Guidelines & Expectations

The Film

Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Meatloaf
20th Century Fox Film Corp; Directed by Jim Sharman
Rated R; 100 minutes; 1975

In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a transvestite scientist. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker (Meat Loaf) and a creepy butler (Richard O’Brien). Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.”

Disclaimer

This production involves an R-rated film, theatrical lighting and sound effects, and instances of partial nudity and mature content. Viewer discretion is advised. Please be aware of the nature of the show before attending the event. Actors may come into contact/interact with willing audience members. Audience members are not permitted to touch performers under any circumstances. No one under the age of 18 will be permitted. This event is not open to the public: Carleton students, staff, and faculty only. Carleton OneCard required at the door.

Venue & License(s)

Due to the nature of this film and performance, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is not permitted in the Weitz Center of Creativity. Nourse Little Theater serves as the venue for this event and can be requested by contacting SAO@carleton.edu for assistance with the process. 

Copyright laws require Carleton to purchase the film rights when showing this film, even when the film is shown without a ticket/admission cost. Please contact SAO (SAO@) for assistance in purchasing the required licenses, along with the corresponding CSA budget code if purchasing on behalf of a CSA student organization. If a live theatrical production will accompany the film, additional theatrical rights are also needed. Please start this process at least 3 weeks prior to the anticipated showing date to allow time for shipping of the film and production scripts when applicable. 

Theater Rules

Out of respect for our custodial staff and the student managers of Nourse Little Theater, we have a few ground rules for screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation so we can continue to support this event in the future. 

  • No nudity allowed by performers or audience members
  • All audience members are provided with a “prop bag” at the door, consisting of approved items for audience participation (see “prop bag” section below). Please do not bring additional items. Any items brought to the performance will be held by event staff until after the screening has concluded.
  • No bags or purses permitted in the Theater for this performance
  • Do not throw props at the screen and/or performers
  • Costumes and audience participation, including call outs, sing-alongs, and dancing, are warmly encouraged at our screenings. For any Rocky Horror “virgins”, we will outline some of these ways of participating at the start of the film.

What to Expect

  • Seating is first-come-first-served
  • This film is screened with Open Captions
  • Audience members are provided with a “prop bag” at the door. Do not bring your own props. Certain scenes will utilize items from the bag. Look to your neighbor for help.
  • “Virgins” will be marked either on their forehead or wrist with red lipstick (optional). “Virgins” are those who have not seen the movie in a theater setting with a live audience.
  • At some performances, “virgins” may be invited to come on stage for a “virgin auction” (optional).
  • Don’t be alarmed. The pre-show is all in good fun!
  • At some showings, a costume contest will be held on stage before the film (optional).
  • Everyone is encouraged to participate. Bring your sense of humor!
  • Be prepared to use your singing and dancing skills.

Prop Bags

Do not bring your own props! Everything permissible is provided at the door, free of charge. Please throw items up into the air, not at the screen, at performers, or other audience members. 

Examples of items in kit include:

  • Newspaper
  • Sponge
  • Rubber glove
  • Party hat
  • Noisemaker
  • Glow stick or flashlight
  • Popcorn (instead of confetti)
  • Toilet paper
  • Bell
  • Playing cards
  • Balloon
  • Janet/Brad signs

Prop Guide: How & When to Use Props

Whether it’s your first time at The Rocky Horror Picture Show or a long-time fan that needs a refresher, below is a detailed list of when and how to use each of the props in your kit. 

Newspaper

When Brad and Janet get caught in the storm, Janet uses a newspaper to cover her head –  you should do the same (don’t worry it won’t rain indoors!)

Rubber Glove

Frank gives a speech at the tank where he puts on, stretches and snaps his rubber gloves three times – put your gloves on with him and snap them in sync.

Party Hat

At dinner, Frank puts on his party hat – put yours on as well.

Noisemaker

In the “Lab” scene when the Transylvanian guests use their noisemakers – you should shake yours!

Glow Stick or Flashlight (or your phone)

In the song, Over at the Frankenstein Place there is a verse that says, “There’s a light” – you should light up the theater when they say that.

Playing Cards

After the floor show, when Frank is doing his solo number and sits down and sings the line “cards for sorrow, cards for pain”, throw your cards into the air. 

Please do not bring or throw toast, rice, hot dogs, prunes, or other food/beverages in the Theater!