How to Join a Rocky Horror Picture Show Performance

Since its inception in 1973, the Rocky Horror Picture Show has achieved cult status around the world. Die-hard fans live for the "audience participation" performances. If you've thought about going to one yourself, it is best to be well prepared, lest you be branded a "virgin" and thus initiated by the seasoned pros. Here's how to prepare to join a Rocky Horror Picture Show performance.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Rice for throwing during the opening wedding scene
• Newspaper to hold over your head during the rain storm
• Flashlight to hold up for "Over at the Frankenstein Place"
• Rubber gloves to snap after the creation speech
• Noisemakers for the end of the creation speech
• Confetti for the end of the "Charles Atlas Song"
• Toilet paper to throw when Brad yells "Great Scott!"
• Toast to throw in the air when Frank proposes a toast
• Party hat to put on at the dinner table scene
• A bell for the song "Planet Schmanet Janet"
• Playing cards to throw when Frank sings "Cards for sorrow, cards for pain"
• A fantastically sexy, Transylvania-style costume

1. Locate the closest theater that offers AP (audience participation) RHPS performances.
2. Contact the theater before attending the performance. Different theaters vary on rules and regulations; so find out what props are allowed and what props are banned before showing up.
3. Watch the movie before going to the show to get a general idea of when the various props will come into play. The more you appear to know, the less likely you are to be "found out" as a first-timer.
4. Learn the steps to the Time Warp so you'll be able to dance along with the rest of the crowd during this famous scene.
5. Just watch the crowd for cues as to what to shout at the screen during different scenes. Different theater groups may have different lines; so you probably won't be expected to know everything anyway.

Tips & Warnings

• Here's a universal freebie: Whenever you hear the name "Brad Majors" spoken in the film, you should yell out "A
• HOLE!!" each time.
• If you have friends that have gone to an AP performance, get them to come along with you to show you the ropes.
• Respect the rules and regulations of the theater to ensure that future RHPS performances can occur.