October 23, 2024
For this edition of Backstage at the Egyptian, Marketing Intern Tori Smith chatted with Josh Chesser, cast member of Irrational Masters, to talk all things Rocky Horror Picture Show. As the Egyptian Theatre gears up for another lively shadowcast performance, Josh gives us a glimpse into what new audience members can expect, the themes that keep Rocky Horror relevant today, and the traditions that make this cult classic a fan favorite year after year. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a “Rocky virgin,” this interview offers insights into the immersive, interactive experience that awaits!
TORI: The Rocky Horror Picture Show is known for its interactive performances. What should new viewers anticipate, and how do you encourage audience participation?
JOSH: New viewers should antici…pate a very loud audience shouting “call backs” throughout the movie, from inappropriate jokes to niche product references and everything in-between, nothing is off the table when it comes to audience participation. We encourage audience participation by doing a pre-show where we warm the audience up to some of the jokes they’ll be hearing, call audience members up on stage to play games, and just establish a general mood for the night. Throughout the performance characters will be using the aisles so you never know when an actor will be right behind you, this helps reinforce the setting that YOU are a part of the performance.
JOSH: New viewers should antici…pate a very loud audience shouting “call backs” throughout the movie, from inappropriate jokes to niche product references and everything in-between, nothing is off the table when it comes to audience participation. We encourage audience participation by doing a pre-show where we warm the audience up to some of the jokes they’ll be hearing, call audience members up on stage to play games, and just establish a general mood for the night. Throughout the performance characters will be using the aisles so you never know when an actor will be right behind you, this helps reinforce the setting that YOU are a part of the performance.
T: What are some of the central themes of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and how do they resonate with today’s audience?
J: The largest central themes of Rocky Horror are the love for old Horror movies, learning to embrace yourself, welcoming everyone and having fun. Some of the less popular horror movie references (1930-50’s B-movie/drive-in stuff) go over the heads of newer audience members, but the bulk of the Horror movie homage is still well received. Themes of encouraging sexual freedom are very powerful today, perhaps more than ever. Throughout the 49 years this movie has existed the LGBTQ+ community has endured and thrived. We, the Irrational Masters, and our audience are reminded of the struggle our community has faced over five decades and what we’re still fighting today. The heart of Shadowcasting has always been welcoming the audience to be a part of our show and having fun while doing it, that theme is strong and ever growing.
J: The largest central themes of Rocky Horror are the love for old Horror movies, learning to embrace yourself, welcoming everyone and having fun. Some of the less popular horror movie references (1930-50’s B-movie/drive-in stuff) go over the heads of newer audience members, but the bulk of the Horror movie homage is still well received. Themes of encouraging sexual freedom are very powerful today, perhaps more than ever. Throughout the 49 years this movie has existed the LGBTQ+ community has endured and thrived. We, the Irrational Masters, and our audience are reminded of the struggle our community has faced over five decades and what we’re still fighting today. The heart of Shadowcasting has always been welcoming the audience to be a part of our show and having fun while doing it, that theme is strong and ever growing.
T: Are there any sources of inspiration that influenced this year’s staging of The Rocky Horror Picture Show?
J: We perform at the Egyptian Theatre four times per year with some shows occurring during DeKalb’s Corn Fest and surrounding DeKalb’s Pride Fest, for this performance we went back to basics. We have a very traditional show planned for Rocky Horror’s target spooky season, all the staples of a true Rocky Horror Experience with limited artistic liberty on costumes.
J: We perform at the Egyptian Theatre four times per year with some shows occurring during DeKalb’s Corn Fest and surrounding DeKalb’s Pride Fest, for this performance we went back to basics. We have a very traditional show planned for Rocky Horror’s target spooky season, all the staples of a true Rocky Horror Experience with limited artistic liberty on costumes.
T: What advice would you give aspiring performers who want to participate in theatre or musicals?
J: “Don’t dream it, be it.” Aspiring performers should remember that what they’re looking for can always be found within them, any internal mental blocks are only on the inside, and that a good encouraging community is out there waiting for them.
J: “Don’t dream it, be it.” Aspiring performers should remember that what they’re looking for can always be found within them, any internal mental blocks are only on the inside, and that a good encouraging community is out there waiting for them.
T: What reaction did your previous performances at the Egyptian Theatre receive from the audience? Do you anticipate any differences in reactions this time?
J: We always receive an enthusiastic crowd at the Egyptian Theatre, we’ve established a very supportive fanbase here in DeKalb who we are immensely grateful for and enjoy meeting in the lobby after the show. We predict a very energetic audience this time around with plenty of new faces. October is definitely a large turnout for audiences wanting to see Rocky Horror, senior fans and virgins alike.
J: We always receive an enthusiastic crowd at the Egyptian Theatre, we’ve established a very supportive fanbase here in DeKalb who we are immensely grateful for and enjoy meeting in the lobby after the show. We predict a very energetic audience this time around with plenty of new faces. October is definitely a large turnout for audiences wanting to see Rocky Horror, senior fans and virgins alike.
To everyone coming out for the first time: Have fun, watch and learn, and don’t be afraid to join the shouting or simply sing-a-long.
To veteran Rocky Horror fans: Get wild, get creative, get up for the Time Warp, and help our newbies feel at home.
