin or a vet, anyone can dress up!
3. Is this going to be a real Rocky show?
If you know Rocky, you know that the shows are ridiculous! They're full of callouts, props, and fun all around, but we're still on the UNCW campus so there are certain boundaries. Props will be provided in order to keep the mess to a minimum and all basic Lumina rules apply, but callouts and audience participation are highly recommended!
4. What time should I be there?
As I said earlier, people get in line ridiculously early. The first 150 people get prop bags, but if you get there too late, you may not get a seat at all. The line goes from Starbucks, around the back hallway of Fisher, past Sharky's, and back around to the front of Lumina. My recommendation would be to go between 10 and 10:30. It's a safe time to guarantee not being there all night, but not being too late and not get in.
5. What happens to the "virgins"?
We lovingly refer to people who have never seen Rocky Horror in theaters with a live audience and cast as a "virgin". Before the show, their foreheads are stamped with a bright red "V" in bright red lipstick. I won't spoil what exactly happens, but there's no reason to stress over it. It's a little embarrassing, but it's done in all good fun. Don't fret! You won't be alone, most of the audience tends to be virgins.
6. How will I know what to do?
The show can come off rather daunting to start off with. Your first time, you never know what to do. What do I say? What do I do? Don't be too worried about that. The ACE members are amazing and are constantly guiding the callouts and the prop usage. You'll be a rocky pro soon enough! If not, you'll have plenty of help!
7. Is there an underwear run?
The underwear run is yet another tradition to Rocky Horror. All showings have them and the UNCW show is no different. There is an underwear run, but it is completely optional. There are also rules to abide by that are given to the participants when they first enter the back of Lumina. You run around the room twice, no big deal!
8. Is it worth going?
In the words of dear Frank, "It's not easy having a good time! " Though, this showing is 100% worth the late night and the stress about what to wear. The ACE cast is wonderful and manages to get everyone having a good time. It's something I would recommend every student attend at least once while they are at UNCW. I know I will be there every year and I hope you are too. It's so much fun and it's such an amazing crowd. You can't not feel like an honorary Transylvanian!
