Audience FAQs

What is the Rocky Horror Picture Show?

While we can’t tell you (and ruin the fun), we can show you a small teaser trailer below!

What Should I Expect?

There is truly nothing like seeing a show with the Michigan Rocky Horror Preservation Society. It’s not just a movie and it’s not just a stage performance. You’ll get to see the cult classic movie in all its glory, with a live cast of talented actors simultaneously acting out and lip synching all the parts on stage in front of the screen while the audience yells call backs and throws props (UP and BACK – don’t throw towards the screens or the actors).

If you were hoping to simply watch a movie in a dark quiet theater then this is NOT the show for you. The theater WILL be loud, the language WILL be vulgar, the show WILL be interactive, and you WILL see people in their underwear! But fear not, we’ll help you navigate and immerse yourself in all the fun and frivolity that has made Rocky Horror late night shows revered and relevant for over 40 years!

It is an R rated film, so age limits are those set by the MPAA.  Under 17 requires a parent or guardian.  No nudity other than what Nell provides onscreen. Mature audiences recommended.

What is a “Virgin”?

Have you seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show in a theater with a cast and audience before? If not, you are a virgin! What do we do with virgins? Pop their cherries, of course! Don’t be scared, we’ll warm you up and make the experience fun at least, which is more than we can say for your old prom date!

Your first time at our show only happens once so make the best of it or you’ll regret it later. When you enter the theater and someone asks if you are a “virgin,” be honest and play along. We might simply have you stand at your seat and sing/chant in unison with the audience for your deflowering or you might get lucky and be selected as one of the few virgin sacrifices who come up on stage and play silly games for a prize. Either way, you are the foreplay for our show and it won’t last long, so make the most of your
first time and have fun!

NOTE: If you are under the age of 18, please be honest and inform the individual asking.

Can I Really Throw Things in the Theater?

Yes! You are a part of the show! So when it’s raining on screen, we need you to pull out your squirt gun and bring the storm to life! Part of the Rocky Horror late night tradition is being able to cut loose and go a little wild! If you remember fondly going to see the movie years ago when you could throw cards and toast and squirt water around, our show is like what you remember – and more! Where else do you get to toss rolls of toilet paper around and not have it lead to a littering ticket?

Due to recent renovations, outside props are NOT allowed, but you can purchase prop bags at our show containing everything you need to have a great time for only $4.00 each. Not sure how it works or when to throw things? Just follow along with our gal Trixie on stage, she will hold up cue cards for when you should be using/throwing what and will help keep you on track. Just remember that we always throw props UP and BACK in the theater and NEVER at our actors for safety reasons.

How Should I Dress?

As Frank says “don’t dream it, be it!” At our shows, you can let your freak flag fly (within legal reason). We encourage our audience to dress up (or dress down), let loose, and have tons of fun with us crazy folk. Many people come dressed in character or dressed in their best lingerie! You should dress in whatever makes YOU feel comfortable, but also does not violate any local standards – so nudity is prohibited (by law).

Should I buy my tickets online or get them at the counter?

We encourage everyone to buy their tickets online as often as possible. Due to recent renovations, we do have slightly less seats in the audience and the possibility of selling out before the show is very high. Peak times (such as October), it may happen weeks before. So make sure you buy them early!

I went to the show and I took some pictures, what do I do with them?

First of all, THANK YOU. Our actors are much like Tinkerbell – we love attention and photos! You can post them on the community tab on our Facebook page, tag us in a post on Facebook, tag us on Instagram, or tag us on Twitter (you can also use the hashtags “#mirhps” or “#michiganrhps” on Twitter)!

Can the audience interact with the cast at all?

Yes and no.

To the no – during the duration of the movie, callbacks are the biggest audience participation. However, when the cast runs through the audience, please do not touch the actors. There are certain seats where an actor may pull you on stage, but they are clearly marked.

Now onto the ‘yes’! After our show, the cast will linger around in the lobby. We love getting cast photos with everyone! We talk, chat, and whatnot while the audience leaves. You can’t miss us! If you want individual pictures with certain cast members, go up and ask them! If you want a cast photo, well, we’re always ready for those! If you would like to join, we also have individuals you can speak with in the lobby after the show!