What is Rocky Horror?

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (RHPS) was a movie written by Richard O’Brian, and filmed in 1975. Since its release, it has been dubbed a “Cult Classic” and has built quite the fan following. That very same following began acting out the movies in front of projector screens to "shadow" the movie and thus the wonderful tradition of shadowcasting was born. Want to know what to expect at a shadowcast? Read more below.

Above photo by: Charleston City Paper and Ashley Stanol

A cast member is sitting on the ground with a shocked look on their face while wearing a blue robe with a tan tank top and a sticker that says "MALE NIPPLE" on it.

Actors

While the movie is playing in the background, there is costumed performers acting out the movie in front of the screen. Traditionally it is done in a movie theater, however can be, and has been done anywhere the movie can be played.

If you listen closely sometimes you can even here the actors singing or saying the lines under their breath.

Prop Bags

The performance is very much an audience participation event! Most shadowcasts, including ours, have prop bags you can purchase to participate during the show! It varies greatly between casts and venues, but what we offer in our bags are:

Newspapers, Glowsticks, Gloves, Bells, Cards, and Toast.

Rocky Horror Picture Show Survival Kit Instructions Newspaper When Brad and Janet are caug

Call outs

A personal favorite of ours, are the call outs done during the movie. Have you ever watched a horror movie, and wanted to scream at them for doing something dumb…… like walking towards the killer instead of running away?

Well now’s your chance! Yell out at the movie! Any time you see Janet yell “slut”, you see Brad? Call him an “asshole”. There are so many fun call outs you can do.

Not sure what to say or do? Follow our lead or you can find many resources online!

Themed Shows

Once in a while (Also the name of Barry Bostwicks solo song that was cut from the movie!) casts put on the performance with a theme or twist. We do a Pride theme every June, and a horror theme every October!

A picture from a Muppets-themed Rocky Horror Shadow Cast in Charleston, SC, from January 2024. One actor dressed as a hybrid Columbia-Beaker sits on a chair in front of a projection screen while wearing a gold sequin bolero, a silver sequin corset, and rainbow sequined shorts with a construction paper Beaker mask, kneeling in front of her is another actor dressed as a hybrid Magenta-Animal in a maid uniform. Behind them stand two actors in front of a coffin with a skeleton inside of it.

A Great Time

What’s the best part of RHPS Shadow Casts? The amazing time you will have with all of your friends. We strive to be a safe space for all, everyone is welcome. Come out and have the time of you lives!